If you’re in need of midday chatter, snacks, or a quick game of pool, Williston’s “StuBop” in Reed, provides students with a comfortable working environment and stress-free hangout zone.

Quinn McDonald, Williston student and senior superlative winner for “Most Likely to Keep the StuBop in Business,” shared his thoughts on Williston’s snack bar.

“I think it’s a fantastic space,” Quinn said. “In between classes or after school, it’s the perfect place to grab a snack or get some food. I would say that I go to the StuBop twice a day on average. I generally get a breakfast plate with bacon and scrambled eggs.”

Kaden Green, Williston senior and three-year day student, has had predominantly positive experiences at the Stu-Bop. His only complaint has to do with the concentration of students in the space.

“I like a lot of what they serve,” Kaden said. “I would say for the amount of people that go there the seating creates a crowded environment. I feel like a lot of day students don’t have any other place to go because a lot of boarding students sit there and eat. I think it can be tough for day students to find a place to eat sometimes. But, as I said, it can get super crowded, and there is not enough space for the number of students who choose to go.”

A common criticism among Williston’s upperclassmen is the sheer number of young students.

“They have no social awareness of what is going on,” said Williston senior Emily Crovo.

“They leave their empty milkshakes, straw wrappers, and half-eaten muffins everywhere,” Lauren Yee, added.

Curious to hear opinions from students, I took a brief trip to the StuBop during F period. I walked upon two seniors, Charlotte Carr and Luke Ballard, working quietly on an English presentation. Willing to be interviewed, I asked the pair, “Who rules the Stubop?”

Charlotte quickly responded, “The middle school,” and Luke said, “Underclassmen.”

Next, I approached a table occupied by members of Williston’s sophomore class. Students Shiv Patel, Riley McDonald, and Ricardo Nieves were all willing to share their opinions.

Ricardo responded, “Oh, definitely the freshman,” followed by Shiv and Riley stating their agreement.

I then asked two freshmen the same question.

Almost at the same time, Brycen Barry and Emmett Gould answered, “Freshmen, definitely.”

While the word “seniority” rules many aspects of Williston’s campus, the StuBop is unquestionably a space ruled by underclassmen.

Nico Gomez-Rapoza, six-year Williston senior, proposed an interesting solution to the current dilemma.

“Maybe the StuBop’s balcony should be reserved for seniors,” Nico said.

Above the lounge area, the StuBop’s balcony provides a hangout zone for small parties of students with couches, chairs, and charging outlets. Nico’s proposition may help seniors feel more welcomed in the StuBop without excluding younger students.