In the spirit of camaraderie and holiday cheer, the Ladies Holiday Breakfast has become a cherished tradition at Loara High School. Since its inception in 1987, this annual event has been a testament to the community spirit and dedication of the gentlemen on staff. Here, we take a closer look at the history, the preparation, and the joy of this event, now in its 37th year.
A Tradition Born of Friendship
The tradition began in 1987 when Gary Cleaveland brought the idea to Loara High School from Ball Junior High, where he and Alden Esping first hosted the event. Gary’s leadership established a tradition that has endured for decades. Over the years, the torch has been passed to dedicated staff members including Bill Thomas, Jess Leon, Martin Chavez, Bill Kellogg, Johann Edwards, and now, Paul Chylinski and Jason Smith. With each passing year, new faces have joined to carry the tradition forward, ensuring its continuity for generations to come.
Planning the Event: A Collective Effort
The preparation for the Ladies Holiday Breakfast is an all-hands-on-deck affair. As this year’s organizers, Paul and Jason reached out to the men of Loara with an enthusiastic email rallying support. From shopping for ingredients to decorating the venue, every aspect of the event is meticulously planned and executed. The collaboration involves:
- Decorating and setup: Led by the ASB team, the venue is transformed into a festive haven.
- Food preparation: Teams of chefs and sous chefs prepare, cook, and warm the food, ensuring everything is ready to serve on time.
- Serving and cleanup: Volunteers serve the meal and assist with cleaning, embodying the spirit of teamwork.
The organizers also ensure that logistics run smoothly, managing funds, coordinating schedules, and fostering a sense of unity among the participants.
Shopping and Logistics
The shopping list for the breakfast includes an array of ingredients, ensuring a hearty and delicious menu. Key items include hash browns, cheese, sour cream, spiral ham, and a variety of fresh produce. The event budget is approximately $400, covering everything from food to decorations. Logistics are carefully planned, with food prepared the day before and reheated on the morning of the breakfast.
Cooking begins the day prior with dishes such as Cheese Potatoes, Spiral Ham, and Quiche. Each recipe is designed to serve large groups efficiently:
- Cheese Potatoes: A creamy, cheesy casserole topped with crunchy cornflakes, baked to perfection. Each pan serves 40.
- Fully Cooked Spiral Ham: Sweetened with brown sugar, baked until golden and crispy. Each pan serves 40.
- Quiche: A savory egg dish with diced green chiles, tomatoes, onions, and cheese. Each pan serves 30.
These recipes are baked the night before and reheated on the morning of the breakfast to ensure everything is hot and ready to serve.
A Heartfelt Invitation
The gentlemen’s invitations to the ladies are as warm and thoughtful as the event itself. With charming emails, they set the tone for a morning of celebration. One email playfully rhymed:
Oh, the season is jolly, the season is bright,
We’re hosting a breakfast to bring you delight!
These personal touches emphasize the joy and appreciation that underpin the breakfast’s purpose.
The Morning of Magic
On the day of the breakfast, Room 609 becomes a bustling hub of holiday cheer. The Ladies of Loara are treated to a delightful meal, accompanied by entertainment provided by the school choir, fresh from their holiday performance. The event is a time for connection and reflection, as staff members share stories, laughter, and gratitude for one another.
Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead
Over the years, the organizers have fine-tuned the event, learning from past experiences. Key takeaways include starting preparations at 6:15 a.m. rather than earlier, ensuring enough food and drinks, and leveraging ASB’s support for decorations. Additionally, having a district kitchen employee on-site ensures everything runs smoothly.
As the 40th anniversary approaches in 2027, the Ladies Holiday Breakfast continues to thrive, thanks to the dedication of the Loara community. Each year, the event brings together a diverse group of staff members, reminding everyone of the importance of tradition, collaboration, and the holiday spirit.
Here’s to many more years of celebrating the Ladies of Loara in the most heartwarming way possible!
