Principals are champions for students, and they are leading the way to address childhood hunger for children in their schools across the Alabama. That’s why we’re celebrating National Principal Month by spotlighting the amazing principals who make sure kids get the nutrition they need to succeed.
This October, we heard from school nutrition directors, school nutrition managers, and teachers across Alabama about principals that go the extra mile for school meals.
Byron Fair, Gordo Elementary
“Mr. Fair always go above and beyond to assist in the cafeteria. He sweeps, clean tables, and any other tasks that are needed. He always has a friendly smile. Most importantly, he always promote any activities that CNP sponsor,” says Carmen Burton, school nutrition director.
Why did you nominate this principal?
Mr. Fair announces the menus daily. He’s always in the cafeteria encouraging the students to eat and participate in the activities for NSBW and NSLW.
Marcia Stephens, Airport Road Intermediate School
“Marcia Stephens supports her manager and cafe staff 100 percent in everything they do. She is frequently heard having conversations in the hallways, asking students what they had for lunch and they will offer their suggestions of what she should have,” says Cacyce Davis, school nutrition director.
Why did you nominate this principal?
Marcia Stephens loves to excite and motivate her students in everything they do and this includes eating school lunch.
Whether she is dressing up in a pirate costume during National School Lunch week or helping coordinate a taste sampling event, she is willing to help in any way asked. When we have special visitor days such as Grandparent’s Day or Thanksgiving, where we serve as many visitors as we have students, Mrs. Stephens gets the entire school staff involved.
She will make pre-order forms, send them out and make meal tickets. On the special days, she has staff ensure that only the guests with tickets are in the meal line and then has someone collect the tickets. She also has staff to make drinks, collect trash, and anything else I might need. Together Mrs. Stephens and the CNP work very well together to make sure every student is offered a delicious and nutritious meal every day.
Sean Kreauter, Holtville High School
Holtville High School’s CNP manager states that “Sean Kreauter supports everything we do. He eats our lunch, he takes the garbage out. He has helped to serve on the food truck and assisted serving on our line. He makes every effort to promote the students to check.”
Why did you nominate this principal?
“Sean Kreauter comes into the cafe daily to ensure CNP staff are good and check if they need anything. He helped serve during summer feeding without being asked.
He is humble, always respectful and loves these kids like we do. Sean Kreauter has not missed any opportunities to advertise or announce anything we do in our cafeteria. He has gone above and beyond daily since his first day here at HHS to make all our meals a success,” states Cacyce Davis, school nutrition director
Cory Eckstein, Redland Elementary School
Connie Hatcher, a CNP Manager, states “Mr. Eckstein consistently goes above and beyond to support our school’s Child Nutrition Program. Whether it’s rolling up his sleeves and stepping into the lunchroom to help serve food when needed, or acting as a strong liaison between the program and our teachers, he’s always ready to help wherever he’s needed.”
Why did you nominate this principal?
“Mr. Eckstein excels at ensuring clear communication between the Child Nutrition Program and the teaching staff, making sure everyone is on the same page to get things done effectively. In addition to his hands-on approach, Mr. Eckstein is also a vocal advocate for the Child Nutrition Program.
He promotes it publicly by doing fun and engaging food reviews, which not only informs but encourages the school community to support the program. His genuine involvement and enthusiasm are just some of the reasons why he truly deserves this nomination,” says Cacyce Davis, school nutrition director.