Staff, students, relatives and friends galore enjoy annual breakfast
Jason Stewart merited three invitations to the breakfast, courtesy of his son Jacob, 4th grade; and daughters Ava, 1st grade; and Faith, 3rd grade.
The eggs-citement positively sizzled at Friendship Elementary on Friday morning as more than 300 dads, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, friends, and miscellaneous buddies crowded into the school gym and cafeteria for the school’s annual Men’s Breakfast.
Principal Brad Bentman said the event is a school tradition that has been increasing in popularity each year. Students invited special men in their lives to attend. The participants were served a hot breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, and pancakes. “We had just enough food this year,” said Bentman. “Next year we’ll have to order more.”
Bentman said the breakfast offers a fun opportunity for the kids to enjoy a great meal, show off their environment to their guests, and to introduce them to teachers, many of whom doubled as servers. “It’s really great to watch the kids proudly make introductions,” Bentman said. “It also brings the community together.”
First-grader Andrew Silvis poses with his father, Justin Hills.
Another plus this year: The book fair was going on at the same time and raised $1,800 worth of books during the breakfast. Bentman explained that for every book that is sold, the school earns credits. “We did well enough that each child got a book and each classroom got four books,” he said.
Credit for the breakfast’s success goes to the PTO, Bentman said, adding that the energetic group was effective in generating publicity.
Although the event is not intended to exclude women – they typically have more opportunities to get involved with the school and are welcome to attend if males are unavailable – Bentman said he has been asked about having a women’s breakfast. “It’s a possibility,” he said. “This is such a great event.”
