The prestigious honor of Outstanding Manager of the Year statewide goes to Lisa Douglas who is food service manager at Wolf Lake Elementary School. This award recognizes contributions the food service manager makes to the school above and beyond providing nutritious meals for students.
According to Lora Gilbert, Director of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), “Ms. Douglas enthusiastically reaches out for resources for her school and takes every opportunity to enhance her program. She’s involved with the PTSA and any event held at the school. She very much deserves this recognition for exceeding our expectations.”
Douglas scored a double honor. She also won the Nutrition Education Award. This award recognizes those who develop and put in place nutrition education activities that reach every student in the school. This school year Douglas invited the performer, Jump with Jill, the Rock Star Dietitian, to motivate students and staff to learn about nutrition. Douglas also brought in the Organ Wise Guys who teach students about the right foods to choose. Student participation in breakfast is up by 5% and lunch has increased 7%.
Nancy Brumbaugh, food service manager at Ocoee High School, earned the Gold President’s Award. As president of the local Orange County School Nutrition Association, Brumbaugh tracks legislative issues, organizes health fairs, and promotes healthy choices through Student Wellness Advisory Council (SWAC) teams.
Brumbaugh also won two awards. She earned the number one honor in the “Smart Start” competition. Food service managers were challenged to promote breakfast during Florida School Breakfast Week. When previously working at a middle school, Brumbaugh marketed breakfast all week long using a superhero theme. Her efforts paid off. Student participation in breakfast went up 15%.
Vickie Marchesi, central kitchen manager at Lee Middle School, is now the Region IV Director for the Florida School Nutrition Association. This is an elected position. Marchesi will work with seven counties furthering communication from the national and state associations. She will also be in charge of planning the Region IV School Food Service Seminar.
