Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that Alison Gotay, the school nutrition assistant manager at City Park School, has been awarded the 2024 Dalton Classified Staff of the Year award.
Gotay's journey with Dalton Public Schools began in January 2023, when she joined as a dedicated member of the school nutrition team. Her commitment to excellence quickly earned her a promotion to assistant manager in the cafeteria. Reflecting on her role, Gotay shared, "Every day, I’m committed to serving the best quality of product and service to our children and colleagues on campus. My goal is to provide the best cafeteria experience throughout the school year."
Under her leadership, the cafeteria team has implemented numerous initiatives to ensure a safe, welcoming, and nutritious environment for students. "We show our children that the team is qualified and prepared to serve every meal at the right temperature, with the right utensils and clothing. The school cafeteria is a safe area where they can enjoy their meal, just like they would at home," Gotay explained.
Gotay's dedication is deeply rooted in her own childhood experiences in Ponce, Puerto Rico. "As a child, the school cafeteria workers served us with so much love every day. Their kindness and the delicious food always brought me back. Today, my commitment is to serve with that same love, kindness, and dedication," she said.
Her approach extends beyond just serving meals. Gotay emphasizes the importance of creating a positive and inclusive environment for all students, including those with disabilities. "With empathy and kindness, we ensure that every child enjoys the school cafeteria like any other child," she noted.
Gotay's work philosophy is centered on teamwork, effective communication, and continuous improvement. She believes in investing in employee training and fostering a culture of feedback and motivation. "By working together, we achieve the common goal of providing the best food and service to our children and colleagues," she stated.
In addition to her daily responsibilities, Gotay actively participates in school and community events, reinforcing the bond between the school and families. "Participating in activities like family movie nights and holiday events allows me to connect with parents and create a sense of community. It’s a blessing to work together for the common good, making children happy through healthy and appropriate nutrition," she said.
Gotay’s unwavering commitment to Dalton Public Schools, her dedication to providing excellent service, and her genuine care for students and colleagues make her a deserving recipient of the 2024 Dalton Classified Staff of the Year award. "I am proud to serve as a 'lunch lady' and to have an impact on our community," she expressed with pride.
Gotay was honored for her outstanding efforts at the 2024 Dalton Public Schools Convocation service. Gotay's exceptional contributions earned her $750 as well as $300 for being named the City Park 2024 Classified Staff of the Year. Additionally, she received a new rug, courtesy of Shaw Industries.
The financial awards were made possible through donations from partnering businesses: Dalton Utilities, Ford of Dalton, First Student, KRH Architects Incorporated, Reeves and Young, Coldwell Realty, Shaw Industries, J.W. Buckley & Associates, Inc., H.E. Hodge Company, CWC, and AdaptToSolve, Inc.
We also would like to thank First Student for their gift in-kind of transportation to the event for staff.
Other school level Classified Staff of the Year honorees included:
Melanie Franey, Deborah Azua, Alba Gomez, Cynthia Hoeng, Traci Hopkins, Sabria Oliver, Alisa Parker, and Melisa Voiles.