As a food service professional with 25 years of experience, Kathleen Schneider understands how important nutrition is to education.
“Nutrition is very important, especially for growing youth,” said Schneider, nutrition services manager at Vista Ridge High School. “We’re not just feeding their bodies; we’re feeding their minds as well. That’s why we try not to feed them junk here. ”
Ms. Schneider’s proactive approach to nutrition has earned her recognition as one of the top professionals in the field. The School Nutrition Association, a national nonprofit organization, recently named her Mountain Plains Region Manager of the Year.
Schneider, who has run the Vista Ridge cafeteria since Vista Ridge opened in 2008, said she was surprised when she heard about the award.
“When I got the call (from the School Nutrition Association), I was like, ‘Really? “I thought”. I? ‘ she said. “I didn’t even know I was nominated and I still don’t know why I was chosen. But it’s an honor and very humbling.”
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Driven by a passion for helping students reach their full potential, Mr. Schneider has been involved in high school nutrition services for over 20 years. She enrolled at Sand Creek High School in 1999 and took an administrative position at Vista Ridge about 16 years ago.
“I’ve seen a lot of staff come and go,” she says. “And I’ve seen a lot of changes, most of them for the better.”
One constant at Vista Ridge is Schneider, who has worked hard over the years to make the cafeteria a comfortable and welcoming space for thousands of students.
“It’s important for kids to feel welcome here,” she said. “I wish I could do that.”
“Kathleen fosters a positive cafeteria environment by prioritizing the health of her students and the professional growth of her kitchen staff,” said Chris D’Errico, president of the School Nutrition Association. “We create a supportive work culture where people feel included, motivated and empowered.” Please do your best. ”
SNA officials say Mr. Schneider’s influence extends far beyond the Vista Ridge cafeteria. She has worked with school transition programs to help special needs students learn life and work skills, prepare for employment after school, and gain confidence in their abilities. She collaborated with Vista Her Ridge’s business department to provide students with hands-on experience in running a coffee cart, her business, and directed a culinary internship program.
“I’m happy to be able to do good things here,” she said. “But we couldn’t do any of it without our staff. They are some of the best people in the world.”
Schneider said the SNA Regional Manager of the Year award was a “really great” way to conclude his career. She plans to retire at the end of the year.
“I decided it was time to step down and let someone else take over,” she said.
As August ends and the new school year begins, Schneider knows she’ll have to resist 25 years of muscle memory.
“I know you’re thinking, ‘Oh my god, I should go there too!'” she said. “I miss going to the venue at 5am and making sure everything is ready for the start of the day. But I know it’s time to retire.
“But who knows? Maybe I’ll stop by and say hi once in a while.”
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