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On Nov. 9th, teachers celebrated their students by holding Spirit Lunch, an event in which select students are invited to have lunch with their teachers. This event provides an opportunity for teachers to show their appreciation toward their students and spend time with them outside of the classroom. 

Additionally, these Spirit Lunches not only recognize the hard work of the students in our school but also honor former Assistant Principal, Chuck Keith, the creator of this event. In the late 1990s, Keith created the idea of a Spirit Breakfast, which was first held at 6:30 a.m. before school. It wasn’t until about 10 years ago that the Spirit Breakfast was altered to become the Spirit Lunch we have today. Keith strived to make every kid feel like they belonged, and he was known for the way he helped the students at UHS. 

“He was an assistant principal, for whom kids’ wellbeing and kids’ mental health was put first,” Mrs. Christine King said. “He was a pioneer. He was all about kids feeling like they were part of UHS, feeling like they belonged and that they were comfortable here and that they were proud to be University Trojans.” 

To honor his life after his unfortunate passing in 2007, UHS renamed their street sign Chuck Keith Way and created a plaque in front of the office. However, the continuation of the Spirit Lunch also plays a major role in honoring his legacy.

Two weeks before the event, teachers are asked to nominate one or two students who they believe should attend the Spirit Lunch. The factors that determine who they nominate differ depending on the teacher, but the common factor is the energy they bring to the classroom. 

“The kid has to radiate positivity . . . help the other students and have that can-do attitude, that smile on their face,” King said.

Ms. Marissa Kaak adds that she chooses who she wants to nominate based on their contributions to the class.

“I usually choose students who are engaged, like participating, who are asking questions and who are just generally kind to the people around them,” Ms. Kaak said. 

Students who are chosen for the Spirit Lunch are sent a letter beforehand and are given a certificate of gratitude for their contributions to the school. Spirit Lunch allows teachers to acknowledge the students in their class that go above and beyond to create a thriving learning environment and for many of the students chosen, this acknowledgment means a lot.

“I enjoy eating the food and talking to the teachers,” sophomore Rhett Haren said. “This is a privilege and not everyone gets to do it, so I really appreciate being here.”

Many students selected were highly grateful for the opportunity to attend this event and acknowledged their teachers who made it possible. 

“I was actually really glad and surprised,” junior Margeaux Corrigan said. “I did not know that the teacher thought so highly of me.” 

Logistically, planning and hosting these events takes a lot of time and work. The people who organize Spirit Lunch are tasked with sending the emails to the students, creating the certificates, setting up the MPR and purchasing and making the food for everyone to enjoy. 

“This is truly a team effort with administrative, office staff and PTSA support,” Mr. Matthew Pate said.  “It could not happen without everyone’s participation. And it is worth it!”