It is one thing to be recognized – it is another when that recognition comes from a strong work team.
Benita Smith, Director of Child Nutrition Services for Berkeley County School District, has just been named the School Nutrition Association's Director of the Year for the state of South Carolina – an honor that comes after her staff secretly nominated her for the award.
Smith said it came as a total surprise – but it feels awesome.
“We’re all in it together,” she said. “It takes teamwork.”
Smith has worked for BCSD for 26 years. She entered her role as CNS director almost five years ago after previously serving as a supervisor. She will be recognized with the award at the association’s annual conference in Myrtle Beach in October.
The Director of the Year award recognizes nutrition directors for contributions they have made throughout their school nutrition careers. Nominees are judged based on multiple categories including program enhancement, staff development, and involvement with the SNA, schools and community.
Smith’s fellow CNS staff members said they nominated her because they appreciate how she leads their team. CNS administrative assistant Jessica Esposito described her as not being someone who necessarily seeks the limelight but is very deserving of it.
“She’ll pretty much do anything to help any student or teacher,” Esposito said.
CNS supervisors Jason Ciaccia and Nancy Weiland said she is team-oriented and fully committed to serving BCSD families.
“Anytime there’s an event or anything going on, she works with everyone – she is very much a team player,” Ciaccia said.
Weiland echoed similar thoughts, saying Smith is "elbow-deep with us” when it comes to working with district families.
“She genuinely cares for all the CNS employees, and all the kids in the district,” Weiland said. “She wants the same level of care for every child.”
Smith said she loves knowing she gets to help be a part of her team’s effort to make sure no child goes hungry; they serve about 27,000 lunches every day, plus another 18,000 breakfasts and provide close to 1,000 snacks for after-school care.
“It’s just an all-around great job as you get to meet so many different people and you get to make a positive difference in so many people’s lives,” Smith said. “I am blessed to work with the best.”