Opaa! Food Management announced that Smithville R-II School District food service employee, Vicky Moore, has been selected as the recipient of its Employee of the Year Award for the 2007-08 school year. Vicky was presented the award at a surprise reception and all-student assembly on May 9, 2008, by Opaa! President Kevin Short, Opaa! Executive Vice President Robert Sanders, Vice President for Operations Sheila Middleton, and Regional Director of Operations Louis Thorpe.
Vicky was selected for this award from among Opaa!'s 1,400 employees throughout the State of Missouri. Vicky has worked in the food service department in Smithville for a total of 20 years and has been with Opaa! Food Management the past 6 of those years. Vicky serves as the kitchen manager at Smithville Elementary School. In introducing Vicky as this year's winner, Vice President for Operations, Sheila Middleton, described Vicky as having constistently gone above and beyond expectations to provide service to the students and staff at her school.
Wayne Krueger, Assistant Superintendent of School in Smithville, indicated that Vicky is a most deserving employee due to her dedication and commitment to students and staff. "She is someone who loves every single child who comes into the cafeteria and always calls them by name. The teachers and administrators appreciate all the extra touches that Vicky provides for them as well."
Executive Vice President Robert Sanders began the meeting by describing the Employee of the Year selection process and how it included written nominations from fellow employees with details of outstanding job performance, demonstrated leadership and initiative, and a genuine commitment to customer service. Sanders noted the significance of the award since it comes from nominations by her peer group.
In addition to the awards presented by Opaa! Food Management representatives, Principal Bethany Englebrecht presented Vicky a sash and tiera by made by members of the Elementary School staff along with numerous cards and gifts to mark the occasion.
The surprise was complete as Vicky thought that the Opaa! officials were in the district to recognize another employee. When asked for her reaction, Vicky talked about how she couldn't believe it. "I was totally shocked. I'm often asked about my children and I always respond that I have one biological child, but over 400 children." As to her innovative ideas, she said that "I come up with a lot of crazy ideas, Julie Worden, Director of Nutrition Services, gives me the materials to work with, and my food service team then carry out the ideas".
Vicky and her husband Don live in Smithville and Vicky describes herself as a life-long resident and graduate of the Smithville School District. Don and Vicky have a son, D.J. who lives in Columbia, Missouri. When not working in the kitchen, Vicky joins Don in their hobby of raising quarterhorses.
Opaa! Food Management, Inc., is based in Chesterfield, Missouri, and currently provides nutrition services to 65 Missouri school districts. Opaa! has been providing services to the Smithville R-II School District since 2002.
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