Peggy Curnutte, a McDowell County cafeteria manager, not only ensures that breakfast and lunches are served up to students with a smile, but goes the extra mile to help out with school events and the afternoon pick-up lines.
Curnutte, who works at Eastfield Global Magnet School in Marion, makes the cafeteria part of the learning environment, aligning its decorations with the school’s monthly messages. And when it is time for a family night, she’s there to make sure the food is prepared, warm, and ready to serve.
“She understands and exhibits the power of teamwork,” wrote principal Michelle Baker in her nomination letter.
“… Ms. Peggy ensures every student is served with a smile and has her team of cafeteria workers dress alike in kid friendly, healthy food T-shirts to show unity.”
Curnutte’s dedication to her job and ability to spread a little joy at her school led to her selection as one of the 10 winners of the Education Lottery’s School Heroes program.
“I’m still in awe of this,” said Curnutte as she was honored. “I don’t feel like I do anything special. I just do what needs to be done. If I can make a day a little better for one of our kids, by giving them a smile or serving a good, hot meal, I feel like I have done a good job that day.”
The North Carolina Education Lottery created the N.C. School Heroes program to showcase the positive impacts teachers, principals, and other school workers have in public schools every day. Parents, teachers, and community members submitted more than 6,000 nominations of individuals making a difference in their schools. Ten heroes were chosen with each receiving a $10,000 award and $10,000 for their school.
All of the school’s students gathered in the gym to cheer and clap on Wednesday morning as their school hero received her award. Joining in on the celebration were some of the parents and family members of the students, as well as colleagues from her school.
“There are thousands of heroes like Peggy Curnutte doing amazing work in our public schools,” said Mark Michalko, executive director of the N.C. Education Lottery. “Teachers, cafeteria workers, custodians, school resource officers, all make a big difference for our students every day. We’re glad our School Heroes program shines a spotlight on their great work.”
Money raised by the lottery assists many of those School Heroes, including $386 million this year that supports the work of school support staff such as office assistants and custodians. Additional money will help build and repair schools, support the N.C. Pre-K program for “at-risk” four-year-olds, provide college scholarships and grants based on financial need, and help meet school transportation needs. The lottery raises more than $650 million a year for education. For details on how money raised by the lottery helps all 100 counties, click on the “Impact” section of the lottery’s website, www.nclottery.com.
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