Maria Theresia Eggert, or “M.T.” as several of her colleagues lovingly call her, is the recipient of the 2018-2019 Woodford County Outstanding Service Award for Simmons Elementary. Mrs. Eggert is currently the Cafeteria Manager at Simmons, but she began working at Simmons several years ago. She says, “I got into [working in a school district] because it was the perfect ‘mom’ job. I had two young children, and it was a necessity…Now my kids have grown up, and I adopted 350 more kids,” she laughs and adds, “Now I’ve adopted some grandkids because some of my [Simmons] kids are bringing their kids to visit.”
Mrs. Eggert, who is from Germany, shares a fond memory of a time when she got to help one of her kids in a very unique way. “We had a little, German student here once. I was asked to help translate a few times. [There is such] effort to include every child and to make it easier for each child. It is the true meaning of no child left behind.”
In regards to receiving the award, M.T. says, “I’m the last person who expected this to happen.” However, Mrs. Eggert’s colleagues clearly find her very deserving of this recognition. Sara Brooks, art teacher at Simmons, says, “After becoming head of our cafeteria staff last year, she has gone above and beyond each day making our cafeteria run smoothly. She has stepped up to the plate and is constantly trying to make things better for students. She is always brainstorming new menu options and ways to make the kids smile. She keeps the cafeteria decorated beautifully and doesn't mind sharing her space with other staff members.”
M.T. remarks, “This wouldn’t have happened without Courtney (Food Service Coordinator of Woodford County Public Schools) giving me the opportunity, without my great mentor, Janet Caudill, without Ms. Cook giving me a chance, and without my crew, most of all. Without my crew, I am nothing. I wish I could split [the award] and give everyone a chunk.”
Tiffany Cook, principal at Simmons Elementary, says the following about M.T.’s transition to Cafeteria Manager, “…she worked with her staff, with Food Services, whoever necessary to make sure that our procedures were in place, breakfast and lunch were smooth, and most importantly, that our kids were greeted with a smile and love each day.”
It is evident that Simmons is near and dear to Mrs. Eggert’s heart; she says, “This is my family. This has been my home for however many years…I hope to stay here until my feet don’t carry me anymore and my shoulders don’t work anymore and until I see more my kids bringing their kids.” Maria Theresia continues to work diligently to ensure that each child at Simmons feels known and valued; we are grateful to have her compassion and drive in our school district.
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