LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Students at Heritage Elementary School started their week like royalty as part of National School Breakfast Week.
The Lima Senior High School boys basketball team crowned students kings and queens as they “entered the kingdom” for breakfast Monday morning. The medieval-themed celebration is part of National School Breakfast Week, promoted by the United States Department of Agriculture.
Heritage Elementary serves just over 300 students a free breakfast and lunch each day through the USDA. Cafeteria staff members and Spartan basketball players provided extra encouragement to help students shake off the Monday morning blues.
Mindy Cole, cafeteria manager at Heritage Elementary School, said starting the day with positivity can make a difference.
“We try to greet them every morning with a good morning and a smile, because we don't know what they got out of the car or what their morning was like. They've gotten out of bed. It's Monday morning, so it's good to come in with a smile.”
Danarea Terry, a guard for the Spartan basketball team, said he enjoys connecting with younger students in the community.
“I like coming out seeing little kids I know around the community, even when it comes to midget league football or any basketball or sports event. I see all the kids usually, and I like to help and give out, because I know how I was to be a kid and not having that many friends or having much to do, or wanting to go home or not wanting to go to school.”
Students were eager to get to school, enjoy breakfast and begin their day of learning. Lima City Schools Superintendent Andre Rudolph also greeted students during the morning celebration.
