Written by: District Media Intern Kailynda Hackler
At the Primary School, lunchtime has become a time for more than just nourishing meals- all thanks to the dedicated efforts of the lunch ladies, led by Mrs. Ricky Sparks. They wanted to find a way to make lunchtime an experience that excites and motivates the children. Mrs. Ricky and her team came up with a unique idea: to dress up as the foods the students would find on their plates.
“We wanted to figure out a new way to make the kids smile,” Mrs. Ricky shared. “The kids love it and go crazy for it. It gets them excited to try new foods and makes lunchtime something they look forward to.”
To make their vision a reality, Mrs. Ricky reached out to the local Pea Ridge community through the Citizens Page on Facebook, hoping to find anyone who might be willing to donate Halloween costumes that could bring their food-themed outfits to life. The community response was overwhelming. Many community members donated costumes, and some even said they’d purchase new ones. They already have a decent amount of costumes but more are continuing to come in, allowing the team to dress as a variety of foods.
This small idea highlights the power of kindness and creativity in building a positive school atmosphere for the students. It’s an example of how love for one’s environment and a desire to spread joy can make a lasting impact. The lunch ladies really found a fun and creative way to turn lunchtime into something special and memorable. This also shows how a community can come together and make a difference.
What began as a simple idea to bring smiles to the students' faces has turned into a reminder of the value of kindness, collaboration, and the joy of making a difference, no matter how big or small.
