Coronado students flock to Whole Foods; principal on crosswalk duty

Traffic created by the long-awaited opening of Whole Foods, located right across Mesa from Coronado High School, created some concerns at lunchtime.

When the lunch bell rang Wednesday, it looked like the red sea had parted as hundreds of hungry students flocked across Mesa to the market to grab something to eat.

“I’ve been counting down the days since September,” a Coronado student said.

“As soon as the bell rang, we kind of sprinted,” said another student.

Students told ABC-7 they think “half the school” will come to Whole Foods for lunch every day.

“Being a graduate myself of Coronado High School, I have a lot of pride in that school,” said Whole Foods El Paso Team Leader Mark Heins, who indicated he’s already met with Coronado Principal Angela Henderson.

Henderson was on hand during lunch Wednesday making sure students crossed Mesa Street safely along Champions Place, where a new stop light has been installed.

“They’ve been forthcoming with trying to find ways they can help support the students when they come to shop,” Heins added.

Eventually, Heins said, Whole Foods will add an express lane specifically designated for Coronado students, called the “T-Bird Express.” It’ll allow students to get their lunch and get back to school on time.

“I’m gonna come here every day,” said Coronado Junior Amelia Lagunes Sanmiguel. “Like, that’s the best thing ever, especially since we only have 45 minutes.”

Henderson did not speak on camera, but told ABC-7 she hopes the City of El Paso will add another 30 seconds to the crosswalk time to give Coronado students more time to cross Mesa.

“We want to be sure they are crossing the street safely,” said El Paso Police Officer Saul Villalobos, hired along with two other officers to help with traffic on Wednesday’s opening day. “We want to be sure cars are stopping for them. It is a concern.”

ABC-7 asked the City about the chance of getting another 30 seconds added to the crosswalk time at lunch, but did not receive a response as of deadline.

EPISD officials said they will continue to be partners with Whole Foods to find ways to enhance the experience.