KATIE BRYANT
Hailing from Wiscasset, Maine, Katie is a lifelong resident who attended local schools and graduated from Wiscasset High School, following the path of her mother, Joan Reed, who dedicated years to working in the school kitchens until retiring from Wiscasset Middle High School (WMHS). Three decades ago, Katie embarked on her culinary journey as a substitute in the school kitchens, starting with dishwashing responsibilities. Through a natural progression, as colleagues retired, Katie took on increasing responsibilities, eventually rising to the position of Kitchen Manager at WMHS, crediting her former co-workers for their invaluable guidance.
Now a married mother of two grown sons and a doting grandmother to Emmett, Katie initially pursued substitute work to balance her commitment to her young children's lives without the need for childcare. This arrangement allowed her to work during school hours while her boys attended classes, creating an ideal win-win situation for her family.
While Katie treasures her interactions with students as the most fulfilling aspect of her role, she also values the schedule's flexibility, including the bonus of summers off. However, she notes the evolution of permissible food offerings over time, with a significant reduction in homemade meals due to changing regulations governing portion sizes, mandated inclusion of whole grains, and time constraints that limit opportunities for homemade baking despite her preference.
Regarding potential hunger issues among older students, Katie hasn't witnessed a significant problem, but she promptly notifies the principal in the infrequent instances where she suspects a concern, ensuring appropriate action is taken to address the situation.
To maintain her expertise, Katie participates in annual trainings, has earned college credits from Bowdoin College, and remains well-versed in government regulations. Her responsibilities encompass creating menus, ordering food supplies, and overseeing seamless kitchen operations. She acknowledges the invaluable support of her staff and commends her boss, Lorie Johnson, for being an excellent supervisor.
Katie's welcoming attitude towards all staff and students who enter the WMHS cafeteria has proven her to be an asset to the School Department, thanks to her culinary knowledge and exceptional interpersonal skills. We are pleased to announce that Katie has been chosen as June's co-staff spotlight in recognition of her outstanding contributions. Congratulations and thank you, Katie, for all you do!