Principals across California and the United States understand that ensuring kids have three meals a day is essential to their health, well-being and ability to learn.
As part of National Principals Month, we’re uplifting innovative school leaders who have championed school meals programs like breakfast after the bell, so every student can start the day with a nourishing breakfast.
Meet this year’s honorees who have taken extraordinary steps to nourish their scholars.
Principal Jessica Morrow
John F. Kennedy Elementary School
Desert Sands Unified School District
We are honored to recognize Principal Morrow for her exceptional leadership and commitment to her students at Kennedy Elementary School. Understanding the importance of healthy meals, she successfully implemented the breakfast in the classroom (BIC) program, making her school the first in the district to adopt this initiative. This transformative program has resulted in a remarkable 300% increase in daily meal participation, addressing students’ nutritional needs. By fostering collaboration among teachers and custodians, Principal Morrow has highlighted the critical role of breakfast in student success, leading to improved engagement and reduced negative behaviors. Her dedication and vision have made this program a model for other schools.
You can watch a recent NBC Palm Springs clip of Kennedy Elementary’s BIC program.
Principal Jessica Miller, Ed.D.
Oasis Elementary School
Morongo Unified School District
We are proud to honor Principal Miller for her exceptional leadership and dedication to student nutrition. Through the implementation of the breakfast in the classroom (BIC) program, she has proactively addressed childhood hunger, ensuring that every child has access to a healthy breakfast. Her passion for nourishing children has greatly benefited her students and the entire school community. In addition to BIC, Principal Miller introduced a fresh fruit and vegetable program, further showcasing her commitment to nutritious food options. Her ability to inspire staff and colleagues to prioritize nutrition and health, along with her tireless efforts in combating childhood hunger, has made a lasting impact on her students’ lives.
Principal James Powell
Morongo Valley Elementary School
Morongo Unified School District
We are honored to recognize Principal Powell for his exceptional leadership and commitment to the students at Morongo Valley Elementary School. He championed the Breakfast in the Classroom (BIC) initiative for the 2024-2025 school year, motivating teachers to adopt this vital program despite initial concerns. His ability to foster collaboration and create a supportive environment showcases his outstanding leadership qualities. The results of his efforts are evident, with a remarkable 95.5% increase in student participation in breakfast during the first 10 days of school compared to the previous year. This significant boost highlights the impact of proper nutrition on student outcomes and reflects Principal Powell’s dedication to ensuring every child has access to a healthy start each day.
Principal Karla Guzman
Georgia F. Morris Elementary School
Rialto Unified School District
We are thrilled to honor Principal Guzman for her pivotal role in implementing the breakfast in the classroom (BIC) program, which ensures that all students start their day with a nutritious meal, promoting academic success and personal growth. Her proactive leadership demonstrates a deep understanding of the link between nutrition and student performance, significantly reducing food insecurity in the Rialto student population and fostering a more inclusive learning environment. Principal Guzman also promotes collaboration by inviting neighboring school districts to observe her program’s success, reflecting her compassion and commitment to making a meaningful difference for children and families facing hardships. Her tireless dedication and heartfelt empathy make every student and family feel valued and supported.
Principal Jenny Ujiie
James Denman Middle School
San Francisco Unified School District
We are proud to honor Principal Ujiie for her exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to enhancing the school’s nutrition program. Her successful initiatives, like Breakfast in the Classroom (BIC) and the pin pad system for school lunches, showcase her ability to implement effective changes and maintain program compliance. By collaborating closely with her assistant principals, she has secured essential administrative support and staffing, underscoring her dedication to prioritizing student nutrition and addressing hunger within the school.
Assistant Principal Tricia Land
James Denman Middle School
San Francisco Unified School District
We are honored to recognize Assistant Principal Land. She has played a vital role in enhancing the school’s dining experience through her attentive leadership. She actively gathers feedback from students and staff to inform decisions that enrich the overall program. Her proactive approach and strong organizational skills have resulted in significant improvements that align with the community’s preferences. Assistant Principal Land’s collaborative nature and focus on results have made a meaningful impact in the lives of students at Denman Middle School.
Ways You Can Help
You can ensure kids have the nutrition they need to thrive in and out of the classroom and reach their full potential in a variety of ways:
- Donate. $1 can help provide 10 meals* for kids. Your support will help us fund meal programs all over the country and help us advocate for policies that will help kids get the meals they need.” *Donations help support programs that feed kids; No Kid Hungry does not provide individual meals. Learn more at NoKidHungry.org/OneDollar
- Speak up for kids. Reach out to your elected officials and ask them to do more to end childhood hunger. Tell your lawmaker to advocate for policies that will help kids get the meals they need.
By Tommy Le
Last reviewed: October 23, 2024