by Brianna Constant
Recently, Woodbridge High School collaborated with Chipotle in a new lunch program called The Burrito Project, where students would go to the school store to purchase burritos, and all proceeds would go towards the construction of an elevator to the third floor of the high school. Everything seemed to go well on the first day until disaster struck.
When the project began on March 14th, students flocked to the school store during their lunch periods to purchase burritos. The line was seen going all the way down the cafeteria hallway for all three lunches.
“This is a great start. We’re hoping that we can raise enough money to put an elevator in the school, to make transportation between blocks easier,” Mr. Lotman said when he saw the students lined up.
Unfortunately, The Burrito Project turned out to be disastrous when several students and faculty who had purchased burritos were reported feeling nauseous. The situation took a turn from bad to worse when participants were rushed to JFK Hospital during fourth block, all extremely sick and unable to function.
“I don’t know what happened,” said a student who wished to remain anonymous, “I was fine until I ate that burrito.”
Students and teachers who ate the Chipotle burritos were found to be infected with E. Coli, a stomach virus that can be traced back to the cilantro used in the burritos. Lawsuits have been filed against the corporation and the infected victims are currently involved in a legal battle with Chipotle.
“Well, so much for the elevator, and having burritos for lunch,” said another anonymous student, reflecting the attitude of the disappointed staff and students at the high school.
Some, however, are taking a more optimistic viewpoint of the situation. Mr. O’Halloran, a teacher in the English Department whose wife is expecting a child soon, said, “I wish I got the virus so I could drop a few pounds and lose some sympathy weight.”
Currently, school officials are trying to create a safer way to fund Woodbridge High’s elevator construction project, though the plans have yet to be solidified. “Don’t worry,” Mr. Lotman said, from his hospital bed at JFK Hospital, “renovations will happen with or without the burritos!”
