The Lovejoy ISD Student Nutrition Department has a multitude of reasons for celebration as they close another chapter in the book of this school year.

Awards abundant, this inspired group of team members have acquired achievements many food service departments yearn for. Two perfect audits and a nationally recognized equipment video rich with humor and educational information top the list of accomplishments.

The Student Nutrition Department is a melting pot of talented, skillful, hard working, dedicated women coming together as one to perform duties that most would not care to undertake. Arriving before the sun rises each morning to prepare breakfast and lunch for the coming rush of hungry students, these are devoted and committed employees with more than just a job in mind. They have the best interests of each and every student before them as they begin and end each task. While aiming to please, they must also follow a myriad of stringent Texas Department of Agriculture guidelines. Meeting all of the necessary requirements and giving the students the choices and selections they desire is no small feat. But these women do it every day. Often going unnoticed and overlooked in this fast paced learning institution, are the “Lunch Ladies”.

This year and this district however, are uniquely different. The Nutrition Department is not overlooked here. In fact, the “Lunch Ladies” here have been recognized time and time again. First with an unblemished School Meals Initiative audit conducted at Puster elementary. Second to none, this campus cafeteria led by creative manager Sunny Cleveland, with an extremely skillful team behind her, overcame first year stumbling blocks to accomplish a goal most districts only dream of.

In January, with the onset of a brand new year, the department was greeted by yet another audit. This particular assessment is recognized as the Consolidated Review Effort. It is a challenging and demanding test of knowledge, skill, awareness, comprehension and compiled data. Once again, unblemished. Flawless. This audit was held at Sloan Creek Middle School and the leadership speaks for itself. Carrie Alexander, cafeteria manager, guides her team effortlessly through each and every day with pride and skill, leaving no stone unturned.

With most of the focus aimed at the importance of another successful audit in January, the remarkable cafeteria staff at the high school delved into a project unlike any we have attempted in previous years. In contemplation of two new schools just around the corner and continually motivated to cut costs, three of these talented staff members gained recognition in a most unlikely manner. With the assistance of two very artistic young men, Dominick DiFurio and Max Bevan, from the Broadcast Journalism class, the cafeteria manager, Christi Hernandez skillfully and expertly wrote and directed Angie Woods and Julie Liscano in the creation of an informative video for Hobart, a kitchen equipment manufacturer specializing in restaurant and school kitchen equipment of various types. With the addition of humor, the skit was incredible, and the acting, marvelous. The winners were announced nationally via the internet. First place? The Lovejoy ISD “Lunch Ladies”. The reward, a twenty five thousand dollar dish machine to be utilized in one of the future school kitchens. Quite an accomplishment for these women who strive every day to make a difference.

Although these are shining examples of the victories thus far in the 2008/2009 school year, the Student Nutrition Department shows a great deal of promise for future years as well. Over and above the three campus kitchens referred to previously, there are two other cafeterias well worth acknowledgement. Lovejoy Elementary cafeteria staff is lead by Kathy Watts, a 15 year veteran of the district. Her experience and skill are beyond comparison with a talented, supportive crew to assist on a daily basis.

Last, but most certainly not least, is Hart Elementary. With the guidance and leadership of up and coming manager, Roxan Teague and her innovative staff, Hart is in very capable hands. Always up for a challenge, always eager to learn, these women have earned their place in the Lovejoy ISD family.

These are the proud Student Nutrition Department employees. Proud to be a part of the Lovejoy community and proud to serve our children. Thankful for every opportunity to shed a favorable light on their profession and their district.