By Emily Ball

Lead Reporter

    The School Nutrition Association honored Maria Hall, Walpole Public School’s Director of School Nutrition, as the Massachusetts’ School Nutrition Director of The Year for the 2016-2017 school year.

   Hall received her award in April at the School Nutrition Association Legislative Action Conference in Washington, D.C.

   “I feel truly honored to have been selected for this award,” said Hall.

   As the Massachusetts winner, Hall will be recognized at the School Nutrition Association of Massachusetts’ Fall Conference in Worcester on October 17.

   Hall will also be recognized at the Annual National Conference in Atlanta, Georgia this summer. At this ceremony, Hall will receive a certificate and a ribbon and will walk at the Red Carpet Awards Ceremony. Hall will also be considered for both the Northeast Regional and National awards.

   In order to receive the award, the nominee must have at least five years of experience as the Director of School Nutrition and be a certified member of the School Nutrition Association. Further, they must serve in a position on the state or national board, or be a member on the state or national committee.

   “I am actively involved with many of the associations and committees that support School Nutrition Directors,” said Hall.

   Hall has been working as the School Nutrition Director in the Walpole Public School system for six years and continuously works to improve  the nutrition program.

  “[Hall] implemented an annual Iron Chef Junior Competition and Wellness Fair which allows students the opportunity to work with local professional chefs,” said Michael Friscia, the School Business Administrator. “In an effort to engage community members, [Hall] also created monthly senior citizen dinners.”

Hall plans uphold this honor by continuing to work with the Walpole public schools.

   “I will continue to work collaboratively with our school community to help drive and implement healthy initiatives for our community,” said Hall.