The Georgia School Nutrition Foundation’s “75 Years of Fairways and Friendship” Golf Tournament was a memorable kicko to the annual conference on Jekyll Island, bringing together GSNA members and industry partners for a day of connection, camaraderie, and friendly competition. Held the Wednesday prior to the conference, the event celebrated the spirit of partnership that has strengthened the association over the past 75 years. Participants enjoyed time on the course while building relationships, sharing experiences, and supporting a meaningful cause. Thanks to the enthusiasm and generosity of those involved, the tournament raised $6,000 for the Foundation, directly supporting scholarships, grants, and professional development opportunities for school nutrition professionals across Georgia.
Opening General Session
The Opening General Session of the Celebrating 75 years of GSNA Anniversary Conference set an inspiring tone, celebrating leadership, achievement, and the strong partnerships that drive school nutrition forward across Georgia.
The session began with the recognition of the 2026 Leadership Academy graduates, honoring their commitment to professional grow th and future leadership within GSNA . Attendees were then welcomed by an outstanding group of distinguished guests, including Dr. Linette Dodson, Deputy Superintendent of School Nutrition; Mark Oswalt, MS , RDN, SNA Board Member (2023–2026); the Honorable Representative Buddy Carter; Cheryl Jones, words of encouragement and support, reinforcing the importance of leadership and service in school nutrition.
The session also included recognition of the outgoing and incoming Industry Advisory Board, with special acknowledgment of Susan Wickizer Blank of PepsiCo for her leadership and dedication. Celebrations continued as scholarship recipients were honored, along with winners from the Nutrition Advisory Council (NAC) Art and NAC Group competitions, and the ALIRT Award recipients.
This dynamic opening highlighted the strength, talent, and passion within GSNA , setting the stage for a conference focused on legacy, leadership, and the future of school nutrition.
The opening session was energized dynamic leadership expert known for an “energy game.”
Marli’s presentation went beyond a engaging experience that immediately Energy Intelligence™ framework, she lead—not by simply managing time, energy to drive meaningful results.
Her high-energy style, authentic storytelling, feeling motivated, recharged, and ready tools to strengthen their leadership, sense of enthusiasm back to their teams exactly what leaders need most—clarity, charged.
and inspired by keynote speaker Marli Williams, a for her powerful message that leadership is ultimately
traditional keynote, creating an interactive and immediately connected with attendees. Through her signature she challenged participants to rethink how they time, but by intentionally managing and elevating their
storytelling, and practical strategies left the audience ready to take action. Attendees walked away with leadership, build stronger connections, and bring a renewed teams and organizations. Marli Williams delivered most—clarity, connection, and the energy to lead fully
The Awards Ceremony
Jessica Miller
Tina Bolin
Rachel Ash
Thomaston Upson Schools
Dire tor of the Y
2nd Pl e Mana
Bur
Rivera 3rd Place
of the Year
Janet Harrell Legacy Award
Dee Mathis Hall County
Award
Nancy Bourke
Lewis
Ann C. Smith Award
Joan Williams
Retired
Retired
Malcolm Quillen Nutrition Hero Award
Felecia Thomas Sumter County
GADOE
Winner Naomi J Tolbert
Juana Moore
Fulton County
Rockdale County, Presented to Blaine Allen, Rockdale County Director
2nd Place Naomi J
Camden County
2026 GSNA Culinary Competition
1st Place
Peanut Breakfast Entree
2nd Place
Peanut Breakfast Entree
3rd Place
Breakfast Entree
Maria Lopez Whit field County
Joyce Thomas Butts County
Peanut
Kathy Brown
Carroll County
1st Place
Peanut Lunch Entree
Sara Curran
Butts County
Accepted by
1st Place
Peanut Afterschool Snack
Marybeth Hall
Bremen City Schools
2nd Place
Peanut Afterschool Snack
Venola Miles
Bacon County
Accepted by Tasha Gri n
Donna Steadham
3rd Place
Peanut Afternoon Snack
Peanut Afterschool Snack
Bridget t Cross
Carroll County
1st Place
1st Place
Lunch Entree
Breakfast Entree
Jay Park
Ashley Bailey
Butts County
Fulton County
l 2nd P ace
2nd Place
Breakfast Entree
Lunch Entree
Misty Keane Cobb County
Sandra Thrift
Ware County
Lunch Ent
Joe Garza
Breakfast Entree
Muscogee Coun
Accepted by Mari
3rd lace Maria Noble
Bacon County
1st Place
Lunch Side Dish
1st Place
Ashley Holmes
Lunch Entree
Hall County
3rd Place P
Jay Park
Accepted by Jessica Brooks
Fulton County
l 2nd P ace
Lunch Entree
Sandra Thrift
Ware County
3rd Place
Lunch Entree
Accepted
3rd Place
Lunch Entree
1st Place
Lunch Side Dish
3rd Place
1st Place
Joe Garza
Muscogee County
by Marian Clark
Ashley Holmes
Hall County
Accepted by Jessica Brooks
Peanut Afternoon Snack
Bridget t Cross
Carroll County
Catrina Sheets
Gri n Spalding Schools
2nd Place
Lunch Side Dish
Shannon Mar tin
Glynn County
3rd lace
Lunch Side Dish
Lisa Register
Richmond County
Accepted by Tina Bolin
Highest Peanut Usage
Shelley Daniel Director, Glynn County
Thank you to the Georgia Peanut Commission for sponsoring the Peanut Culinary Contest
GSNA Scroll Awards: Celebrating Legacy Builders Across Georgia
Each year, the GSNA Scroll Awards shine a spotlight on the dedication, creativity, and leadership of school nutrition professionals across the state. This year’s Scroll embraces the theme “GSNA Legacy Builders,” honoring the individuals and teams who strengthen the association’s impact while shaping the future of school nutrition.
The Scroll is built around four focus areas, each designed to help members connect more deeply with GSNA’s mission and with one another:
• Career Development & Grow th — Activities that support professional learning , skill-building , and leadership development.
• Voice of School Nutrition — Opportunities to advocate, educate, and elevate the role of school nutrition in Georgia communities.
• Thriving Organization — Actions that contribute to a strong , engaged, and forward-moving GSNA at every level.
Each focus area includes activities aligned with the State Strategic Goals, giving chapters and districts the flexibility to choose what best fits their local needs. By completing activities and submitting the required documentation, associations can earn Gold, Silver, or Bronze Scrolls—a
The Scroll Awards aren’t just about achievement; they’re about momentum. They encourage members to participate, collaborate, and build a legacy that lasts. As this year’s recipients celebrate their success, one question naturally rises for every chapter and district: What Scroll will your Association receive next year?
Brantley County
Bacon County Gold Scroll
Cobb County Gold Scroll
Annette B Hopgood Gold Scroll
Bibb County Silver Scroll
Butts County Gold Scroll
Camden County Gold Scroll
Carroll County Gold Scroll
Clayton County Gold Scroll
Co ee County Gold Scroll
Crawford County Silver Scroll
District 4 Silver Scroll
Columbia County Rising Star Scroll
District 8 Gold Scroll
Decatur County Silver Scroll
District 2 & Grady County Bronze Scroll
District 6 Gold Scroll
District 7 Gold Scroll
Gri n Spalding County
Gwinnett County Bronze Scroll
Houston County Silver Scroll
Lincoln County Rising Star Scroll
Fulton County Gold Scroll
Glynn County Gold Scroll
Haralson County Silver Scroll
Murray County Silver Scroll
Paulding County Gold Scroll
Ware County Gold Scroll
Putnam County
Richmond County Gold Scroll
Rockdale County Gold Scroll
Thomaston Upson
Wayne County Gold Scroll
Whitfield County Gold Scroll
Legacy of Learning
The GSNA Annual Conference wasn’t just a celebration of connection and camaraderie — it continued the association’s proud legacy of empowering school nutrition professionals through meaningful, high-impact education sessions.
This year’s program honored that legacy by o ering a rich lineup of sessions designed to inspire growth at every stage of a school nutrition career. Attendees explored a wide spectrum of topics, including leadership development, teamwork strategies, emerging culinary trends, updated nutrition standards, and innovative program practices shaping the future of school meals.
Expert speakers brought fresh insights and practical tools, delivering real-world solutions that participants could bring back to their districts and implement immediately. Their guidance reinforced GSNA’s long-standing commitment to elevating the profession and supporting members in building a stronger, more resilient future for Georgia’s school nutrition programs.
Whether someone was attending for the first time or had been part of GSNA for decades, the education sessions upheld the organization’s enduring tradition of o ering something valuable for everyone — a true reflection of GSNA’s legacy of learning, leadership, and service.
75th Anniversary Celebration
For 75 years, a legacy has been built—one meal, one student, one leader at a time.
The GSNA Silver & Gold 75th Celebration Party was more than an event—it was a moment to pause, reflect, and honor the people who made it all possible. From the pioneers who laid the foundation to the leaders continuing the work today, every story shared reminded us why this mission matters.
The evening came alive with the energy of the Emerald Empire Band, bringing celebration and joy to a night filled with meaning . A heartfelt toast from President April Collins reminded us of the strength of our past and the promise of our future—grounded in service, leadership, and purpose.
This unforgettable celebration was made possible through the generous support of our sponsors—Cafeterias Redefined, Master Marketing , Williams Institutional Foods, CGA , HumiTec, SmartDigi and the American Heart Association—whose partnership continues to strengthen the impact of GSNA across our state.
It was a night filled with gratitude, pride, and connection… and a power ful reminder that the impact of GSNA reaches far beyond the cafeteria.
The legacy continues—because of each of you.
Building a legacy doesn’t happen someday— it’s happening right now,
in kitchens, cafeterias, & communities all across Georgia.
She also worked hard to keep people connected. Through conferences, training, and conversations across the state, April created space for members to learn from each other, share ideas, and celebrate the work being done every day in school nutrition programs.
With GSNA celebrating 75 years during her presidency, the idea of “legacy” meant even more. April did a great job of honoring the past while still looking ahead, reminding everyone that what we do today shapes what GSNA will become tomorrow.
At the end of the day, April Collins’ year as president felt genuine, encouraging, and forward focused. She reminded members that building a legacy doesn’t happen someday—it’s happening right now, in kitchens, cafeterias, and communities all across Georgia.
Leadership Academy Graduation Honors the Class of 2025–2026 and
Celebrates GSNA’s Legacy of Leadership
At the GSNA Annual Conference, we proudly celebrated the graduation of the 2025–2026 Leadership Academy participants — a milestone that reflects not only their hard work, but also GSNA’s enduring legacy of cultivating strong leaders within school nutrition.
Throughout the year, participants engaged in specialized training, interactive workshops, and hands-on learning experiences focused on personal leadership development, communication skills, and professional growth within school nutrition. The Academy equipped them with the tools, confidence, and mindset needed to lead e ectively and leave a meaningful mark on their chapters, districts, and the GSNA community.
During the graduation ceremony, each participant was recognized for their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to advancing both their own leadership journey and the mission of GSNA. Their achievements honor the leaders who came before them and strengthen the legacy they will now help carry forward.
As these graduates step into new roles and responsibilities, they represent the bright future of our association — a future built on the shared belief that each member can be a Legacy Builder! Congratulations to the Leadership Academy Class of 2025–2026!
was a meaningful and inspiring moment that honored both the rich history of the association and the promise of its future. Rooted in tradition, the ceremony recognized the dedication would carry the mission forward.
Set against the backdrop of 75 years of impact in school nutrition, the ceremony highlighted was installed with a sense of purpose, symbolizing not only their individual roles but also their collective responsibility to lead with integrity, vision, and pa
This special occasion served as a bridge between past, p continued commitment to nourishing Georgia’s students and st community.
“Representing a lasting legacy of service and dedication, these leaders returned to celebrate this milestone and reconnect with the GSNA community.”
The GSNA 75th Silver and Gold Anniversary Conference was made even more meaningful by the presence of an incredible group of past presidents whose leadership has shaped the association across decades. Representing a lasting legacy of service and dedication, these leaders returned to celebrate this milestone and reconnect with the GSNA community.
Those in attendance included Don Williams (1992), Melissa Mabry (1995), Lana Freeland (1997), Nancy Rice (2000), Joan Williams (2005), Cindy Ham (2007), Teresa Stevenson (2009), Valerie Bowers (2013), Vanessa Hayes (2015), Regina Williamson (2016), Laura Lynn (2017), Nicole James (2018), Cheryl Jones (2019), Emily Hanlin (2021), Alyssia Wright (2022), Cathy Johnson (2023), and Kim Kiker (2024).
Their presence served as a powerful reminder of the strong foundation built over 75 years and the continued impact of dedicated leadership within GSNA. Each past president represents a chapter in the association’s story—one defined by commitment to students, support for members, and a passion for advancing school nutrition across Georgia.
As GSNA celebrates its legacy, it also looks ahead, inspired by the leaders who have paved the way and those who will continue to carry the mission forward.
Columbia County School Garden
Columbia County – Grovetown Elementary School received a GSNF School Garden Grant to start a garden on the school property this year. The grant money was used to build and fill the beds. Also, for watering cans, seeds, rubber gloves for planting, hand tools for planting and fertilizer as needed. The purpose is to educate students on the benefits of growing their own food. Mrs. Jacumin was responsible for building the flower beds and filling them with soil for planting. The students, under Ms. Wilson's supervision, planted seeds that were in season for the time of planting. They were also responsible for watering and harvesting the produce that was grown. At this time, they have blueberries, lettuce, and radish growing well. There are flowers on the tomatoes and the strawberries. Great Job Grovetown Elementary School!
Celebrating Our Everyday Heroes
School Lunch Hero Day 2026
School Lunch Hero Day, celebrated on May 1, 2026, honors the preparing nutritious meals to o ering a warm smile, these heroes
This day is an opportunity to recognize their hard work, commitment behind the serving line or working behind the scenes, school
Bartow
Bibb County
Barrow County
Barrow County
Barrow County
Bibb
the dedicated school nutrition professionals who keep our cafeterias running and our students fueled for success. From heroes play a vital role in supporting student health, learning, and well-being.
commitment to food safety and nutrition standards, and the positive impact they make in schools every single day. Whether nutrition teams truly make a di erence—one meal at a time.
Bartow County
Co ee County Co ee County
Coweta County Coweta County
Forsyth County
Forsyth County
Forsyth County
Henry Count
Rhonda Wright from McDonough High School in Henry County, was featured in the "We Are Henry" magazine. The article, titled "Serving Compassion," beautifully captures the essence of what we do every day. Rhonda’s story is a powerful reminder that our roles extend far beyond the cafeteria lines.
Wayne Count
“Farm Days” at Noland Farms in Screven, GA!
Fourth-grade students from Wayne County g the chance to experien farm life firsthand—enjoying ha rides, petting animals, watching farm equipment in action, and learning about the importance of drinking milk (even making butter in a mason jar!). Great Job Wayne Coun SNP!
The Impor tance of School Nutrition
A Personal Perspective
When I first considered school nutrition, I imagined it was a simple process—food from a can into a pot, and the job was done. But after stepping into this field, I discovered the depth and complexity behind every meal served. School nutrition is not just about feeding children; it is about addressing budgets, funding challenges, dietary needs, and, most importantly, ensuring that no child goes hungry. For many students, the meal they receive in the cafeteria is the only one they will have that day
Over the past six years, I have grown from a food assistant to a manager, and my respect for this profession has deepened with every experience. I have witnessed firsthand how a warm, nutritious meal can bring comfort and stability to children—some of whom face homelessness or food
Why I Love
I love school nutrition because it is about health, learning, and overall well-being. they need to focus, grow, and succeed throughout the school day
team’s care and dedication create a safe space where children feel valued.
Healthy meals are essential for academic success and overall well-being . They provide the nourishment children need to learn, grow, and thrive. Yet, delivering these meals requires resources—adequate funding for
What makes school nutrition especially meaningful to me is the opportunity to learning into the kitchen. When students involved in food-related activities, they real-life skills like teamwork, responsibilit problem-solving while learning the importance of healthy choices. Hands-on experiences students feel connected to their food and confident in trying new, nutritious options.
Without this support, we cannot fully meet the needs of the students who depend on us.
School nutrition also plays an important equity by ensuring all students have access balanced meals and nutrition education.
I am committed to advocating this funding because I believe every child deserves access to nutritious meals. By investing in school nutrition programs, we invest in the future of our communities. Your support will help us continue to provide meals that not only feed children but also fuel their potential
Rockdale County
Knowing that these programs positively students’ lives every day is why I truly school nutrition.
Mary Beth Hall Bremen City Schools
Why I Love School Nutrition
I love school nutrition because it is about more than just serving meals—it supports student health, learning , and overall well-being . School nutrition programs provide students with the fuel they need to focus, grow, and succeed throughout the school day.
Love School Nutrition
about more than just serving meals it supports student well-being. School nutrition programs provide students with the fuel succeed especially bring students are they build responsibility, and portance experiences help and more options.
portant role in access to education.
positively impact love
What makes school nutrition especially meaningful to me is the opportunity to bring learning into the kitchen. When students are involved in food-related activities, they build real-life skills like teamwork, responsibility, and problem-solving while learning the importance of healthy choices. Hands-on experiences help students feel connected to their food and more confident in trying new, nutritious options.
School nutrition also plays an important role in equity by ensuring all students have access to balanced meals and nutrition education. Knowing that these programs positively impact students’ lives every day is why I truly love school nutrition.
Mary Beth Hall Bremen City Schools
“School nutrition programs provide students with the fuel they need to focus, grow, and succeed throughout the school day.”
in Fulton County Student Choice Food Challenge
On Friday, February 13, 2026, The Fulton County School Nutrition Program hosted the eighth Student Choice Food Challenge, where over 160 students from across the district will taste and vote for potential new school meal recipes. The Food Challenge is an opportunity for Fulton’s own students to give a voice in selecting healthy school meal recipes, empowering them to make nutritious choices while increasing their awareness of dietary guidelines that influence school meals. The student ratings will help the district determine which student-approved recipes will be added to school menus!
