What’s Cooking at LAUSD?
The 2017-2018 school year has come to a close. Voices for Animals held its first high school meeting in the club's history, and we began fundraising for various animal welfare organizations, volunteering at beaches, and hosting Claremont High lunchtime activities. VFA had a successful first year in high school, and I hope the success can carry on to the next school year. In other schools, the club, Earth Peace Foundation, made history in the Los Angeles Unified School District. In fact, I wrote a 300 word story for English class about the hard work they put in to make an impact on the health of students and animals. Here it is:
What's Cooking at LAUSD?
On a sunny spring afternoon of 2017, one determined 14-year-old girl stands before a school board with a pitch that could make an everlasting mark on cafeterias in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Unphased by the hostile air between intimidating board members and herself, Lila Copeland has a fearless look spread across her face. She is encouraged by physicians, athletes, and actresses who stand for the cause. Finally, she takes a deep breath, adjusts her microphone, and gazes at the horseshoe of board members.
“Hello, my name is Lila Copeland, and I am bringing my Healthy Freedom Campaign to you,” and so, her fight for vegan options in the Los Angeles schools begins.
The petite CIF cross-country runner leans against the podium, embodying her campaign that aspires to provide, in her opinion, the healthiest diet to students. Her own thriving health impacts opinions of the board, but her compassionate words about animal and student health shake the quiet room, disturbing public school norms.
Lila Copeland’s speech opens the minds and hearts of board members and a pilot vegan menu is created for the upcoming 2017-2018 school year in Los Angeles.
When the school year arrives, lunch ladies create a concoction with overflowing flavors of spices and creamy beans. A line of hungry students, vegan or not, await their fill of chili tortilla chips. Then, Tuesday rolls around and students anxiously dive into the teriyaki veggie burger hoping it will be similar to juicy hamburgers. As hungry teenagers finish chewing, the verdict is in. “The texture is like real meat,” an amazed teenager announces. She continues munching on the burger dripping smoky marinade. As the weeks pass and the plant-based meals are happily consumed by many, the future of the vegan menu looks promising, and students can thank Lila Copeland.