LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Paula Radich was nominated by a colleague, Julie Weyandt.

"We are honored to submit this nomination for Paula Radich for the Life Changer Spotlight Award. Paula has been an integral part of the Fairless High School community for over three decades—not just as the head cook but as a compassionate, dedicated, and selfless individual whose influence extends far beyond the cafeteria walls. Paula is a true example of the qualities this award seeks to recognize: a person who consistently makes a positive difference in the lives of students, staff, and the entire community. Paula has dedicated her heart and soul to the Fairless School District. She is a guiding light, a source of kindness, and a nurturing force for all lucky enough to know her," said Weyandt.

A Proven Ability to Make a Beneficial Difference in the Lives of Students: For over 30 years, Ms. Radich has touched the lives of thousands of students, many of whom would attest to the lasting impact she has had on them. As a mother figure in the cafeteria, Ms. Radich has fed, supported, and cared for students with unmatched love and devotion. Her interactions with students are always positive, and she is genuinely interested in their well-being. Ms. Radich treats each student as an individual, always ensuring they feel seen, valued, and supported. When the district transitioned from free meals for all students to a paid meal program, Ms. Radich went above and beyond to ensure no student went hungry. She worked tirelessly to ensure students were aware of their options and helped families navigate the application process for free meals. She often covered the cost of meals while paperwork was being processed, demonstrating her selflessness and deep care for the students she serves. Ms. Radich is a hero in the eyes of countless families who have benefited from her generosity and dedication.

Creating a Positive School Atmosphere: Ms. Radich's presence in the cafeteria is like sunshine. Her warm smile, infectious energy, and positive attitude make the cafeteria a welcoming and joyful place for students and staff. Whether adding new menu options, like a salad bar or freshly baked cookies, or simply offering a kind word, Ms. Radich is always thinking about how she can make the school experience better for everyone. Her legendary tater tot casserole is just one example of how she uses food to bring joy to the community.

"Paula's warm smile and positive energy brighten every room," says one of her colleagues, and it's impossible not to agree. She creates an atmosphere where everyone feels valued and appreciated, making the school a more positive place for everyone. 

Leadership and Excellence in Her Profession: While Ms. Radich's role in the cafeteria is often behind the scenes, her leadership within the district is undeniable. As a seasoned professional, she has spent years mentoring new staff, helping them navigate the challenges of the job, and teaching them with patience and care. Her meticulous attention to detail and hands-on approach to training have set a high standard of excellence in the district's food service program.

"I have worked with Paula for 30+ years," says the district's Food Director, "and she is the first to offer guidance to new staff, checking on them, making sure they have the resources they need, and ensuring they are performing to state standards."

Ms. Radich is a leader not only in the kitchen but also within the larger school community. She embodies the principles of kindness, integrity, and professionalism in everything she does. 

Commitment to a Nurturing Atmosphere: Ms. Radich's commitment to creating a nurturing environment extends beyond the cafeteria. She is often the first to lend a hand when someone is in need, whether it's purchasing items for a fundraiser, offering support to staff and students in difficult times, or attending extracurricular events to cheer on students. Her kindness is unconditional, and she never seeks recognition for her efforts—she does it simply because she cares.

"Paula always puts others first," says one colleague. "She will be the first in line to help, whether it's buying something you're selling, offering a donation, or just offering a listening ear."

Her genuine care for others is evident in her actions and the deep respect and affection that others have for her.

"To know Paula is to love her," says one community member, and it's a sentiment shared by everyone who has crossed her path.

Adherence to High Moral and Ethical Standards: Ms. Radich has consistently adhered to the highest moral and ethical standards throughout her decades of service. She treats everyone with respect, kindness, and fairness. Her humility, coupled with her selflessness, sets an example for all of us to follow. Whether interacting with students, staff, parents, or community members, Ms. Radich treats everyone with the same care and dignity. In the words of one of her colleagues, "Paula is as good as they come, a true Falcon! We are so fortunate and lucky to have her in our school district!" 

Conclusion: "In every sense of the word, Ms. Radich is a LifeChanger. She has devoted herself to the well-being of the students, staff, and families of the Fairless School District, making a tremendous impact on everyone she encounters. Her dedication, kindness, and leadership have shaped our schools' positive, nurturing atmosphere, and her legacy will continue for years. It is with great pride and admiration that we wholeheartedly nominate Paula Radich for the Life Changer Spotlight Award. She truly deserves this honor, and no one is more qualified to receive it," said Weyandt.

Paula's Impact: Reflections from the Fairless Community

Mike Hearn, Fairless Local Schools Superintendent: "Paula Radich is perhaps one of the most kind, caring, and positive people I have ever met. Her humility and desire to help others out of the spotlight are characteristics we can all learn from her. She has served the Fairless district for decades and impacted thousands of lives. You would be hard-pressed to find a Fairless alum who graduated in the past 25 years without a positive story about Paula. We are blessed to have her on our staff and as part of our community. I wholeheartedly endorse her for this award."

Tammy Zalesinsky, Fairless High School Assistant Principal: "Paula goes above and beyond to ensure all our students get good meals. When we transitioned from free meals for all students to paid meals after pandemic funding ran out, Paula worked to ensure students had the paperwork necessary to apply for free meals and even gave them meals. At the same time, they waited for their paperwork to be approved. I believe much of the time, this was a personal donation on her part. Paula also introduces new and innovative meals, such as a salad bar and freshly baked cookies, to appeal to everyone." 

Natalie Gilkerson, Fairless Elementary Assistant Principal: "Paula's warm smile and positive energy brighten every room she enters. She has an incredible way of making everyone feel welcome and uplifted—and her tater-tot casserole is legendary! Paula's kindness and spirit are a true gift to all who know her or are lucky to cross her path."

Angie Brown, Fairless High School Cook: "Where do I start? Not only is Paula my boss, but she is also my friend. She will be the first in line to give when someone is in need. Whether buying something you're selling, ordering just because she was asked to, or donating, you can count on her being the first. She wears her heart on her sleeve. Not only has she shown me love and support, but she has also spoiled my kids rotten at school. She has spent so much time supporting my kids at sporting events and celebrating every milestone they cross. There's a photo of her holding my son Bronson's jersey at staff appreciation night."

AJ Sarbaugh, Fairless Middle School Dean of Students & Head Football Coach: "Paula is one of the nicest, most genuine people you will ever meet. She always has a smile on her face and brings happiness to the cafeteria every day she works. Paula has a great attitude and makes Fairless a better place daily. I am lucky to know Paula and to have worked with her for 10 years. Paula is selfless and goes above and beyond for our staff and students. Paula is as good as they come—a true Falcon! We are so fortunate and lucky to have her in our school district! Any day I get to interact with Paula is a great day. Even when I wouldn't get lunch, I would go to the cafeteria to see Paula. She brightens your day, and that's the type of person she is. Paula, simply put, is the best! I love Paula and can't say enough good things about her as a person!"

Julie Miller, Fairless Food Service Director: "I have worked with Paula for 30+ years. She was my Head Cook Manager for 20 of those years. I am now her Director, a job that she was more than qualified to do, but she chose to stay in the role she has developed and loved. Her interaction with the students is phenomenal. I have watched her be a 'mom' to thousands of students and now transition to being a 'grandma' to many. To say she loves the kids is an understatement. When someone transitions to a Head Cook position, Paula is instrumental in training them for their new role. She enjoys training new people in the best way possible—hands-on. She is always checking on them to see if they have any questions or checking their paperwork to ensure everything is done to meet state standards. Paula has so many memories; I've told her to write a book! One in particular was a young man who came up through Fairless Schools, and once he reached high school, she was his Head Cook. She always thought a lot of him, and he turned out to be her Superintendent. Paula has touched and fed many lives, starting with high school students, co-workers, parents, teachers, coaches, and administrators. She treats each person with the kindness she would like to receive. I cannot think of anyone more qualified or deserving of this recognition."

Abby Garber, Fairless Community Member: "To know Paula is to love her! She is the same sweet gal I have known since grade school. God Bless."

Larry Gilkerson, Retired Bus Driver: "Paula used to be my backyard neighbor long ago, and she still greets me with a smile and a hug. She raised her family with the same warmth and kindness."

Teenie Eick: Community Member: "Paula always puts others first. I love her!"