GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) – At Ken-O-Sha Park Elementary School, one of the first friendly faces scholars encounter each morning is Deb Davis, the school’s Nutritional Specialist.
“What I enjoy most about my job is greeting sleepy-eyed scholars, getting them to smile and say ‘good morning,’” Davis said. “Their educational experience begins by me providing a caring, compassionate and safe atmosphere.”
Davis’s warm welcome is just the beginning of the impact she makes each day. Her work in GRPS is deeply personal. She views it as a way to give back to the community that supported her through her own childhood.
“GRPS has my heartstrings,” she explained. “It was this district that nurtured me as a young girl in the loss of my mother as a child. My heart has not allowed me to ever forget the individuals who have impacted my life.”
She holds special memories of her time at South Middle School, where staff like Mrs. Jennings, Mrs. Likely, Mrs. Lowry, and Mrs. Antoinette Tate helped shape her path.
“I shall never forget as a teen being mentored by Mr. Sy Dubinski and John Dow,” she said. “There are countless others who have influenced my choice to volunteer and work for GRPS.”
Today, Davis is committed to ensuring every scholar feels the same sense of support and belonging that she once received.
“I'm glad to be part of GRPS food service to assure that every scholar and staff member knows that they matter,” she explained. “It is my hope that I impact the cafeteria eating experience for the students and staff by providing an eye-appealing, tasteful meal with nutritional value.”
“My commitment is to be present every day with a friendly smile, listening ear, and shoulder to lean on.”
