Feeding success: Kitchen manager honored for efforts

CHARLESTON, Mo. - Catrina Woodworth has the recipe to please an elementary student. Start with a big portion of enthusiasm for working with children, add a team filled with hardworking kitchen assistants, blend in a great big smile, put in a pinch of diversity and top it off with 750 homemade rolls. The yield is some 800 meals happily gobbled up daily by students at Warren E. Hearnes Elementary.

Plus it is a prize-winning recipe. Wednesday, Woodworth was named the Kitchen Manager of the Year by OPAA, the district's food service vendor.

Assistant Principal Tammy Brock was one of "a bunch of staff members," who nominated Woodworth for the honor. Brock, who was dressed in a T-shirt and suspenders to take part in a special event - "Throwed-Roll Day" - planned by Woodworth, explained such special occasions are just part of the reasons for the nomination.

"She is always coming up with something to make mealtime fun for the kids," said Brock. The assistant principal noted that Woodworth also stresses quality both with the food and the service for the youngsters. "She wants to do what's best for the kids."

Steve Strup, regional director of operations for OPAA, said Woodworth was one of 30 kitchen managers from 12 school districts in the Southeast region, nominated. He called her an obvious choice for the honor.

"I think since we have been in this district, she is the best kitchen manager we have had in place here," Strup said. "Everything runs smoothly, the kids are involved and the quality of food is so good."

"She represents the OPAA motto, which is to make their day. She tends to make the day for these students," added Tina Gantner, director of Nutritional Services for the Charleston School District.

Surprised and admittedly overwhelmed by the honor, Woodworth received flowers, a framed certificate and a monetary prize. She also was placed in contention for the honor by OPAA on a national level.

Woodworth said she works to keep things interesting for the students. In addition to hosting her first "Throwed-Roll Day" on Wednesday, she and her team of eight have grilled hotdogs outside for students and on field trips will offer box lunches featuring up to six choices. On May 19, parents are invited to join their children for a cookout as part of play day at the school.

"I love working here and working around kids," Woodworth said about her job.

Like every good cook, she has a few secrets. First, she praised her staff. Second, she said, is a second grader and his friends, who offer advice on menus and special events.

Her efforts - along with the rolls and students' favorite entree of a chicken patty - earned her cheers Wednesday from the cafeteria filled with youngsters.

Fifth graders Madyson McDermott and Braxton Housman agreed the food is good.

Madyson said she likes the fun things offered through the cafeteria from the special days to the special options. The chicken patty is her favorite thing to eat, she added.

As for his favorite meal served by Woodworth and the staff, Braxton volunteered, "Breakfast and lunch."