Seneca Valley recognizes cafeteria manager as ‘All-Star’
JACKSON TWP — Kelly Bommer, a cafeteria manager at Haine Elementary and Middle School, was recognized by the Seneca Valley school board at its meeting Monday, March 11.
Bommer, whose son is a graduate of Seneca Valley and has served the district for nearly 19 years, was joined by a group of administrators and co-workers and presented with the All-Star Award.
“It was the perfect mom job when my son was in school,” Bommer told the school board. “But he’s coming up on his 10-year class reunion and I’m still here. Working in the cafeteria has been very rewarding in countless ways.”
She commended the teamwork of the staff, who she called a “work family.”
Nolen Fetchko, food services director, spoke about Bommer. He said when Bommer learned a coworker was studying for the American citizenship exam, she printed out civics questions and study materials to assist in the process.
Board members noted Bommer is known by students — and their own children — for her kindness.
“Being a lunch lady, you develop strong relationships with the students,” Bommer said. “The smiles on their faces when they tell you about their day — absolutely priceless. Going to the store and seeing one of your old students turn around and say, ‘ Hey! You were my lunch lady,’ brightens my day still.”
Superintendent Tracy Vitale said Bommer reminded her of the “lunch ladies” when she was a child, and noted cafeteria workers were some of the first adults in the school who made her feel heard as a student.
“This is long overdue for (Bommer),” said board member Leslie Bredl. “I know my youngest, he would always say, ‘I want to be in Ms. Bommer’s line for lunch, because she’s the nicest.’ So it just means a lot and you are always there.”
