More than 50 years ago, during the John F. Kennedy administration, Congress, by joint resolution, designated the week beginning on the second Sunday in October each year as “National School Lunch Week,” and to celebrate that upcoming special day next Sunday, the Board would like to honor an employee in our school system who dedicates her career to healthy nutrition in the school house.
Cory Talbot, Food Service Manager at Glen Burnie High School, is an exceptional employee and an incredible asset to her school. Last year, in response to an initiative of State Superintendent Lowery’s “Maryland Breakfast Program,” Cory assisted the school in implementing the “Second Chance Breakfast” program. Before initiating the program, the school served an average of 132 students for breakfast. With the addition of the program, the number jumped to approximately 395 students when combining totals from breakfast served before school and during second chance breakfast. That is a significant increase in the total amount of breakfasts served. In addition, of the total amount of students served, an average of 76% of those students receive free or reduced lunch.
The impact of the program is remarkable. Due to Cory’s innovative thinking, Glen Burnie can now ensure that all students have access to a healthy breakfast, which research shows helps to fuel the mind for academic success.
Cory has promoted many other positive changes within the school. Examples of her leadership and hard work include: creating a rotating schedule of health conscious menus, a delivery option for staff members to pre-order lunch, student surveys to include a student voice in lunch options, portable kiosks around campus, and a reduction of prices on a la carte items to offer inexpensive alternatives for students. Cory has changed the perception of the typical food manager to a school staff member who is fully integrated within the school community. Moreover, she is a leader who has helped an entire school understand the importance of eradicating hunger one student at a time.
Cory’s contributions to Glen Burnie High School are countless and so worthy of acknowledgement. She is a consummate professional and treats all staff members and students with the utmost respect. Cory Talbot – you epitomize all that is expected in an Anne Arundel County Public Schools employee. The relationships you have developed with all of your colleagues have helped you earn the deep respect that others have for all your hard work that goes into managing food services. So for these reasons and more, the Board of Education is pleased to recognize you Employee of the Month for October 2015.