When Geneva High School students stream through the doors Wednesday morning for first-semester final exams, they’ll be greeted not just by the prospect of a test or three, but also by a smiling face, well wishes—and a granola bar.

It’s part of a years-long tradition. Representative of the high school’s Parent-Teacher Organization purchase (no tax dollars at work here!) and hand out granola bars to the students on the first day of finals, which is the day kids have three scheduled, with two set for each of the following two days.

“I think most of the kids enjoy them,” said Anita Hazel who, with fellow mom and volunteer Kit Bielenberg is in charge of the bars this year.

The volunteers certainly enjoy handing them out, Hazel said. “I thought I would need 10. I have 14, and five on the waiting list.” 

There will be parents at all the entrances, plus several more floating around in various parts of the school. Any bars not snatched up in the first wave will be offered during the passing period before the second final exam begins. That means students with no first-hour classes, or even those who turned down the treat the first time around, may get a second chance. 

Kim Chismark, who’s done granola bar-duty in the past, said daughter Sarah loved getting the treat. “She would hit every station and get one of every kind,” she laughed. 

Hazel said they have purchased a wide variety of bars, to satisfy a wide variety of tastes. She and Bielenberg bought 2,300 bars and yes, Sam’s Club workers did wonder what the two of them were doing with that many granola bars—and no other food.

“It’s just a nice way to give the students a little nutritional boost, as well as a 'we care about you' boost, because it’s both those things,” Hazel said. 

For parents who can’t remember when those tests are, the Wednesday schedule is: first-hour classes,  7:40 to 9:10 a.m.; second-hour classes, 9:20 to 10:50 a.m.; third-hour classes, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Good luck to one and all.