At its annual 2009 Summer Retreat held July15-17, Sheila Frost, Vice President of
Operations for Opaa! Food Management announced Julie Worden, Opaa!’s Director of Nutrition
Services for the Smithville R-II School District, as the recipient of the “Whatever It Takes
Award” which was established by Opaa! in 2002. In making the announcement, Frost stated
that this award was created to recognize the extraordinary efforts of an individual who embodies
the "vision" of Opaa! It is given to a person who demonstrates commitment to the mission
statement of Opaa! Food Management which is “Make Their Day.” The annual award is given to
the Opaa! employee who displays service or knowledge that exceeds the expectations of the
customer, is an outstanding and consistent high-level performer, provides suggestions and
implements imaginative or creative solutions, shows leadership and initiative, and demonstrates
responsiveness to changing program requirements.
In presenting the award, Frost stated that, “Julie started her work with Opaa! through
wellness training for the Regional Directors of Operations group in preparation for the
development of Opaa!’s Wellness Policy. She introduced us to yoga and we found out it’s not as
easy as it looks on television. We learned the importance of taking a walk each day and learned
you really can acquire a taste for veggie sausage if you just give it a chance.” Frost went on to
say that, “at every wellness meeting, Julie gave us a little speech which went ‘take a walk, drink
plenty of water, get plenty of rest, limit sugar, limit caffeine, eat your fruits and vegetables, and
always remember the ten things you love about yourself.’” Frost added, “a few months after Julie
joined us at our wellness policy meetings, a Director of Nutrition Services position became
available and Julie officially joined the Opaa! family. This became an opportunity for Julie to
bring her passion for health and nutrition to students so she jumped in with both feet,
experimenting with one new idea after another. Participation began to rise and the program
continued to expand and grow.” Frost ended by saying, “All of these kind words and thoughts
truly describe Julie’s true passion for what she does every day and the students she serves.”
After the surprise of the moment settled in, Julie said of the award, “I was surprised that I
was the recipient of the ‘Whatever It Takes’ award this year. We have so many dedicated and
hard-working people that lead this company to success everyday, and I am truly honored.” Julie
went onto to say, “I am so proud of our team in the Smithville School District and what we’ve
accomplished over the past two years. It’s been an incredible journey for all of us and we’ve all
worked hard to make the Smithville School District nutrition program successful.” She
continued to say, “I enjoy working for the school and for Opaa! and I know that we make a
difference everyday and my love of nutrition and health drives me to want to do the best
everyday for the staff and students in the Smithville School District.” She ended by saying to
others, “Have a plan, see it through, and don’t let anything stand in your way.”
Julie and her husband Brian live in Kansas City and have a son Burl, age 11 and a
daughter, Amanda, age 10 and a black Lab named Rase.
For several years, Opaa! was privileged to have the opportunity to work with a
motivational speaker and coach, Carol Rogers-Sealy. "Whatever It Takes" was her philosophy
of life and because of her impact on Opaa! Food Management, this award was named after her
philosophy.
Opaa! Food Management, Inc., is based in Chesterfield, Missouri, and is entering its 31st
year of service. Opaa! currently operates the nutrition programs for 67 Missouri school districts
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