The last day of recognition for the Heart of a Child Nutrition Awards was definitely one to remember.
The Food and Child Nutrition Services Department recognized the cafeteria teams at John B. Hood and Ann Richards Middle School for excellence. The department gave the cafeteria teams the Heart of Child Award.
Riyad Alsaid, the Director of Technology at Food and Child Nutrition Services, came to share his appreciation with the cafeteria team at John B. Hood Middle School. Cafeteria Supervisor Mrs. Yarlette Bryant is currently battling cancer and was not able to work for a few months. She discussed the joy she had in coming back to her family at John B. Hood.
“You never know what kind of love is out there, all you have to do is plant a seed and see the growth,” Bryant said. “Receiving is the best part. It’s the love at this school that keeps us going.”
The cafeteria was recognized for always being friendly, smiling, and displaying a positive attitude. The cafeteria team always keeps the cafeteria clean, organized, and running smoothly. The food that the cafeteria staff serve is always hot and delicious.
“Ms. Bryant, the cafeteria supervisor at John B Hood, is always positive and has an enthusiastic outlook towards her work at Hood Middle School where she enjoys the interaction with the students,” said Susan Rahaman, Lead Area Supervisor for Food and Child Nutrition Services. “She has dedicated many years to school food service and has always supported farm to school, school garden and other special school initiative programs.”
Ann Richards Middle School
A tragic event turned in to a very rewarding and memorable moment on Friday for the cafeteria staff and faculty at Ann Richards Middle School.
Marlese Arnett, one of the cafeteria staff members at Ann Richards Middle School, passed away in March. Principal and teachers at Ann Richards Middle School invited Arnett’s family and children to be with the cafeteria staff in memory of her dedication during the Heart of Child Nutrition Award Presentation. Olga Rosenberger, Director of Operations at Food and Child Nutrition Services, area supervisor Stephanie Warren and Ann Richards Middle School staff surprised the cafeteria team on Friday to show their appreciation.
An Art teacher at Ann Richards Middle School dedicated the student signed apron to the Arnett family. In appreciation to all the cafeterias hard work and dedication, Rosenberger helped serve on the cafeteria line during lunch. The cafeteria staff at Ann Richards Middle School was recognized for going out of their way to make a personal connection with the students at their school, and the students feel that the staff has truly made a positive impact on their lives.
The energetic and upbeat personalities of the staff members have touched the lives of every student they serve. The students notice how hard the staff works and how dedicated they are to serving the students nutritious meals.
“Ann Richards Middle school is a Five Star school whose staff is very energetic and passionate about their service to students,” Warren said. “They work very hard and the students appreciate their caring spirit!”
