Every school year, the senior class goes on an awesome adventure called the senior picnic that brings them closer together. Students are given free time away from the classroom and eat yummy foods like cake, steaks, and pasta. This is the greatest feast a student will have in their whole high school career.
A recent upgrade in the menu is a student’s dream come true. From Uncrustables to orange chicken is one of the best improvements we could have asked for, and we thank our kitchen staff for putting in the time to upgrade once in a while.
The school announced a new sponsorship from Smuckers, plastering logos across banners and cafeteria trays. Seniors were enraged about what felt like a sellout, which turned their final picnic into a branded promo. Instead of steaks and pasta, platters of Uncrustables and fruit cups arrived under corporate signage, and many students sobbed as they unwrapped the limp, soggy, half-frozen sandwiches.
Students argued this was not the celebration they had earned. Some seniors accused Smuckers of strong-arming the district with sweet incentives, while others mentioned rumors of corporate corruption—secret deals, shady contracts, and cutting corners to save money.
Teachers warned and noted that such claims were unproven.
Group chats filled with plans to protest, a peaceful picnic sit-out at the plaza, and a plea to the school board for transparency. Even in disappointment, seniors found solidarity, determined to make their last day memorable on their own terms and reclaim their celebration.
Have we waited for this day to just have the same lunch we have been getting for 4 years? NO!
