Food & Spirits Magazine #15 | Page 18

notes from the lunchroom Publisher’s Note: This section is part of an ongoing project with the journalism students at Benson High School. The articles, photos and initial layout were all produced by the students. More Than Food by Christopher Johannes A s a freshman at Benson High School, Dietrich Cordes was not worried about going to college. He was not worried about his grades. He did not put a lot of effort into much and he was always getting kicked out of class. He never ever thought about his future. All he knew was that he did not want to be what everyone expected Dietrich Cordes him to be. When he entered into his sophomore year, he thought it was just going to be another year of school. Little did he know that one class he signed up for would change his life – Culinary. At first he did not think much about it. It was just another class. However, Mrs. Ronda Bruggeman, the teacher, had other plans. “He went from an ornery lazy freshman to a self-sufficient senior,” said Bruggeman. “Culinary is a fun class. When I was angry or upset, culinary would give me time to think and calm down.” Lunch at Benson ? High School story by Suyapa Tobias, photos by Tre’Vian Johnson P icking a place to eat is always a hard decision, and lunch at Benson High School is no exception. Benson food connoisseurs have the choice between dining in the commons or eating in the cafeteria. Most of the students at BHS say the cafeteria serves better food than the commons because there are more choices. “The cafeteria is relaxing and the commons is busy and crowded,” said senior Tranaey Harris. During lunch, the cafeteria is filled with laughter and strong aromas. The sounds and smells drift down the hallway. Besides eating lunch, it is a time for friends to gather and forget about classes. “I like to sit with my friends so we can talk about what they did over the week or what movies they went to see,” said sophomore Camille Mallory. Upon entering the cafeteria, students join one of the three lines. When it is their turn, they have three choices of food. For instance, they can choose from pizza, tacos and chicken nuggets. They also have two options of vegetables, including a salad She was not ready to give up on Cordes and she would not let him give up on himself. By the end of the year, he was 100% in love with culinary and he and Mrs. Bruggeman had become good friends. “Culinary is a fun class. When I was angry or upset, culinary would give me time to think and calm down,” said Cordes. Now in his senior year, Cordes has transformed from his former self. He is now trying his best in everything he does and is no longer kicked out of classes. The future? It seems pretty bright for him now. Cordes plans on taking culinary art classes at Metro Community College. Eventually, he would like to become a small business owner by opening his own restaurant or bakery. PREMIUM HOMEMADE ICE CREAM ing Now Be In ed Serv At Benson Tropical tastes from a food truck! Look F or Food Tr These At 6 ucks 0th A & Maple ve Most Fridays 5pm-10pm And Saturdays 5pm-2:30am Check Out Benson’s First Friday On The First Friday Of Each Month 18 PREMIUM HOMEMADE ICE CREAM