Freshman Kelton Sullivan scans his student ID to buy lunch at SLOHS. Photo courtesy of freshman Mallory Cushing.

  Lower classmen at San Luis Obispo High School can’t stop talking about their lunch plans for the next school year and how those plans most likely won’t involve leaving campus.

  Rumors have been flying around the SLOHS campus that the class of ‘28 will not be able to enjoy the freedom of spending their lunch hour off campus during their sophomore year. 

  “Beginning with the class of 2028, students in their ninth and tenth grade years will stay on campus during lunch at SLO High. Students in their eleventh and twelfth grade years, if they earn the privilege, will be able to have an open campus during lunch,” said Principal Rollin Dickinson.

  SLOHS students are intrigued to see how this new rule will impact their high school experience, especially the class of ‘28.

  “When I was a freshman, I did look forward to leaving campus sophomore year. I had lots of fun with my friends our second year going off campus when we would walk to get lunch or go in our friends’ cars,” said senior Maddie King.

  Many upperclassmen look forward to hanging out with their friends during lunch as it is a perfect place to take a break from school. However, incoming Tigers will not be able to enjoy the same experience.

  “I think [the off campus lunchtime rule] takes away from the freedom part of high school. Since we are not middle schoolers anymore and are more mature, they should trust us more because people won’t do stupid stuff,” said freshman Stella Beckett.

  Overall, freshmen are relieved that they still get to leave campus as juniors and seniors. However, missing out on key memories as underclassmen is a hard pill to swallow.