If you think Times Square is the highlight of New York state, you’re greatly mistaken. New York City does have plenty to do and see, such as the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Empire State Building, Broadway shows and, sadly, Ground Zero (the site of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks). If you get the chance to visit New York City, make that list a priority. But be forewarned: New York City is called “The City That Never Sleeps.” This place has an energy that you really have to experience to understand.

Be forewarned: New York City is called “The City That Never Sleeps.” This place has an energy that you really have to experience to understand. It’s a fun city!

Even though “The City That Never Sleeps” is found in New York state, it also hosts places like Sleepy Hollow and the Rip Van Winkle Bridge. And do you know that the Thousand Islands are in New York? (I wish I knew where the city of Bleu Cheese is in America.)

However, this trip didn’t take me to New York City, Sleepy Hollow or even to the Thousand Islands. It took me to De Witt, N.Y., a suburb of Syracuse. The chosen school was Christian Brothers Academy, a seventh- through 12th-grade Catholic college-preparatory school, serving students of all faiths.

Student and Brio reader Nejla Harris invited me to come taste their delicious cafeteria food, and I’m glad she did! Denise A. Alivero, the food service manager, makes some of the best clam chowder I’ve ever eaten. We also had a tasty vegetable lasagna.

Nejla said that the food at Christian Brothers Academy is better than other schools she’s heard about where the hot dogs bounce when they hit the floor. I understand; I’m able to dribble most of the meat products I serve at my house.

The school’s principal, Brother Thomas Zoppo, welcomed me. He lives at the school and was proud of the academic accomplishments of their students. Ninety-nine percent of the students there go on to a four-year college and the other 1 percent will attend a two-year college.

Christian Brothers Academy has a dress code. The guys wear button-up shirts and ties, and the girls wear either dress pants or skirts. I think I was the only person in an apron.

It was obvious that the school promotes respecting others and school spirit. Students are allowed to decorate the outside of their lockers with various school and team signs.

Nejla says it’s a friendly school. If a student forgets his or her money for lunch, he or she can borrow money from the cafeteria. Another nice gesture is that new students’ lockers are decorated with welcome signs.

Along with her younger brother and sister, Nejla has lived in the Syracuse area all her life. She plans to attend college (she’d love to go to Harvard) and wants to specialize in communications and dramatic arts. She hopes to become a teacher.

If you’re ever in the Syracuse area, make sure to visit these historical sites: Niagara Falls (visit both the American and Canadian sides), the Erie Canal Museum, the Harriet Tubman Home (rich in Civil War history) and the Salt Museum (a fun place to visit, but you sure get thirsty).

With memories of great clam chowder, I continue on my journey in search of the best school cafeteria food in America.

Next stop, Connecticut.