Chelmsford High School Employee Receives Regional Recognition

The national, non-profit School Nutrition Association (SNA) has named Leah Perry, School Nutrition Employee at Chelmsford High School, MA, the Northeast regional Employee of the Year. The award recognizes the valuable contribution of school nutrition employees, ones who exhibit a remarkable commitment to both their school meal program and the students they serve.

Leah Perry has been described as the “anchor” of her department, instrumental in creating a welcoming atmosphere for her district’s high school students and fellow staff members. She helped create the popular Snack Shack Room, where she played music, dressed up for special school spirit days and customized options from student feedback. She made such an impact on students that many requested to have their photo taken with Perry at the end of their senior year.

Perry is described as an ultimate team player, often filling in at other schools to assist in the kitchen, work in the back office or help transport meals. When the district decided to expand the satellite breakfast program, Perry was instrumental in the planning to help eliminate travel and production challenges. Her suggestions on travel routes and delivery schedules helped reduce time spent on the road, providing additional time for food preparation.

Continued education has been an important aspect of her role over the past 15 years. She attends local SNA chapter meetings, received the SNA certification and attends conferences and training sessions when available. Perry filled in for a manager out on extended leave, rising to the occasion and demonstrating impressive leadership skills.

“Through her hard work, dedication and enthusiasm, it’s clear that Leah Perry is truly dedicated to child nutrition,” said SNA President Gay Anderson. “She continues to go above and beyond her food service duties, helping to create a healthy and happy environment for her students and fellow staff members.”

The Employee of the Year Award was created to recognize outstanding school nutrition employees who influence the quality of school meals through customer service, an interest in young people, cooperation, work attendance, creativity, participation in professional development and their willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty.

On July 14, 2019, Perry will be honored during the Red Carpet Awards Ceremony at the School Nutrition Association’s 73rd Annual National Conference in St. Louis, MO.

About School Nutrition Association:

The School Nutrition Association (SNA) is a national, non-profit professional organization representing 58,000 school nutrition professionals across the country. Founded in 1946, SNA and its members are dedicated to making healthy school meals and nutrition education available to all students. For more information on school meals, visit www.SchoolNutrition.org/SchoolMeals.