Something Liberty students value is the commitment and dedication our staff display on a daily basis. Most students have someone they look up to- a teacher, counselor, or coach -people help stuents through their high school years and ensure their safety, education and well- being. But there’s someone, who is not any of those who works just as hard as everyone else to create a safe and especially nurturing environment.
Michael Perry has been the head Food Service Manager at Liberty since the school opened in 2004. Basically, this means he oversees all food bought, made, and sold at liberty, including preparing breakfast & lunch for students and staff, ordering, inventory, deliveries, health regulations, and government guidelines. Despite the lack of appreciation most of the lunch staff receive, Perry’s job is vital to the schools success.
“All students are entitled to a school breakfast & lunch as required by the federal & state governments”, Perry said. “It’s our job to meet those demands on a daily basis”.
Working in this position for 22 years means Perry has pretty much mastered the ins and outs of food service management. But that doesn’t mean the job doesn’t have its downsides.
“I’ve never really enjoyed the early mornings,” Perry said. “Getting up at 4:00 am to be at school on time is really hard some days”.
Nevertheless, Perry cherishes the community here at liberty. He and the other food service staff have collaborated for a long time in creating meals that students want to eat.
“It’s a group effort with our Food Service Department, manufacturers, student and parent feedback”, Perry said. “I’m inspired by the desire to make school lunches special for students with quality, variety, and current eating habits in our changing society.”
Although he loves his job, it’s time for Perry to retire as a food service manager. This school year will be the last for Perry at Liberty High School.
This has been a very fulfilling job that I’ve always enjoyed and I will miss Liberty High School, Students and Staff”, said Perry. “The time has arrived to start a new chapter in my life, but this is a special place for me that I will always cherish.”
