Monahan’s Fish Market has been a staple lunch spot for CHS students for a long time, and this is especially true for Jordan De Padova. De Padova began working at Monahan’s in June of 2021 amid the COVID-19 Pandemic. Being fresh out of high school, this brought a great deal of unique challenges for both him and the restaurant.

“I remember when I started, it was sort of weird. We just started putting on masks, there was no seating, no people, and everything was a takeout order. We would work with a couple of people, and then immediately have to pick everything outside,” Padova said. “It was super dead and scary.”

During his time at Monahan’s, De Padova also began working on his college degree at Brown University in Rhode Island, a far journey from his home in Michigan. However, before that, he went to school right here at Community High.

Whether it be eating at Monahan’s or enjoying

CHS’ acclaimed journalism program, De Padova has many fond memories of his time in high school.

“Every day was kind of special and fun,” De Padova said. “I also feel like I learned a lot of skills that I still use. I’m doing writing now, and a lot of it is stuff that I started in journalism, and I’m thankful for that.”

De Padova also feels that CHS’ friendly atmosphere prepared him for working with customers. Being such an open market space, Kerrytown naturally lends itself to a more informal dining experience. With orders coming at him left and right from customers, communicating effectively and efficiently to each of them is an essential part of the job for De Padova.

“There’s just a lot of trying to find people and direct people, but that’s also kind of the fun of it,” De Padova said. “We get to eat pizza here all the time, and I like to talk to Ray from Sparrow. I think it’s ultimately positive, and I think it’s a level of chaos that’s enjoyable.”

Now, De Padova continues learning and developing at Monahan’s, only recently opening shop for the first time in his three years of being an employee.