Congratulations to Jennifer Zule for being named Lansing USD 469 Educational Support Professional of the Year! (VIDEO)
Lansing USD 469 Food Services Coordinator, Ms. Jennifer Zule, was named Educational Support Staff of the Year on Thursday, April 9th. Superintendent Dan Wessel made the announcement in a Zoom meeting with Ms. Zule; Lansing USD 469 Clerk of the Court, Doniaell Brandt; and LEF representatives, Christine Aus and Sharon Burns.
Mr. Wessel opened the Zoom meeting with the surprise message for Ms. Zule. "Not just through all of the stuff that we have been dealing with with COVID-19 and making sure that our kids are taken care of, but for all our food service staff in all our buildings - you always look out for what's best for them, and you always look out for ways to do it better. When people bring things to you, you are always willing to dig in and try to do it. For that, this couldn't be more deserving. It couldn't go to a better person, Jennifer." To watch a video of Mr. Wessel surprising Ms. Zule with the award, scroll to the bottom of this article.
Jennifer started working for Lansing USD 469 in 2007 as a two hour dishwasher. Her hard work and dedication brought her to the position she holds today, overseeing all food services in our district. During the school building closures and the need to serve the members in our community that rely on lunches, Ms. Zule truly stepped up and went above and beyond to help organize and get food prep and delivery done as smoothly as possible.
"I’m not sure this staff member ever sleeps," said one of our Lansing USD 469 administrators that nominated her. "She has been instrumental in setting up the food service during the pandemic which took hours and hours and hours…"
Another nominator had these words to say about Ms. Zule, "Jennifer creates a work environment that promotes a positive culture at Lansing High School. When students look forward to lunch time, not just because of the social interaction they receive, but also because of the environment of the cafeteria, it is clear her leadership makes a difference."
Ms. Zule has also been instrumental in several Lansing Educational Foundation events, including our honors breakfast each year and the all staff district luncheon that was held last August. She is such a pleasure to work with and goes out of her way to make sure the events go smoothly.
"I am honored to be named the LEF Educational Support Professional of the Year," said Ms. Zule. "I truly enjoy seeing the kids at breakfast and lunch everyday, interacting with them, and knowing that my staff is responsible for providing them with the meals they want in a nutritious way. This job certainly has its challenges, but I have great support from our administrators, and I have the privilege of working with my incredible kitchen staff!"