Poplar Bluff Food Service Director Dixie Harden has been selected as one of three bi-state recipients of the Homegrown Hero award, sponsored by the St. Louis District Dairy Council.
Harden, who is employed by Chartwells School Dining Services, ascended out of 21 finalists from Missouri and Illinois as a grand prize winner for striving to improve the lives of others every day in her community, according to an SLDDC press release issued this month.
“Each year, we are amazed by the heroes nominated, and the work they do right here in our own backyard,” stated Kelsey Hulcher, SLDDC nutrition educator. “It’s wonderful to learn about school cafeteria workers, teachers, custodians and volunteers who creatively and tirelessly work to make their communities a better place.”
Having taken the helm in 2016, Harden has increased breakfast participation and catering services, reduced waste across campus, received kitchen equipment grant funds, assisted with Community Eligibility Program efforts to provide free meals to younger students, and implemented well over a dozen new programs and services at school sites, according to nominator Trish Wilson, Chartwells administrative assistant.
Enhancements to the district’s food service operation Wilson cited include: introducing smoothies, coffee, deli options, on-the-go carts and teacher snack bars, plus providing second chance breakfasts, a dinner option, oversight of Boys and Girls Club dining services, Mule Pack distribution, and expansion of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program as well as the district’s free Summer Food Service Program.
“Within no time Chartwells exploded under Dixie’s leadership,” wrote Wilson, adding that Harden quickly became acquainted with each employee to assess their strengths. “Dixie’s number one priority is feeding her kids nutritional meals.
Established in 2018, Homegrown Heroes is a school-based initiative of SLDDC aimed to promote the local dairy industry in the region. Poplar Bluff R-I was one of two districts in the country to partner with the National Dairy Council and Prairie Farms Dairy to participate in a bulk milk dispenser pilot program two years ago.
Kelsey Hulcher (right) of the St. Louis District Dairy Council presents Chartwells Food Service Director Dixie Harden with the Homegrown Hero grand prize on Wednesday, April 13.
Photo and article by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Director, Poplar Bluff R-I School District
Dexter Choir students attended the MSHSAA State Music Competition this past weekend.
"I am so proud to announce that we came home with 4 Gold Ratings, 5 Silver Ratings, and 2 Bronze Ratings," stated Dexter High School Choir Director Jamie Sepulvado.
"We also had a very successful trip as memories were made and everyone performed extremely well un the pressure of State Competition," continued Sepulvado. "We have not been to State since the seniors were freshman so it was pretty much new to every single choir student that attended. I am so proud of every single one of them."
The Holden SATB Double Quartet received a "Silver Medal". This group consisted of Gracen Hampton, Mia Holden, Reanna Laden, Brooklyn Link, Landon Jarrell, Luke Gentry, Carson Williams, and Kaden Lirely.
The Wirz TTB Misc. Ensemble received a "Gold Medal". This group consisted of Francois Wirz, Ryan Kaufman, Dylan Sitze, Landon Jarrell, Luke Gentry, Taylor Oliva, Layton Shafer, Ty Carmode.
The Dement SSA Sextet Ensemble received a "Gold Medal". This group consisted of Abby Dement, Emily Drews, Mia Williams, Shelby Dawson, Maddie Glaus, and Amber Madigan.
The Moore SAB Ensemble received a "Silver Medal". This group consisted of Kylan Moore, Ryan Kaufman, Andie Kruse, Maddie Glaus, Shelby Dawson, and Abby Dement.
The James SSA Misc Ensemble received a "Silver Medal". This group consisted of Sophia James, Audrey Culp, Susan Wells, Kate Churchill, Tatum Taylor, Kaylee Hazel, and Grace Hanner.
The Link SSA Misc. Ensemble received a "Gold Medal". This group consisted of Brooklyn Link, Reanna Laden, Addie Medley, and Adaline Prace.
Landon Jarrell received a Silver Medal for his solo.
Kylan Moore received a Silver Medal for his solo.
Gerica Harris received a Gold Medal for her solo.
Mia Williams received a Bronze Medal for her solo.
Gracen Hampton received a Bronze Medal for her solo.
