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Robert E. Sanders Executive Vice President Opaa! Food Management, Inc. 636-812-0777 x180

For Release 9:00 AM CDT May 14, 2003

Opaa! Food Management announced that Nixa food service employee Connie Whaley has been selected as the recipient of its Employee of the Year Award for the 2002-03 school year. Whaley was presented the award during an all staff meeting on May 14, 2003, by Opaa! President Kevin Short, Executive Vice President Robert Sanders, Director of Operations Sheila Middleton and Regional Director of Operations Robin Paulson.

Whaley was selected for this award from among Opaa!'s 800 employees throughout the State of Missouri. Whaley began working for Opaa! in October, 2001 as a cook at Century Elementary and was promoted to the head cook position at Century the following year. Jami Stine, Director of Nutrition Services for the Nixa School District, states that Connie's ideas for her kitchen have followed perfectly Opaa!'s mission to "Make Their Day". The Employee of the Year selection process included written nominations from fellow employees detailing outstanding job performance, demonstrated leadership and initiative, and a genuine commitment to customer service.

In making the announcement, Director of Operations Sheila Middleton elaborated on Whaley's leadership qualities, how her kitchen is always beautifully decorated and how the other employees love to work with her. One of her co-workers stated: "This is a great kitchen to work in - everyone helps everyone else and because of the great atmosphere in the kitchen everyone is happy…teachers, students, parents and staff." Stine said "Not only does Whaley make sure the food she serves daily is the best that it can be, she also works with the teachers and principal in every way possible, from fixing sack lunches for field trips and special lunch days to cooking a 'Culture Awareness' meal to introduce students to foods from other cultures."

A number of family members were on hand to surprise Whaley, including daughter Dawne Gardner, husband Richard Whaley and father Charles George. Two other children, Chris Johnson and Duane Whaley were unable to attend. Whaley is the proud grandmother to five grandsons and one granddaughter. Also present to share in this special day were Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Steven Klinesmith and Century Elementary Principal, Pam Holmes. Whaley shared with pride that she and her husband celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary last month.

Whaley indicated that in her spare time she enjoys keeping her grandchildren while squeezing in attending craft shows. She enjoys doing "crafty stuff" for the church and will be going on a mission trip to Mexico this October to help build a church there.

When asked about her award, Whaley was quick to give credit to her staff. "They are super and they all pitch in. We work well together and have a good time in the process." A bit surprised at her award, Whaley stated that "you don't usually get recognized for having fun".

Opaa! Food Management, Inc., is based in Ellisville, Missouri, and currently provides nutrition services to 43 Missouri school districts. Opaa! has been providing services to the Nixa School District since 1995.

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