Contact: Diane Pratt-Heavner, 703-576-7526, media@schoolnutrition.org
SNA Recognizes Recipients of National Employee, Manager and Director Awards
School Lunch Hero Day Celebrates Efforts of Nutrition Professionals Nationwide
ARLINGTON, VA – In celebration of School Lunch Hero Day (Friday, May 2), the national, non-profit School Nutrition Association (SNA) recognizes the tireless efforts of school nutrition professionals who ensure students across the country can benefit from healthy meals each school day.
An opportunity to recognize their year-round commitment, School Lunch Hero Day (SLHD) celebrates school nutrition professionals for the many positive impacts they make in their communities. From creating welcoming environments and serving culturally relevant meals to ensuring meal access for students in need and providing engaging nutrition education, their efforts are felt by students in cafeterias and communities nationwide.
“School nutrition professionals work tirelessly to ensure healthy school meals are available to nourish students and support their school community. We appreciate the chance to honor these unsung heroes, who often accomplish the goals of their program with very limited resources,” said Shannon Gleave, RD, SNS, School Nutrition Association President.
SNA has teamed up with Jarrett J. Krosoczka, author and illustrator of the popular LUNCH LADY graphic novel series, and Random House Children’s Books, to celebrate all of America’s school nutrition professionals.
School nutrition employees, managers and directors were nominated for awards at the state level, and those winners were considered for awards within seven regions across the country. Of those regional winners, the following were selected as SNA’s 2025 national award recipients:
Javontae (JJ) Johnson, Café Assistant for Coffee High School, in Coffee County, Georgia, has earned the national Employee of the Year award.
Johnson’s ability to inspire others and set a standard for excellence makes him an invaluable asset to the team. His outstanding customer service skills and welcoming, engaging personality have contributed to a 30% increase in student breakfast participation compared to the previous year. Johnson plays a key role in fostering school spirit by actively promoting and participating in special events, such as themed meal days, spirit week activities and schoolwide celebrations. His enthusiasm is contagious, motivating students and staff to engage, which in turn boosts participation in school meal programs.
Johnson is vital to the district’s summer meal service program at their central facility, where parents and children gather to pick up meals. He supported the success of the program while strengthening relationships within the community he serves. As an autistic individual, he brings a unique perspective and an unmatched dedication to his craft and works to foster a supportive and uplifting environment for both students and coworkers. His insights contributed to creating training that supports individuals with autism in the workplace, equipping staff with tools and strategies to replicate successful practices.
Debbie Lehne, Cafeteria Manager for Hanover Elementary School, in Meriden, Connecticut, has earned the national Manager of the Year award.
Lehne consistently provides outstanding service and will do whatever is needed to meet the diverse needs of the more than 500 students she serves daily. Within her school, 17% of students take part in a specialized autism program and Lehne delivers meals or provides additional support when needed. With 30% of students enrolled in a bilingual program, Lehne develops creative ways to communicate with all students to best meet their nutritional needs. Lehne also works closely with families and students with dietary restrictions to find suitable hot and cold lunch options.
An active, hands-on leader, she works alongside team members, taking on any task needed to keep operations running smoothly while prioritizing team building and development. She creates a workplace where others feel valued, capable and motivated to take on greater responsibilities.
Lehne advocates for her food service program during and after school hours and constantly seeks opportunities to engage with the community. She collaborated with the district’s Office of Food and Nutrition to film an informational commercial highlighting healthy menu items and food service initiatives. Lehne also participates in a local holiday parade, which brings students, families and community members together.
Jennifer Gordon, MPH, NDTR, SNS, Child Nutrition Director for Laveen Elementary School District, Arizona, has earned the national Director of the Year award.
Gordon is committed to nutrition and education, fostering opportunities for students to get involved through taste tests and surveys, nutrition education in the classroom and hands-on opportunities in the kitchen. She was instrumental in securing free school meals district-wide through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).
Gordon worked to implement the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program at five of the district’s nine schools to increase students’ exposure to a variety of fresh produce. She secured nearly $100,000 in grants to pay for equipment and culinary training for staff to develop scratch and quick-scratch recipes. She incorporated a clean label initiative as part of this effort, focused on providing fresh, high-quality meals for all students. Training has empowered staff to confidently execute new skills, such as vegetable roasting techniques or utilizing immersion blenders and induction burners to successfully implement recipes.
Gordon is very active within the community and ensures her department is well-represented at school and community events. She assists in setting up informational booths at welcome back events, open houses and meet the teacher nights and engages with parents to answer questions.
SNA is also recognizing these regional award winners:
Employee of the Year:
Mid-Atlantic: Linda Harris, Seaford School District, DE
Midwest: Barbi King, Centennial School District, ISD #12, MN
Mountain Plains: Karen Atherton, Raytown School District, MO
Northeast: Cheyenne Trynor, Windham Raymond RSU #14, ME
Southeast: Javontae (JJ) Johnson, Coffee County School District, GA (National Winner)
Southwest: Lavette Hutchinson, Gilbert Public Schools, AZ
Western: Elvia Flores, West Jefferson School District #253, ID
Manager of the Year:
Mid-Atlantic: Shedrece Woods, Woodbridge School District, DE
Midwest: Melanie Peebler, Fairfield Community School District, IA
Mountain Plains: Melissa Dockter, Jamestown Public School District #1, ND
Northeast: Debbie Lehne, Meriden Public Schools, CT (National Winner)
Southeast: Evelyn (Marie) Kyle, Hamblen County, TN
Southwest: Pamela Sosa, Gilbert Public Schools, AZ
Western: Angelica Recinos, Perris Elementary School District, CA
Director of the Year:
Mid-Atlantic: Dr. Eric Coleman, Alexandria City Public Schools, VA
Midwest: Megan Grippa, Lebanon City Schools, OH
Northeast: Lauren Crowley, SNS, Litchfield School District, NH
Southeast: Toni Jackson, Trimble County Schools, KY
Southwest: Jennifer Gordon, MPH, NDTR, SNS, Laveen School District, AZ (National Winner)
Western: Kimberly Leung, Tigard-Tualatin School District, OR
On April 30, the accomplishments of all this year’s SNA award winners were recognized during an online awards ceremony. Regional award winners will be profiled on SNA’s Instagram (@PowerofSchoolMeals), Facebook (@SchoolNutritionAssociation) and (@TrayTalk), and on TrayTalk.org around School Lunch Hero Day. SNA award winners will also receive recognition in School Nutrition magazine, SNA e-newsletters, on schoolnutrition.org and at SNA’s Annual National Conference in San Antonio, TX, in July.
About School Nutrition Association:
The School Nutrition Association (SNA) is a national, non-profit professional organization representing 50,000 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.
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