$2.39 is all you need to purchase a can of essential energy, fast metabolism, and fat burner. It may sound unbelievable to some, but this is what each can of Celsius claims. For years, energy drinks have been a common beverage found in vending machines and the school store, The Chief Connection, at Utica High School. However, starting this year, a district wide ban has made the appearance of energy drinks in school scarce.
Although bringing your own energy drinks into school is not prohibited, it’s not allowed to be sold in school. Due to limited access, the intention is for students to not consume them as much. Teacher of 31 years, Dana Boice has been running the Chief Connection for 23 years. Not only was she shocked by the sudden decision, but she has noticed a difference in sales since the banning of energy drinks.
“I was surprised that the district decided to ban energy drinks for all students,” Boice said. “Some of our sales have been affected, but luckily, we have found different products that students have enjoyed such as Poppi and other caffeinated beverages.”
The ages of the students at Utica High School range from 15 to 18 years old. When asking senior Mackenzie Chupa for her opinion on the ban, she expressed the idea that the ages of the students at our school should be old enough to make their own decisions.
“I think the ban is silly,” Chupa said. “Students are old enough at our school to make the decision if they want to consume energy drinks or not.”
The decision originated from the district’s Food and Nutrition office, which recently implemented new health guidelines for all schools. Principal Timothy Youngblood of Utica High School said the school is simply following the district’s directive.
“It’s something that is required to do, and, you know, it is what it is. It’s probably healthier for everybody in the end,” Youngblood said. “If kids really want them, they’re going to bring them in on their own.”
For some, the ban is unnecessary, but for others it is promoting student health. No matter if you drink them or not, the ban has already made a noticeable impact on Utica High School’s routines. Either way, energy drinks won’t be making an appearance in the school anytime soon.
