THERESA JOHNSON
Terrie is a longtime resident of Wiscasset, Maine who attended the local schools growing up. After traveling with her military family, she returned to her hometown and finished raising her four children, two of whom also went through the Wiscasset School System. Terrie now has four grandchildren and two of them currently attend Wiscasset Middle High School.
In 2002, when her youngest son started kindergarten, Terrie began working for the school district as a substitute in the cafeteria kitchen. She appreciated this job because it allowed her to work while still being available for her young children by having the same schedule and summers off. Over 22 years, Terrie worked her way up to becoming the kitchen manager, a role that suits her organized nature and love of challenges.
Part of Terrie's job has evolved into working with students to create recipes that comply with federal nutrition regulations. The students not only designed menus, but also served the meals. When some students expressed concern about plastic waste, Terrie collaborated with them and their teacher to transition the cafeteria to using only reusable flatware and implement composting and recycling initiatives. She credits her supervisor, Lorie Johnson for giving her freedom and support to create these positive changes. It's commendable that Terrie is engaging students in the process of providing healthy meals while also being environmentally conscious. Her openness to student input and willingness to make sustainable changes is laudable. Having supportive leadership that empowers employees to innovate is also invaluable.
Terrie emphasizes getting the students involved and excited about sustainable practices, having them track waste data to apply math skills. While following mandated nutritional guidelines, she aims to make tasty meals incorporating items like dark greens, legumes, whole grains, and appropriate protein/bread/milk/fruit/veggie servings. Students can opt to leave or take unwanted items at a share table.
Terrie Johnson is truly a shining example of the warm, welcoming presence every student deserves in their school cafeteria. With her bright smile and cheerful demeanor, she creates an inviting atmosphere where students feel at home. Terrie and her co-workers go the extra mile to decorate the cafeteria space in a way that makes it appealing and comfortable for the children.
The Wiscasset School Department is incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated professional like Terrie working tirelessly to nourish the hungry students. However, her impact goes far beyond just providing meals. Terrie's loving, compassionate nature creates a nurturing environment that embraces all the young faces that enter her cafeteria each day. Her kindness and care for the students and staff is evident.
For her outstanding service, commitment to sustainability initiatives, and positive influence on countless students over her 22-year tenure, it is with great pleasure that Terrie Johnson is recognized as June's co-staff spotlight honoree. The Wiscasset schools community expresses their sincere gratitude to Terrie for all her incredible work fostering a healthy, inviting cafeteria experience for the district's children. Thank you, Terrie, for your tremendous contributions!
