Story and photo by Monty Siekerman
The countdown begins, just one minute until 5 o’clock.

The McDonald’s counter is ready with cashiers at each register and servers behind the counter prepared to deliver orders. The more sales made in two hours, the more likely a school is going to win.

It was the Battle of the Burgers—or as McDonald’s calls it “McTeacher Night”—on Monday at Ada McDonald’s with Upper Scioto Valley Schools—last year’s winner—competing against Ada Schools. Ada will have its turn on Wednesday, Oct. 17.

Each school has two hours to see who can make the most sales. The schools receive a percentage of sales with the winning school given a bonus. Last year, USV took home $1,000 and Ada netted $700. In any case, both schools win.

On Monday, townspeople in the USV communities brought their appetites and lined up before the 5 p.m. start. Teachers and staff were ready to handle the mob. A teacher is posted outside asking customers for loose change as a tip to add to the total.

Upper Scioto Valley had its chance on Monday, an extra warn and clear October evening. The weather forecast for Ada on Oct. 17 is a high of 59 and cloudy.  Will weather make a difference? Will school pride make a difference? The results will be announced in the Ada Icon later in the month.