MAYOR GIULIANI SALUTES BOARD OF EDUCATION SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE WORKERS
Deputy Mayor Ninfa Segarra today presented Mayoral Certificates of Appreciation to School Food Service workers for their dedication and valuable contributions to New York City's school children. Board of Education Deputy Chancellor Harry Spense joined Deputy Mayor Segarra during the recognition ceremony in the Public Hearing Chamber at City Hall.
"Our school food service workers are an important part of the whole school community," Mayor Giuliani said. "The school meals program is a critical factor in helping prepare the students for classroom learning. I salute the dedication of the men and women who serve more than 750,000 nutritious meals to students at over 1,400 sites in all five boroughs."
Deputy Mayor Segarra said, "These honorees have a history of outstanding performance that demonstrates their valuable contributions to the City's school children. This remarkable group of school employees shares several characteristics. They have devoted many years--most of them 20 to 30 years-- of loyal service and they care for our children in a very special way."
Commenting on the importance of proper nutrition and learning, Deputy Chancellor for Operations Spence said, "No one should underestimate the value of the school meals program to student achievement. An empty stomach makes the alphabet and algebra all the more difficult to comprehend. On the other hand, through the extraordinary efforts of individuals like today's honorees, our children are able to enjoy appetizing and nutritious meals so that they focus on learning in the classroom."
One School Food Service worker honored during the ceremony was Anna Oleksiuk, who has been serving school children for 27 years. Not only did Anna report to work during the big snow storm of 1996 to make sure that the children who attended school were fed hot meals, but on January 8, 1997, Anna successfully performed the Heimlich Maneuver on a young student who was choking on an apple chunk. Of the 35 school food service workers honored, 16 have served for over 20 years and 15 of the honorees have devoted over 30 years of loyal service.
Honorees were selected by the Office of School Food and Nutrition Services Borough Supervisor and Local 372 representatives. Selection was based on their individual record of dedication to school children and exemplary performance on the job.
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