When most people think of important positions at school, counselors, principals and AP teachers may come to mind. However, it is the behind-the-scenes careers that may be forgotten. It is these very jobs that ensure that many aspects of the school run smoothly.

“I’ve been working as a lunch lady for 24 years,” FHN lunch lady Andrea Reidt said. “I get to school at 8:30 a.m. and leave at 2:00 p.m.”

As a cashier, Reidt is doing more than just checking out student lunches at FHN. Reidt cares about the lives of the students she works with. Due to the fact that Reidt sees most students daily, she notices subtle changes in students that could indicate stress, worry and concern. Sometimes she gets to share happy times such as football games, homecoming dances and high-scoring tests with students.

“I hope I have an impact on someone who’s having a bad, rough day,” Reidt said. “I hope a good smile and ‘thank you’ will help that.”

Students need a break from the stress of daily student life and the lunch room is the perfect opportunity for that. Reidt has a special opportunity that not all staff has, she gets to interact with students while they aren’t in the classroom.

“Lunch ladies have an important role in high schoolers’ lives,” sophomore Linsey Zerbonia said. “They can completely change a person’s mood, and it’s important to be patient with high schoolers.”

Lunch ladies ask about students days and overall make FHN a better place by caring about their students lives and taking interest in what they’re doing.

“Some of them ask about your day and seem genuinely excited to just say ‘hi,’” senior Megan Crain said. “A lot of kids actually have close relationships with a couple of them.”