By the cafeteria lunch lines, lunch workers in hairnets and gloves work tirelessly behind the counters, preparing large servings of food at a time to be served to a long line of students. It seems like a tentative, demanding job for each worker, but it is possible no cafeteria worker knows the struggle and tedium of cafeteria working and business managing more than manager Janet Luttrull.
“The hardest thing about my job is all the paperwork, and getting used to all the new stuff at the beginning of the new year,” Ms. Luttrull said.
However, Ms. Luttrull, an experienced cafeteria worker of 20 years, insists she loves her position.
“It’s rewarding, feeding the kids, and trying new things,” Ms. Luttrull said.
Ms. Luttrull started as a specialist at T.A. Howard when her son was in Kindergarten, eventually going on to work at a number of other schools, including Summit and Mansfield High.
“I stayed because I love what I do,” Ms. Luttrull said. “I love all the kids here.”
Beyond being a cafeteria worker, Ms. Luttrull has been rewarded by her experience and hard work behind the counter and was promoted to management.
“I’ve always been in food and love feeding the kids,” Ms. Luttrull said. “These are my kids.”
Assistant Manager Amy Gregory agrees that the kids are the most rewarding part of the job.
“I try to be a good influence on them and give them a smile, ‘cause you never know what kind of day that kid is having,” Gregory said.
Gregory also admits her admiration for Ms. Luttrull in her long-time profession.
“She is the best in the district,” Ms. Gregory said. “Everybody wants to work with her.”
Ms. Luttrull had worked at several schools before finally ending up where she is now, and she expresses her love for this school in particular.
“This school is different. They’re my kids,” Ms. Luttrull said. “Y’all are part of my family.”
