We are absolutely thrilled to announce that our very own Jacob (Jake) Nash has been officially named the School Nutrition Association of Vermont (SNA-VT) Manager of the Year for 2026!
This prestigious state award recognizes school nutrition professionals who go above and beyond to ensure students are fueled, healthy, and ready to learn. As SNA-VT President Stephanie Gates noted, school meals are often the healthiest food a child eats in a day, and it takes immense dedication to maintain those high standards.
Why Jake Earned This Honor
Across our entire Lamoille North school community, Jake’s impact is felt every day. Whether he is acting as a mentor, a trainer, or a problem-solver, he leads with heart and a "can-do" attitude.
In her official nomination, Director of School Nutrition Kelly Shortsleeve highlighted Jake’s unique ability to balance high nutritional standards with approachable service:
"Jacob excels in creating a positive cafeteria environment by prioritizing student engagement and staff mentorship. His commitment to staff development—ranging from scratch-cooking techniques to food safety—has fostered a high-morale environment where employees feel valued and prepared for professional advancement."
A Win for the Whole Team
While this award celebrates Jake’s individual excellence, it also shines a light on the incredible work happening across the Lamoille North School Nutrition team. Jake’s dedication to expert mentorship and "above and beyond" support ensures that our entire program succeeds.
Please join us in congratulating Jake on this outstanding achievement! We are so proud to have a state-recognized leader nourishing our students and supporting our staff.
About the SNA: The School Nutrition Association (SNA) is a national non-profit representing 50,000 professionals dedicated to making healthy school meals and nutrition education available to all students.
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