The wooden benches by the courtyard lunch area were removed on Jan. 30. These benches served as a safe, quiet place for students to each their lunches in peace and study. Several students were taken by surprise as the benches were removed without notice.

“Lunch will never be the same,” said sophomore Shane Karafanda. “I loved sitting outside with my friends when it was sunny without all of the extra noise. Now I have to sit in the loud, dank lunchroom. I hope they replace them soon so I can enjoy the lovely outdoors,” he said.

Assistant principal Mr. Dan Lakly said, “The old benches were a safety issue and had to be removed before anyone got hurt. We are replacing them soon so students can continue to sit outside.”

While the benches are gone, many students will have to eat elsewhere during their lunch period.