School
Meal
Heroes

Central Kitchen. Monica has been a superhero since she started here in Rialto but this school year she has really gone above and beyond for our service area and for our scholars! Monica not only Supervises the Central Kitchen but she also recently has had to take on the role of a field supervisor while our other supervisor is working on a special project. Monica has kept 14 schools (10 elementary, 4 secondary) running seamlessly while also training and running the Central Kitchen. I know she is a duck in water (calm up top but underneath, her feet are kicking to stay afloat) but you would never know it. She says, “It has to be done”, and she makes things work. She has an amazing team behind her in the kitchen, and they all communicate effectively to be sure they roll out BIC, lunch, supper and snack to our kiddos. Feeding our scholars and giving them nutritious meals so they can focus and learn is priority, and Monica recognizes that and is always giving her all to make sure everything is accomplished. Monica is a super superhero and a big “THANKS” to her and her team is 100% deserved.

Union City Area MS HS. Gillian came on board in the ’23-’24 school year as our head cook / manager and has had a HUGE impact on our program overall. She has coordinated team building activities which have tremendously improved the atmosphere in the kitchen. Gillian has been instrumental in our success of transitioning to scratch cooking entrees for the lunch program. In a short time she has changed the way we look and think! She ROCKS!

Village Academy. Amy has wholeheartedly immersed herself in the realm of food service, displaying an unwavering dedication that is nothing short of admirable. With just three months under her belt, her exceptional commitment has not gone unnoticed, as she has been swiftly recruited into the esteemed food service managerial program. Known for her caring demeanor and keen attention to detail, Amy goes above and beyond to cater to the needs of the students she serves. Her daily mission is to ensure their satisfaction, and she does so with a genuine warmth that radiates through her interactions. It’s not just about fulfilling orders for Amy; it’s about crafting experiences that leave a lasting impression, making her an indispensable asset to the food service team.

Forest Park Elementary School. Lekeats is the epitome of a school lunch hero! She goes above and beyond her call of duty. She is an integral part of our school culture. Every single day, she connects with students inside and outside of the cafeteria. She is encouraging and loving. Just this past Friday, I asked her to participate in a skit for our state assessment pep rally, and you better believe she was the star of the show! Lekeats deserves recognition for all she does not only in the cafeteria, but for the school!

Teresa Clevenger, Mesopotamia Elementary School. Teresa is a wonderful person. She always has a smile on her face. She goes out of her way to help anyone she can. Teresa is a hard worker. She will come in early, and work late whenever needed. She will even go to another building to help out and do anything for anyone. She always treats the students with kindness and respect. She will do anything that is asked of her to make the school meal service the best it can be. She takes pride in the meals she helps prepare and everything she makes. She will dress up for special events and just wants to make the cafeteria a wonderful place for students. She not only wants to make sure it a place for them to eat great food but a place to feel welcome, safe and cared for. Thank You Teresa for being wonderful.

Carrie Ishman, Bloomfield Middle-High School. Carrie is a hard worker. She is new at being a head cook this year. Actually, just starting as Head Cook in December. But she has been working hard to improve the meals and make the cafeteria more enjoyable for the students. Even before becoming head cook, Carrie would decorate the Serving Line and Kitchen. She wants to make others smile and feel good. She will help anyone and wants to learn so much. She is creative in using up leftovers for less waist and to keep everything tasty and fresh for the students. Carrie is organized and just all together great. She cares deeply for the students and staff and will do anything for anyone. She will get people together to support families in stressful times. Carrie you are wonderful. Thank You for everything you do for the students and your fellow staff.

Kim Reed, Maplewood Elementary School. Kim is one of those fun people that everyone should want to be around. She wants to make the students smile all the time. She starts the day off as a bus Driver and then comes in to serve Lunch to students. If it’s a special Holiday, she will dress the part. She is not afraid to order a turkey outfit to wear while serving up lunch. She has been a Pirate, a Snowman, a Turkey and many other fun characters this year alone. She goes out of her way to help her fellow employees. She wants the food she serves to look nice and will help to make sure there is a great selection of fruits and veggie choices each day. Thank you, Kim, for a great Job.

Keeley Hillman, Maplewood Elementary School. Keeley is awesome. She is always looking for ways to improve the school meals she serves. She is willing to try new ideas and recipes. She talks to the students often about what items they like and dislike.