Rose Pizzo, Bernard Middle School’s cafeteria manager, was recently nominated for a National Life Group LifeChanger of the Year Award for the 2024-2025 school year.
The National Life Group LifeChanger of the Year Award celebrates k-12 educators and support staff from around the country who make a significant difference in students’ lives by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership. In total, 757 support staff and teachers from across the United States were nominated, with 31 being from Missouri and just ten from the St. Louis area. Pizzo alone represents South County.
“She truly is the heart of our community,” Lauren Cumming, principal at Bernard Middle School, stated in a press release. “Rose’s dedication to this school and her love for this community helps our communities feel supported and like they are a part of something special.”
Pizzo has worked in the cafeteria at Bernard for the past 20 years, serving as the cafeteria manager for the past four.
“School Food is one of the only departments in a school that has the opportunity to see each kid in the school every day,” Katie Gegg, School Food and Nutrition Services Director, stated in a press release. “Rose goes above and beyond to make sure kids have a wonderful experience inside and outside the walls of the cafeteria.”
Over the years, Pizzo has done much to help the school community, including starting a food table – giving students who have unopened items the opportunity to drop them off for another student to pick up – to cut down on waste and provide extra food to students who may need it. She also organized the collection of donations to help choir students attend a field trip, and has worked with counseling staff to provide students with presents during the holidays.
“The main reason why I love what I do is the students,” Pizzo stated. “When I see there is a student in need, I take action and try to provide as much as I can for that student.”
To show support for Pizzo, leave a positive comment on her LifeChanger of the Year profile.
For more information on the LifeChanger of the Year Award and the National Life Group, visit https://www.lifechangeroftheyear.com.