Lunch at the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts is nothing like lunch at a typical high school. With a full hour and a huge campus, lunch isn’t just about eating, people use the lunch break in completely different ways depending on what they need that day.
LVA is so large and filled with students from different majors and schedules that there’s no single “normal” way to spend lunch. Some students prefer quieter spots, especially the library, where it’s common to see people studying, catching up on homework, or even taking a nap. Parker Toth, a Senior Multimedia major, shared that she often keeps things simple. “I’m usually in a teacher’s classroom with my friends, walking around, or checking out what’s happening in the breezeway,” said Toth.
Samira Martin-DelaCruz, a Junior Media Arts and Communications major, says her lunch usually depends on what she has going on. “Most of the time I’m with my friends, but on Fridays I usually have Lunch and Learn meetings,” she said. This gives students the chance to get extra academic help or retake tests during lunch instead of after school. For many students, this time helps them stay on top of grades without adding stress to an already busy schedule. It shows how seriously students here both take their education and their time,” said Martin-DelaCruz.
Lunch can also feel more like an event than a break. On certain days, students are treated to Oscar Burgers, live music, or a performance during lunch. Freshman Media Arts and Communications major, Matheus Yashiro, explained, “Sometimes I’ll study or work on assignments, and other days I’m just hanging out with friends, eating, or going out on the field,” said Yashiro.
Clubs are also a big part of how students spend lunch. Organizations like the Student Council, National Honor Society, Black Student Union, Key Club, etc., often meet during this time. For students involved in multiple activities, lunch may be the only opportunity to plan events or connect with other people who share similar interests.
In the end, lunch at LVA isn’t just about food. It’s about having the freedom to choose how you spend your time, whether that’s resting, learning, or connecting with others. That’s what makes it such an important part of the school day.
