Celebrating Our Staff: Atlanta Public Schools Nutrition Services Black Gala Night

Submitted by: Jordan Lonergan

On Friday, May 29, 2026, Atlanta Public Schools Nutrition Services proudly hosted its highly anticipated Black Gala Night at Benjamin E. Mays High School, bringing together cafeteria managers, food assistants, central office Nutrition Services staff, district leaders, and honored guests for an unforgettable evening of tribute and celebration.

After entering Mays High School, guests dressed in their finest black-tie attire were immediately greeted by attendants who directed them to the gym, where the event was held. A red carpet waited for them to take pictures on as they entered the gala, providing a glimpse into the elegance the night had in store for them.

Photos by Jessica Mynatt

Nutrition Services Employee of the Year, Shonda Fulton, captured the spirit of the night by saying, “The event highlighted the dedication, hard work, and contributions of team members whose commitment helps drive excellence in serving our students, schools, and community each day.

The staff work incredibly hard to make our students feel special and provide them with the fuel they need every day. This gala was an opportunity to show them how essential they are to Nutrition Services and bring the attention to them.

Throughout the evening, guests reflected on another successful year of service while enjoying opportunities to connect and celebrate alongside peers and leadership. Amidst the conversation, live music could be heard playing in the background, which got people on the dance floor throughout the night. Whether they had been working with Nutrition Services for one or 30 years, colleagues shared this special night together and cheered on one another’s excellence.

A multi-course meal, prepared by Nutrition Services’ talented chefs, brought everyone to their beautifully set tables. As people settled in to dine, the upbeat music came to a halt, and the awards ceremony began. It spotlighted cafeteria managers, food assistants, and central office staff who met and exceeded rigorous performance standards, verified through Human Resources.

Among other qualifications, they needed to have perfect attendance and no disciplinary infractions or letters of direction. A triumph many staff were able to achieve. These distinguished employees were applauded for their exceptional contributions, leadership, innovation, dedication to customer service, and commitment to supporting student success.

One of the evening’s most memorable moments was the tribute to Lucrelia Craig, who received a special commemorative plaque marking 34 years of dedicated service in school nutrition. Her remarkable career reflects a steadfast commitment to students, colleagues, and the Atlanta Public Schools community. As she accepted the plaque, guests applauded her lasting impact and the countless lives she has touched throughout over three decades of service. Her dedication serves as an inspiring example of excellence and commitment for current and future generations of Nutrition Services professionals.

The awards presentation showcased numerous success stories from across the district, highlighting individuals whose efforts consistently demonstrated the department’s values of excellence, integrity, teamwork, and service. Each name called was met with applause from colleagues who understood, better than anyone, the work that went into earning that honor. From the cafeteria to the classroom, these are the staff members who show up early, stay late, and make sure every student is fed and cared for, no matter what the day brings.

Event and project manager Christel Martin, praised the night saying, “It was a special moment that showcased the very best of our team, and I will always be proud to have been a part of it.”

As the evening came to a close, it was clear that the Black Gala Night was about more than awards and celebration. It was a chance for Nutrition Services to pause and acknowledge the people who make the department’s mission possible every single day. The dedication in that room, is the same dedication that shows up in schools across Atlanta each morning, long before the first bell rings.

Nutrition Services extends its heartfelt thanks to every honoree and every staff member whose hard work continues to serve students, schools, and the greater Atlanta Public Schools community. Here’s to another year of excellence, and to the many more moments worth celebrating that lie ahead.