The CHIEF March 2019

Interviewing the Cafeteria Staff

BY CARSON GREGORY

I recently had the opportunity to meet with the lunch lady staff of PTHS in order to ask them a few questions about themselves. The two questions were, “What are some things you’d like the students here to know about you?” and “What’s your favourite part about working at PTHS?” As I conducted this interview you will see how they answered one question with no need to answer the second. My first thoughts when walking into the kitchen were instantly focused on their smiles. They are all very welcoming and I could not stop myself from smiling. We had some laughs and giggles, but as this continued I came to find out that Diana is actually a jokester! I cannot express enough how getting to talk to these lovely ladies was well worth my time. I strongly advise the students to get to know them. Here is how they responded to the first question, Hellen Grove: “I love the students.” Laura Bell: “We love to have fun here!” Judy Baxter: “I enjoy when you (the students) interact with us.” Chris Campbell: “Let the students know we work very hard. We make sure everything is weighed, measured, and counted. It’s hard work.” Diana Dennis: “I’ve been here forever (she’s not lying...ask her about it!) The work is hard, but worth it.” Diane Lee: “I’m the head cook, I love the kids and I love when they compliment on our food.” Annie Mund: “I’ve been here forever as well. I do love the kids! But because I’ve been here so long.. I’m retiring this year. I’m going to miss the students.” After talking through the first question I realized there was no need to continue to the next. They all explained, “It is very hard work. The paperwork, licenses, extra hours, weighing, measuring, and counting, but we enjoy it because of the student body.” If you have the chance, take some time out of your day to have a conversation with these ladies! They are fun-spirited and certainly know how to keep a smile on your face. You will not regret it.