At AHS, during class time you can find a variety of drink cups from different shops or stores all over town on classroom desks. Atlantic is home to many different morning drink destinations including Coffeegirl, Scooters, Kickstart, McDonalds, Casey’s, Olsen’s BP, and a few more. Drinks differ between energy tea/cans, protein shakes, smoothies, iced coffee, frappes, and hot coffee. Since Atlantic is home to many different drink options, each student has to make a calculated decision on their drink of choice. 

A common theme for students getting drinks in the morning is to have an increase in energy– a reward, or they simply get a discount because they are an employee. Students of all ages participate in this trend as those with school permits can go to gas stations as part of their allowed routes. 

Freshman Claire Comes goes to Casey’s regularly to get her breakfast, also a morning drink. “My favorite drinks to get are the watermelon bubbler or peach celsius,” said Comes. While having a drink throughout the day “cures her boredom in class” going to Casey’s is also convenient for her as she only has a school permit. Similar to Comes, sophomore Maggie Cohrs also goes to a gas station in the morning before school. Cohrs said, “I get two strawberry monsters every morning for my caffeine addiction.” On the other hand, she chooses Olsen’s BP for “their kind workers”. 

Some high school students find time to work in the morning like junior Taylee Hagen and sophomore Rayden Wheeler. Hagen works at Kickstart Nutrition in Atlantic. She said, “I like to get a pinarita. The days that I work I get a free drink and protein ball while the other days I get 50 percent off.” Wheeler has a similar situation, however, he works at Scooter’s Coffee. “I get 50 percent off from Scooter’s. My favorite drink is an extra large blue raspberry sugar-free drink. I also get a courage cookie with my order,” said Wheeler. 

Other students like senior Nissa Molgaard get drinks to physically help them get through the day. “I have insomnia so getting energy is essential for me to make it through the day,” said Molgaard. She prefers Coffee Girl as it has her favorite “energy blast drink” and “actually works”. Molegarrd said, “It’s quick, easy and lasts a long time.”

Morning breakfast routines of these students are all similar but are each characterized by reason and the different aspects that impact their everyday lives. Being able to have this many options in a small town makes the students of Atlantic very lucky, as well as unique. As a community we should be so greatful to have these companies and show our support. If you were or are a student what would be your morning choice?