Whitley County Consolidated Schools

When most people think about school cafeteria staff, they might imagine simple food service. At Whitley County Consolidated Schools, our food service team is so much more than just lunch ladies– they're true everyday eagles who serve well beyond their job descriptions.

Every single day, these dedicated professionals tackle an incredible challenge: feeding nearly 4,000 students across our district with precision, care, and remarkable efficiency. Their work is a complex dance of nutrition, timing, and teamwork that most students and parents never fully see.

Imagine preparing and serving hundreds of meals with less than 20 minutes between lunch groups. It's like running a high-speed culinary marathon multiple times each day. These staff members are lifting heavy boxes, managing complex dietary requirements, ensuring food safety, maintaining clean spaces, and creating balanced meals that fuel our students' learning and growth.

"While they are serving breakfast or lunch for the day, I’m at least two weeks ahead of schedule ordering food, planning space in the fridge, and those things that make our kitchen run smoothly,” said Cheryl Ottinger, Little Turtle Elementary School Food Service Manager. 

They're not just serving food; they're serving our community. Each meal is carefully planned to meet federal and state nutritional guidelines, accommodate dietary restrictions, and provide students with the energy they need to succeed academically. Their work directly impacts student health and overall well-being.

Behind the scenes, these everyday eagles are problem-solvers, quick thinkers, and nutrition experts. They work tirelessly to ensure that every student, receives a nutritious meal. Their commitment goes far beyond the serving line – they are fundamental to our students' daily success.

Across the district when asked why they do what they do, all the kitchen staff echoed, “for the kids! It’s fun to watch them grow. We see them every day, they make it all worth it!”

WCCS schools serve breakfast for free this year in a pilot program and offer nutritional lunches every day. Learn more at wccsonline.com/page/food-overview. 

To our Whitley County Consolidated Schools food service team: we see you, we appreciate you, and we recognize you as the true everyday eagles you are. Your dedication nourishes not just bodies, but futures.

Thank you for all you do!

Mary Raber:
Sally Simon
Joyce Hierholzer
Kristin Scheumann

Little Turtle:
Cheryl Ottinger
Lois Blaugh
Crystal Gegner
Melissa Sayers

Coesse:
Daniell Schuchman
Amber Heinfeld
Terri Clupper, long-term substitute.

District Food Service Staff
Lisa Schnorr, Food Service Director
Rhonda Strack, Food Service Director Assistant