It’s Friday at noon in the student commons cafeteria, where hamburgers and fries are sizzling on the grill alongside his famous banana pudding. Mr. King is known not only for manning his station at the grill but also for his big smile and kind comments.
Sometime in mid-November, it was brought to students’ attention that Mr. King, a beloved dining hall employee, would be retiring, leaving his days at the grill behind. Students were distraught, “I think he always greets students with a bright, smiling face,” said freshman Marissa Weaver. “I was hurt because that meant no more banana pudding.”
Despite his apparent retirement, Mr. King was still seen behind the grill station for weeks, making students wonder if this was a rumor.
Mr. King confirmed the rumor was true. He did retire, but only for two days. King faced what most retirees face: uncertainty. King ultimately decided that retirement was not for him just yet. He will continue to flash his smile at students until further notice.
Students are grateful for his return. “He is always ready for a conversation and never fails to make your day better,” said junior Laura Crone. Mr. King’s kind heart goes beyond conversation with students; “he goes above and beyond to make sure people get what they want,” said Crone. “He’s made my team sweet potato friends upon request multiple times.”
So, after a quick break from the dining hall, Mr. King is back behind the grill and the banana pudding is here to stay.
