Thirty-two schools in the country were awarded USDA SilverCertificates for taking school nutrition to a higher level, and theBrookhaven School District is proud to be home to three of thehonorees.

Brookhaven Elementary, Mamie Martin Elementary, and LipseyMiddle School were all awarded the Silver Certificates Thursday byUSDA Food and Nutrition Service Associate Administrator For SpecialNutrition Programs Eric Steiner. He told administrators, staff andother guests at the ceremony that the Brookhaven community shouldtake great pride in the efforts of their schools to keep theirchildren healthy.

“This community has much to be proud of, as there were onlyseven schools in Mississippi that won this award and Brookhaven hadthree of them,” he said. “You all are on the leading edge, becauseit’s the dedicated small towns that are helping lead America inthese efforts.”

The USDA issued a challenge to schools throughout the nation tomake changes to their school nutrition environment, improve thequality of foods served and provide students with more nutritious,healthy choices. The Brookhaven schools were chosen because oftheir efforts to improve their programs, address childhood obesityand encourage other schools to follow their leads.

“We’re so proud of this honor,” said Superintendent LeaBarrett.

Barrett added that Food Service Supervisor Tonya Thomas-McSweynmade the award possible with her tireless dedication to meeting thestandards laid out by the USDA.

Thomas-McSweyn said the process of applying for the certificateswas one that began last year. The school district was prodded topresent an application by state education officials because thelocal efforts were already well known in the state.

“Really, the state Department of Education encouraged us quite abit because they knew we were meeting all the standards,” shesaid.

Steiner also spoke to cafeteria supervisors Denise Clark, KatieYoung and Bontia Boyte and congratulated them on their hardwork.

“I have such a deep and profound respect for you, because youhave such a crucial role in the development of these kids,” hesaid. “And your job is extremely unsung.”

Thomas-McSweyn also praised the cafeteria staff, saying theprocess would be impossible without them.

“Our cafeteria workers and staff members, we couldn’t do itwithout them,” she said. “They’re so dedicated.”

Finally, Steiner praised the schools’ administrations, sayinggood leadership is key in any scholastic endeavor.

“Principals, it takes excellent leadership to do this,” he said.”This award is for teams you put together and efforts you’vesupported. This is a testament to what can be achieved when you putyour mind to it.”

The guests from the USDA toured Mamie Martin Elementary and thenate lunch in the cafeteria at Lipsey before leaving.