Principals across the nation work every day with one thing in their minds: the success of their students. They understand that a child’s health and wellness is essential to their learning. For this reason, principals have always been a critical part of ending childhood hunger in America. Today, principals face an extraordinary set of challenges in the fallout of the pandemic. Learning gaps have grown, many students face additional social and emotional challenges, and staff shortages have impacted educators’ ability to address all the needs of their students.
This Principal Appreciation Month, we’re highlighting twenty-one Tennessee school leaders who, in the face of these immense obstacles, continue to work hand in hand with their school nutrition team to ensure kids have the food they need.
- Robin Bambrey, Hardy Elementary School, Hamilton County
- Stephanie Barnes, Stone Elementary School, Cumberland County
- Stephanie Blayde, East Junior High School, Fayette County
- Dr. Charles Farmer, Freedom Middle School, Franklin SSD
- Christy Graves, Middleton Elementary School, Hardeman County
- Dr. Tressy Halbrook, East Side Elementary School, Haywood County
- Phil Iannarone, Central High School, Hamilton County
- James Johnson, Star Academy Charter, STAR Academy
- Zandy Knox, Wartburg Central Elementary School, Morgan County
- Michelle Lewis, West Elementary School, Warren County
- Stacy Love, Oneida High School, Oneida SSD
- John Mann, George Whitten Elementary School, Sumner County
- Dr. Melissa Palk, Northeast Elementary School, Putnam County
- Dr. Rodney Peterson, Westside Middle School, Frayser Community Schools
- Paul Pillow, Trenton Rosenwald Middle School, Trenton SSD
- Jim Stone, Westwood Middle School, Manchester City
- Shawn Stookey, Waverly Central High School, Humphreys County
- Layne Talbott, Eastside Elementary School, Bedford County
- Shannon Taylor, Bargerton Elementary School, Henderson County
- Denise Webb, Bolivar Elementary School, Hardeman County
- Kristie Wilson, Camden Elementary School, Benton County
This month is a recognition of those leaders who are behind the scenes, making decisions to ensure all staff are safe, school meals are out the door and kids have the nutrition they need to do their best. As 1 in 8 kids in Tennessee could be living with hunger, we thank school principals who understand the importance of school meals.
Join us this Principal Appreciation Month by celebrating principals in your community who have helped champion school meals and student health.