LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Erica Schumacher was nominated by her colleague, Bryan Young. 

"My nominee, Erica, is a LifeChanger because of her passion and dedication to doing what is right and needed for Campbell County School District (CCSD) students. Erica makes a beneficial difference daily when she comes to work at 3:30 AM as our Nutrition Services Production Manager. I view her as the most important person in our department," said Young.

Her attendance for the past 12 years has been exemplary. Mrs. Schumacher goes above and beyond her job description regarding what needs to be done. She has a hand in feeding around 5000 lunches to CCSD students every day, whether it's by making scratch-cooked items that are satellited from the production kitchen to other in-town district schools, or by preparing, serving, and cashiering for breakfast and lunch services for students at Campbell County High School (CCHS). The nutrition department's mission reads, "Good Nutrition is our Mission." Mrs. Schumacher takes great pride in doing her job and knowing students have a nutritious meal daily.

Her ability to create a positive school atmosphere starts with her leadership with the other nutrition services employees. She sets a good example with her work ethic and dependability. She truly cares about the students who come into the lunch room daily for breakfast and lunch. All of the students are treated with respect and compassion, and they leave knowing they are cared for. The little things that stand out about Mrs. Schumacher, like greeting students with a smile and thanking everyone as they leave the lunch room.

"We have an open campus at CCHS. Students eat with us instead of leaving because of Erica's positive attitude and kindness," Young added.

Mrs. Schumacher's leadership is outstanding; she mentors newly hired employees, works with student nutrition helpers, teaches kitchen techniques to other satellite schools in the district, provides input on new menu ideas/recipes, and verifies needed food items to complete daily menu production. Her performance at the professional level is undeniable. She's responsible for 5000 meals every day, but she still shows up with a smile on her face, ready to work.

"I trust her to troubleshoot and make decisions on the fly when we are dealing with challenges such as being short on certain items, making special meal accommodations for students with allergies, catering events our department does, attending professional development opportunities, and just being the calm in the storm when our department is under pressure to deliver every day. I know students are put first and taken care of because of her actions," said Young.

All districts deal with students who struggle with food insecurity, and Mrs. Schumacher's ability to help combat that within the district daily is remarkable. Some students face food insecurity, personal issues happening at home, limited funds for school meals, and depression, but Mrs. Schumacher treats all students and staff the same. She goes out of her way to recognize students and colleagues and make them feel loved, showing great care for moral and ethical standards. 

"My job as the Nutrition Services Director for CCSD is easier because of Erica Schumacher. She very much deserves the LifeChanger award. She does this job because she loves it," concluded Young.