Influencer of the Week: Melissa Hunt, Sand Lake Elementary

As the food service manager, Melissa Hunt is an integral part of the Sand Lake Elementary School family. She’s part of the Health Schools team and a member of the School Advisory Council. An active participant in the school, Hunt takes part in many evening activities and is always willing to lend a helping hand. 

What do you love most about your school? 

I love the students and the camaraderie and passion of all staff members for their job.

What’s your favorite part of your job? 

Getting to feed hungry children a nutritious breakfast, lunch and supper.

What made you want to take on this job? 

I took the job because of vision: Best tasting and high-quality, nutritious meals; customer service; happy, caring, engaged staff; efficient operations; best nutrition for successful students and for the ability to be able to spend more time with my family.

What motivates you and pushes you to do your best? 

Seeing the students smiling faces and knowing that I’m helping the children succeed because hungry students can’t learn.

What’s the nicest thing a student has done for you? 

I love when the students make me cards and notes. 

What’s your favorite place to eat? 

It depends, I love to eat. A few of my favorites are El Palacio Buffet, Tijuana Flats for taco Tuesday and I enjoy the classic Olive Garden.

If you could take a vacation to anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why? 

There are a few places I would like to visit. I would like to go to Australia to see the great barrier reef, Egypt to see the pyramids and Brazil to see Christ the Redeemer.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? 

My superpower would be teleportation — I hate traffic and being late.

Cats, dogs or some other pet? 

Cats. I have a cat named Asia. Growing up, I had pet rabbits. My favorite one was named Flopsy.

If you were trapped on a deserted island and could only take three items with you, what would you bring and why? 

I would bring a tent for shelter, matches to make a fire and a friend for company and to do things with like play games and talking.

What was your favorite book growing up? 

I enjoyed reading the “Babysitters Club” books.

What is your favorite sports team to cheer for? 

Indianapolis Colts

Do you have any fun talents or hobbies? 

I enjoy camping and doing things with my children.

If you could put any four musicians on an alternate Mount Rushmore, who would it be?  

Adele, Bebe Rexha, Christina Aguliera, Whitney Houston