Laura Wax

School was not in session Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday due to the winter weather and bitter cold. However, they returned on Friday in time for the Bunceton School to honor one of their own employees on February 21. Jeannie Tuttle has been literally serving us as head cook for 25 years. I asked Jeannie to tell me how she came to be at Bunceton. Jeannie began, “I was first offered the job as head cook for the 1998-1999 school year by Paula Kempf who was a school board member at the time. But I turned it down because I was expecting our 4th child in October, and I didn’t feel right taking a new job and then being gone for maternity leave. Then 18 months later, Superintendent Elvin Farquhar called me and offered me the opportunity to serve the school district, replacing Pam Atkins. Mr. Farquhar’s words to me were ‘feed these kids, make sure they are full and do not run out of food before everyone is through the line!’ My journey began. Jeanette Miller trained me as we went, her love and patience was wonderful. She truly loved the children and cared about their well being. At that time, we were feeding approximately 190 students plus staff daily. There was not the CEP Program; it was private pay, free and reduced priced meals. Therefore, not too many ate breakfast. Over the years, enrollment has decreased. I’ve seen many staff members, principals, superintendents, bus drivers, kitchen helpers as well as board members come and go. Throughout this many friendships have been made. Sharon Simmons, who recently passed, had been ahead of me on years of service. Liz Dick, who was Miss Barkey, was the 5th grade teacher when I started is still in conjunction with the school as a board member. Tammy (Luster) Ray was here as a teacher. She left for a few years and then returned. There has been several changes in staff in the kitchen. Jeanette Miller worked by my side for many years until her health made her retire. Over the years I have been blessed with very good help. Loretta Purvis replaced Jeanette and served the district for 11 years. Others that came as kitchen helpers and did janitorial work were Michelle Ruesing, Lori Arterberry, Patty Mangels, Christy Bryan, Joyce Roberts, Rita Tate (who is still employed as a full-time kitchen aide), Julie (Greer) Napier, Amy Brizendine, Susan Gregory, and Susie Powell (who also drives a school bus). Over the years, I have been blessed with many subs, the late Minnie Layne, Tina Fountain, the late Katherine Long, Anna Kahle, Sarah Kuschel, Russell Hein, Christina Mettenburg, and Kay Clifford. If I’ve missed anyone, my apologies. I am now serving students whose parents I also served from when I first started.