If you have lived in Woodford County or the surrounding area for a while now, it’s likely you’ve dined at one of Ouita Michel’s restaurants. Whether it be elegant courses at Holly Hill Inn, a delectable sandwich at Wallace Station, a uniquely Kentucky entree at Honeywood, or another tasty, nourishing meal at one of her other restaurants, you are certain to enjoy quality ingredients and delicious dishes. Chef Michel’s impact on Kentucky’s agriculture and restaurant industries continues to grow. In addition to her gift of cooking, Ouita is also a fabulous public speaker, able to share her heart with any audience, including an audience of over one thousand teenagers.
As part of the Thanksgiving assembly at the high school, our students and staff enjoyed the opportunity to hear Ouita convey her enthusiasm and gratitude for Woodford County Public Schools and for the people of Woodford County. In particular, Chef Michel assured students of their importance to our community. She said, “I want you to know that as a group of young people, you are the shining stars of this community. You are the future of Woodford County; you are our present...We’re proud of you; we’re proud of what you can do. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: you are the beating heart of this community. It’s because of you and all the students like you in all these schools that every day we work hard to provide a future that you can be proud of, that you can work in to, that you can raise a family in. We love you, and we are really, really thankful for you.”
Ouita continued by sharing her appreciation for the leadership in Woodford County Public Schools. She remarked on the success of our district and the opportunities for our students; she commended district and school leaders for their efforts. Additionally, Ouita, as she talked to students, expressed gratitude for the teachers who spend their lives educating and helping young people. “We are thankful for your teachers. We’re thankful for your teachers because we are thankful for the work that they do, for their inspiration, for their passion, for their dedication. And we are the most thankful for them because they are dedicated to your success.”
As she applauded students for their effort in the food drive, Chef Michel charged them to consider how coming together for a cause creates a strong impact. She said, “I hope that all these cans from this food drive...show you how powerful giving can be in your life. And that it teaches you when you work together and work for each other and fight for each other instead of against each other, you can accomplish almost anything in your life.”
It was an incredible opportunity for our students and staff to hear Chef Michel speak. We are grateful for the wisdom she shared and for the reminder to come together in service for others. Thank you, Chef Michel, for your support of our students and schools!
