School District of Manatee County Food and Nutrition Services employees kicked off a new school year with a bang at Lakewood Ranch High School.
The 'Welcome Back' conference had a western theme, and employees dressed for the part.
Hats off to the food service teams who roped in the "Golden Smile Awards" for serving up excellent customer service at their schools, including:
Abel Elementary School
Buffalo Creek Middle School
Freedom Elementary School
Gullett Elementary School
Haile Middle School
Harvey Elementary
Lee Middle School
Myakka City Elementary
Sea Breeze Elementary
Tara Elementary School
Stewart Elementary School
Sugg Middle School
Willis Elementary School and
Witt Elementary School
The Golden Smile Award winners were nominated by school administrators.
The next awards handed out were the coveted "Diamond Aprons".
Winners were nominated by their cafeteria manager.
Congratulations!
Issam Kawtharani - Abel Elementary
Khin Lynn - Bayshore High
Olena Cherepanova - Braden River Elementary
Francis O'Brien - Braden River High
Debby Shiebler - Braden River Middle
Maria Cruz - Daughtrey Elementary
Janja Circovic - Haile Middle
Jovelyn "Nikki" Dela Cruz - Harllee Center
Cindy Exposito Rodriguez - Harvey Elementary
Megan Hilliard - Mona Jain Middle
Lorina Tanks - Johnson K-8
Jose DeLeon - King Middle
Lisa Russell - Mills Elementary
Angelica Pearson - Moody Elementary
Yoko Massingale - Nolan Middle
Glorimar Noa Soto - Oneco Elementary
Juana Valenzuela Sanchez - Palm View K-8
Debbie Hubbard - Palmetto Elementary
Erlinda Barrera - Palmetto High
Irma Lewis - Parrish Community High
Veronica Ramirez - Samoset Elementary
Gayle Ennis - Southeast High
Rebecca Arthur - Sugg Middle
Stephanie Burke - Williams Elementary
Cherri Dalton - Willis Elementary
During the conference, leaders also acknowledged employees with 25 years or more service.
We're grateful for their hard work and dedication to Manatee County schools, students and families.