Principal Appreciation Month may be over, but we know that principals play a critical role year round in getting kids the food they need to succeed. Last month, No Kid Hungry recognized twenty-one Tennessee principals who go above and beyond to ensure the whole child is supported. School Nutrition Directors across the state nominated these local champions to be recognized as Hunger Heroes.
Dr. Rodney Peterson of Westside Middle School (Frayser Community Schools) and Zandy Knox of Wartburg Central Elementary School (Morgan County Schools) were two of the principals receiving Hunger Hero Awards last month. Dr. Peterson was nominated by LaTisha Warren, School Nutrition Director for Frayser Community Schools, and Principal Knox was nominated by Peggy Hamby, School Nutrition Director for Morgan County Schools.
Principal Stephanie Barnes of Stone Elementary School (Cumberland County Schools) was honored last month in a surprise ceremony, pictured at right with the school nutrition team. Principal Barnes was nominated by Kathy Hamby, Cumberland County School Nutrition Director.
“In order for students to be the best they can be and achieve all we ask of them, we must educate the whole child, which includes nutrition, mental health, physical health, and overall well-being.”
–Principal Stephanie Barnes, Stone ES
Marissa Spady, Senior Manager for No Kid Hungry Tennessee, also visited West Elementary School (Warren County Schools) to recognize Principal Michelle Lewis. Principal Lewis was nominated by Warren County School Nutrition Director, Faye Taylor.
Ms. Spady was joined on her school visits by the reigning Miss Tennessee, Lauren Dickson. Ms. Dickson helped serve lunch at Riverside Elementary School (Maury County Schools) during National School Lunch Week. No Kid Hungry Tennessee has partnered with Ms. Dickson to promote school meals through her social impact initiative, “Heart for the Hungry: Overcoming Food Insecurity.”
No Kid Hungry Tennessee celebrates all the principals and educators making decisions to ensure 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, support their school nutrition teams, and champion student health.
