Houston County school staffer wins regional award

The national, non-profit School Nutrition Association has awarded Shanta Lawson from Perdue Primary School in Houston County Schools, GA, the Southeast regional Employee of the Year Award, which recognizes the valuable contribution of school nutrition employees who exhibit a remarkable commitment to the school meal program and the students they serve.

Lawson, affectionately known as “Mrs. Tae Tae”, has become a fixture in the cafeteria at Perdue Primary, standing her post at the cash register for breakfast and lunch. In past years, she has dressed up for Dr. Seuss’ birthday and transformed the cafeteria into an Italian restaurant, complete with dimmed lights and music, for the November Italian Feast. Lawson holds cooking classes to teach students about the importance of good nutrition and encourage them to try new foods.

The Employee of the Year Award was created to recognize outstanding school nutrition employees who influence the quality of school meals through customer service, an interest in young people, cooperation, work attendance, creativity, participation in professional development and their willingness to go above and beyond.

This story was originally published April 28, 2016 at 5:09 PM.