When families think about a school lunch program, they usually focus on the food — what’s being served, where it comes from, and whether students enjoy it. But behind every lunch that’s delivered, distributed, and eaten on time is a group of school staff members whose work often goes unnoticed.
Front office teams, librarians, custodians, counselors, and other non-teaching staff play a vital role in keeping the school day running smoothly. When lunch goes well, it’s often because these individuals help manage logistics, communicate with families, and support students throughout the day.
At LunchLink, we work closely with private schools and see firsthand how much these staff members contribute to a successful lunch program. Their organization, flexibility, and care make it possible for schools to offer a structured, predictable lunch experience without disruption.
That’s why each year we invite schools in our program to nominate a **School Staff Member of the Year** — someone whose behind-the-scenes efforts make a meaningful difference for students and families. We received many nominations this year, and weren’t able to select just one winner, so we picked three! Congratulations to
Name: Mrs. Deaven Jackson
School: St. Pius X School
Role: Office Manager
Name: Karley Leclerc
School: Leadership Prep School – Teel Elementary
Role: School Nurse
Name: Miles Gillette
School: Holy Trinity School
Role: P.E. teacher
Why they were selected:
These amazing staff members were all nominated by their communities because of their deep, personal commitment to forming relationships with students and families.
These staff members are often the first point of contact when a lunch delivery arrives, a question comes up, or a student needs help. Their calm problem-solving and attention to detail help ensure that lunch remains a positive part of the school day.
For private schools, a reliable lunch program isn’t just about food delivery — it’s about coordination, trust, and teamwork. Recognizing the people who support that process is one small way to acknowledge how much they do.
As we begin the new year, we’re proud to recognize the school staff members who quietly keep things running and grateful to partner with schools that value their contributions.