Opaa! Food Management announced that Maryville R-II School District food service employee, Stephanie Shields, has been selected as the recipient of its Employee of the Year Award for the 2008-09 school year. Stephanie was presented the award at a surprise reception bestowing her with honors on May 4, 2009, by Opaa! President Kevin Short, Opaa! Executive Vice President Robert Sanders, Chief Operating Officer Scott Hoffmann, Vice President for Operations Sheila Middleton, Director of Development Linda Jones, Business Development Associate Greg Frost and Regional Director of Operations Louis Thorpe.
Stephanie was selected for this award from among Opaa!'s 1,400 employees throughout the State of Missouri. Stephanie has worked in the food service department of the Maryville R-II School District for over 5 years and has been with Opaa! Food Management the past 2 years. Stephanie has held various positions within the department such as, panned food items, baker and kitchen manager. In introducing Stephanie as this year's winner, Vice President for Operations, Sheila Middleton said that "Stephanie had received nominations from co-workers, students, administration and teachers. Her kitchen is described as a 'wow' kitchen. Stephanie made an effort to really listen to the students and staff at Maryville. She not only listens, but takes their needs to heart by implementing new ideas to make a better. She implemented a weekly staff breakfast special and bi-weekly staff lunch specials and through her efforts has doubled the adult lunch participation. Teachers that have never participated in the breakfast and lunch program now eat everyday. As a student participation builder, she implemented 'Dawg Bone' biscuits on Fridays to support the students as they relate to their unique mascot, the Spoofhounds. Stephanie participated in an organized effort to give rides to a High School student who had been walking to work during the winter months. In her written nominations, Stephanie was described as a perfect example of the Opaa! Food Management mission…'Make Their Day'. Stephanie always has a smile on her face and a great attitude. Everyone enjoys seeing her in the kitchen and on the serving line."
Dr. Vicki Miller, Superintendent of School, John Zeliff, Assistant Superintendent, Jason Eggers, High School Principal, and Thomas Alvaraz, Assistant Principal all joined in the celebration.
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, High School Principal, Jason Eggers, presented Stephanie with a gift certificate, Regional Director of Operations, Louis Thorpe and Director of Nutrition Services, Amber Volner gave her plant and a gift certificate along with the numerous cards and gifts to mark the occasion.
The reception was a surprise for Stephanie and when asked for her reaction, she said "I wouldn't have received this award without the help of my wonderful staff. They work long and hard to "Make The Day" for each person who comes to the Spoofhound Café.
Stephanie and her husband Don live in Maryville with their two sons Dakota 11 and Derrick 9. Some of her hobbies are quilting, reading, working in her flower garden, volunteering at her church and chauffeuring her busy boys.
Opaa! Food Management, Inc., is based in Chesterfield, Missouri, and currently provides nutrition services to 69 Missouri school districts. Opaa! has been providing services to the Maryville R-II School District since 2005.
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