Our very own Mission Viejo High School is finally opening up an indoor cafeteria! And, even better, the cafeteria will be sponsored by Starbucks.
The administrative board noticed that students were sitting on grass and concrete, and found that “very unsanitary and inconvenient for all of you.” Therefore it was only obvious to create this place to sit off the ground, out of the heat and rain. We have the MPR for rainy days, but it fills up quickly and usually you are only able to sit on the carpet.
After much negotiation with Starbucks, the board and the coffee mega-conglomerate came to an agreement: they would happily provide the funds to construct a new cafeteria as long as the only food sold there was Starbucks. We happily took this offer, but to the dismay of the many students who depend on free lunch, our collaboration with Starbucks will no longer be eligible for the free lunch program. Instead students will have to pay the normal price of the food offered at the cafeteria. However, Starbucks has graciously given the students of Mission Viejo High School a rewards card, where you get a free drink after 10 purchases at the Starbucks Cafeteria.
Starbucks district manager of Orange County, Stella Buks, expressed her excitement about this project, “we hope this can not only be a cafeteria, but a place for students to thrive, study, and, overall, create a healthy learning environment. We are extremely excited to see the positive impact this can have on the students.”
Some parents have expressed concern about the potential conflicts of interest that may arise with this, prioritizing the interest of Starbucks over the necessities of the students, but despite this criticism both Starbucks and the District are committed to bringing this project to fruition. “We think of this as more of a philanthropic venture, if we sell a few coffees and sandwiches that’s great, but it’s more about creating that healthy learning environment and nourishing the youth with our healthy and nutritious food.”
Construction will begin during spring break and hopes to be finished when the new school year kicks off.
No more sitting on the wet grass and in the heat! In addition to this renovation, here are a few things you can look forward to: A drive through for all of our driving students, statues inside the cafeteria to appreciate all of our staff, and Starbucks merchandise. We hope you all enjoy this new cafeteria and treat it with respect. Let’s keep it clean and make sure we take care of this wonderful opportunity!
