The Freedom of Senior Lunch: Off Campus

With 40 minutes to eat, drive, and return to class, senior lunch is freedom with a deadline.

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Seniors enjoying some time away from campus as they explore local establishments.

The new school year at Rancho Solano has finally begun, and 12th graders are starting to receive the exclusive privileges that come with being a senior, a recent one being off campus lunch.  

Seniors have the special opportunity on Tuesdays and Thursdays to escape the cafeteria and head to any local food spot. It’s already a bonus that we have so many venues near

our school like Black Rock, Playa Bowl, and Chipotle, just minutes away. Whether someone is looking for a quick snack fix or a meal, we have a lot of options.  That freedom, however, comes with a limit: a time crunch of 40 minutes. Between walking through the parking lot, waiting at red lights, and standing in line behind the senior class, that 40 minutes shrinks fast. Going somewhere slightly further away can be a bit of a struggle to get back to class on time.  

“Student cooperation has been really good, and we’ve not had any issues with students driving too fast and reckless.” - Mr. Kotila, Dean of Students

Senior Adriana Rodriguez says “Flower Child was at the top of my list for places on the first day. But we barely made it back on time!” This leaves our senior class wondering; What’s the best strategy for getting out of the parking lot, grabbing food, and getting back before the bell? For most, it comes down to teamwork and precise timing. “My friends and I decide who’s driving by who has a big enough car to fit anyone, and who has the most schoolwork,” says senior Sonali Ellis. Having a spacious car definitely makes carpooling easier but also adds responsibility for the driver. Not only are they in charge of navigating the road safely, but they also have to ensure no one spills a loaded acai bowl while taking a sharp turn. The school administration is keeping an eye on safety and organization. Despite the tight schedule and rushing, Dean Kotila reports that “student cooperation has been really good, and we’ve not had any issues with students driving too fast and reckless. There have been very few that have returned after the bell.” Off campus lunch is without a doubt one of the best perks of being a senior, offering a taste of independence before graduation.  

Drive safe, order fast, and make sure that meal is worth the sprint back to class!