Sue-Ellen Humphrey; Cafeteria Manager; Cobb Country School District; Mableton, Georgia
When it comes to creating a welcoming, nutritious, and supportive environment for students, Sue-Ellen Humphrey sets the gold standard. She has dedicated 13 years — 10 of them in leadership — to ensuring that every student who passes through her cafeteria doors starts their day well-fed and cared for. In the state’s second largest district, serving 550 breakfasts and 750 lunches daily, her role is nothing short of extraordinary.
Sue-Ellen begins her mornings alongside her tight-knit team, preparing an array of options for eager young eaters. Breakfast cereals, many from General Mills Foodservice, are a student favorite and fly off the shelves unless waffles or French toast are on the menu. She knows that presentation matters: the more options offered, the more students are willing to explore.
Lunch is no less of an event, featuring dishes like chicken tikka masala, beef enchiladas, and fresh fruits and vegetables provided as part of a district-wide lunch program. With milk offered at every meal (sometimes accompanied by a cheerful cow costume!), Sue-Ellen’s cafeteria provides both nourishment and joy.
One of Sue-Ellen’s proudest achievements is fostering a supportive, family-like atmosphere among her staff. Most of her team members have worked with her for over five years, a testament to her empathetic leadership style. They celebrate birthdays, milestones, and holidays together, often sharing laughter and camaraderie. Sue-Ellen reveals, “I know it’s cliché, but it’s not like coming to work. We really are like a family. I’ve heard my team say, ‘We don’t work for Cobb County, we work for Sue.’”
Beyond logistics, Sue-Ellen’s team plays a critical role in students’ lives. As some of the first adults students see each day, they can sense how a child’s day is going and provide an encouraging word or smile when it’s needed most. As Sue-Ellen puts it, “That’s what lunch ladies do.”
Sue-Ellen has witnessed remarkable changes in the district’s food programs. Thanks to recent initiatives, all students receive free breakfasts and lunches, leveling the playing field for families. The district also partners with food banks and ensures students in need have access to meals during holidays and challenging times, like the pandemic.
Beyond the basics, Sue-Ellen’s cafeteria embraces creativity to make mealtimes memorable. The annual “Glow Lunch” is a student favorite. The cafeteria transforms with glow sticks and decorations, and the assistant principal acts as DJ to keep spirits high. Moments like these go beyond nutrition, they create lifelong memories.
The depths of Sue-Ellen’s kindness and generosity know no bounds. Around five years ago, she became aware of one particular student’s challenging circumstances, and she knew she had to act. Initially, she would take him home with her from the after-school program (with family permission) to feed him dinner and help with homework, but the more she learned about his home situation, the more she felt compelled to help further. Eventually he began to live with Sue-Ellen and her family. He has thrived with the love and care she’s provided. He’s now a sophomore, looking forward to the future and making Sue-Ellen proud.
Her secret to success is simple: she loves her job and the kids. Her advice to others? “If you’re not in it for the kids, then don’t do it. You have to enjoy your job and the smiles on students' faces.” Her dedication to making each meal an opportunity to connect, nourish, and inspire is evident in everything she does.
Cobb County School District is fortunate to have Sue-Ellen Humphrey at the helm of its cafeteria operations. Her leadership, care, and creativity make her a true champion for students and an invaluable member of the community.