Throwback to elementary school when we had chocolate milk every day Monday through Friday. Lunch was the best hour of the day because I could finally sit down and take a sip of my cold, thick, and creamy chocolate milk.

Now, at high school, I can only look forward to my favorite beverage on Mondays. I can honestly say that I only come to school that day because of the chocolate milk.

According to ZME Science, it has been found that when chocolate milk is taken off the lunch menu, milk consumption drops by 41 percent. Therefore, chocolate milk encourages students to drink more milk. Although it is unhealthier than skim milk, chocolate milk is healthier and cheaper than sodas and coffee, which you can get anywhere, including our own cafeteria.

I believe that students deserve the right to get chocolate milk whenever they want. Chocolate milk supplies us with needed calcium and protein, soothes our aching muscles after walking up the HHS stairs, and overall makes us happier as students.

More than anything, I would like a little freedom in HHS. If I can’t go out and get my own sugary and unhealthy drink off-campus, then I should at least be able to get chocolate milk every day at lunch.

Although chocolate milk is delicious, I understand it has its downsides. Chocolate milk has double the amount of sugar and calories per 100 grams of milk according to Healthyeating.org.

According to the HHS Royal Cuisine, the sugar content is the reason chocolate milk is only served on Mondays.

The Nutrition Express states the average high school student should consume at least 180 grams of protein a day. If we can consume that much protein and all the other vitamins from chocolate milk, then I believe the good outweighs the bad.

Also, if the school will sell us unlimited cookies and ice cream every day, why isn’t the nutritious chocolate milk not offered? Is it better that students drink chocolate milk and get the extra fat and sugar? Or is it better if some kids don’t get any milk and don’t receive their protein?

This is high school, and I should have the freedom to drink whatever kind of milk I want. If I make the choice to get a chocolate milk instead of regular skim milk, then I am responsible for the consequences.

It’s my body, and I can drink what I want.