Garner named top school nutrition manager in county

Janice Garner, school nutrition manager at Whitewater Middle, is the 2026 winner of the coveted Cheryl Calhoun Manager of the Year Award, the highest honor presented by the Fayette County Public Schools School Nutrition Program.

“Her passion for School Nutrition and genuine love for the students she serves embody the spirit of this distinguished award,” said Kokeeta Wilder, school nutrition program director for Fayette County Public Schools. “This recognition is a testament to her years of hard work, leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence.”

Garner began her career with Fayette County School Nutrition in 2005. She became manager of Whitewater Middle in 2022 and has continued to lead with dedication, diligence, and a strong commitment to excellence.

Under Garner’s leadership, Whitewater Middle was the district’s top-performing middle school in à la carte sales. Her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of food safety and sanitation was also reflected in the cafeteria earning two perfect health inspection scores of 100.

Garner is passionate about her work and genuinely cares for the students she serves each day. She understands the important role school nutrition plays in helping children feel welcomed, cared for, and ready to learn. A loving mother and talented baker, she also enjoys sharing homemade sweet treats with her staff and other employees. Her kindness, generosity, strong work ethic, and commitment to always doing her best have made a lasting impact on those around her.

The award is named in honor of Cheryl Calhoun, the school system’s longest-serving school nutrition program director, who served for 22 years before losing her battle with cancer in January 2007. It recognizes managers who exemplify the professional qualities Calhoun demonstrated throughout her career: dedication, hard work, and a commitment to excellence.