by Maria Ashe

Whether it’s breakfast or lunch, for a large majority of students here at Hamden High, the work of the Whitsons lunch staff is absolutely essential. With some starting as early as 6 am, the staff work diligently all day, preparing hundreds of meals each day for hungry students. While it’s easy to take these things for granted, it’s clear to me how important it is that the effort of our lunch staff does not go unnoticed. I wondered to myself, “What’s it like providing such an essential service?” I’ve recently sat down with a few of these important workers to get some answers. 

Gilberto Drohin, Chef Manager for the Hamden School District, made it clear to me the extent of effort and coordination that it takes to provide food services each day. He got into the industry right after graduating high school, after reaching out to a district manager and expressing an interest in becoming involved with food service. Before working for Whitsons, Drohin had only been employed at McDonalds, but he felt empowered to follow his passion and through years of dedicated work. Through  keen observation and numerous promotions , he landed in the position he is in today. Drohin was kind enough to give me a tour of the  kitchen, where I saw several staff members working attentively, washing trays, preparing food, and keeping the kitchen harmonious. Here, Drohin walked me through a typical day in his life. Prep begins at 6 am and work is non-stop until 1. It’s not just food; staff need to be properly informed about sanitation, cleaning, temperature and more. Quite a bit goes into keeping food fresh, hot, and appealing, and food must be kept warm every lunch wave. Outside of Hamden High, he is also involved in catering for administrative lunches, graduations, school events, and Chalkfest. Every year he also does a 9/11 rememberance breakfast for Hamden firefighters. It’s not an easy job by any means; however if there’s one thing that Drohin wants students to take away, he would love for students to “be open minded to new concepts.” While working to improve the food services offered here at Hamden High, Drohin always keeps this mantra in mind. Earlier this year, he organized a “sample sushi bar” in hopes that it would encourage students to broaden their perspectives and try new foods.

Of course, Drohin is not the only one running the show. Alongside him is lead supervisor and mother to five, Jessica Cameron. She also starts her work day alongside Cynthia Boll, another staff member, at 6 am. The two dedicate their time to providing breakfast for students through the two breakfast kiosks found during morning arrival. They are also responsible for handling lunch services for the pre-k program in the building, As well as preparing food for a meal program at Southern Connecticut State University. During a typical day, Cameron will almost always be found at the World Market station in the cafeteria, preparing the big specials of the day. She’s also consistently monitoring throughout the day to ensure that all staff members have the tools they need to complete their work. When I talked to Cameron, it was abundantly clear that she has pride for her work. When I asked Jessica what cooking meant to her, she said that  “It’s a way for me to communicate love for the students.”

I also had the pleasure of getting to sit down with Mary Watkins, a 67-year-old mother and friend of mine who works part-time for  Whitsons. In truth, Mary is the woman who inspired me to write a piece about the lunch staff, due to her overwhelming kindness and warm personality towards students and staff alike. For as long as she can remember, she has always had an affinity for food and catering. She describes herself as a “people person” and one of her favorite things about her job is the fact that she is able to get to know students as she serves them each day. While the job can certainly be difficult at times, Mary says she is grateful for the “good environment and good friends’ ‘ who have given her support and laughs day in and out. Mary feels that it’s important to consistently strive to be better and feels that her job gives her the opportunity to do just that. Mary also opened up to me and shared that one of the most difficult experiences in her life was her fight with cancer. Radiation and chemotherapy were extremely taxing on her body. However, Mary stated that she “never once gave up,” and is now proud to be cancer free going on 3 years. The love and camaderie that is shared between the lunch staff at Hamden High is nothing short of moving. On Breast Cancer Awareness Day, Mary’s friends donned pink shirts to express their support of her. During the day, despite the busy schedule, Mary and her friends find ways to laugh with each other, and work immensely hard to provide students with the meals they need. 

Whether they are in the back of the kitchen or out at the front serving food to students, or out at an event feeding firefighters, each staff member uniquely contributes to not just the school community, but the larger town community as a whole, by providing essential services each and every day. On the surface, their jobs might seem “easy” but don’t be fooled, the work of food service workers might not be for everyone, and should be appreciated more by all  students who utilize their services here at HHS.