Lovec receives state award

Governor Steve Bullock and First Lady Lisa Bullock recently sent a letter to Superintendent Daniel Schrock notifying him that Ekalaka Public Schools was selected as one of four recipients of The First Lady School Breakfast Champion Awards for the school year 2016-2017.

The statewide awards are given each year in four categories: Startup of a new school breakfast program; Increased participation in an existing school breakfast program; Long-standing tradition of excellence in serving school breakfast; and Food Service Staff of the year.

Ekalaka Public Schools was awarded the Breakfast Champion Award for Food Service Staff of the year. A committee of members from the Governor's Office, Montana No Kid Hungry, Montana Office of Public Instruction, Montana Food Bank Network, MSU Team Nutrition, and the Governor's Office of Community Service selected Ekalaka as a winner based on record of work and excellent outcomes.

The letter states: "Your dedicated food service team continues to ensure that students are fed a healthy breakfast despite limited resources."

Tricia Lovec is the head of that dedicated team. She has been working for the school since the fall of 1991, and has been food service director since 1994.

Superintendent Schrock notified Lovec on Tuesday.

"It's impressive what she [LOVEC] has done," he stated. "Her budget hasn't gotten any bigger. We squeeze pennies until they bleed copper. Her years of selfless work for these kids is greatly appreciated."

Ekalaka Public Schools first launched a breakfast program last year. A healthy breakfast is the most critical meal in a child's life. It improves their health, impacts their ability to concentrate and learn, and promotes successful outcomes during the school year.

A ceremony will be held on June 2, 2017 for the First Lady School Breakfast Champions in conjunction with the ServeMontana Awards at 10:30 am in the Senate Chambers at the Montana Capitol, followed by a luncheon at the governor's residence.

Lovec isn't sure if she will make it or not.

"It's been a pleasure," she said about her time at the school. "I'm honored to be recognized for doing my job, but really I just love being around the kids."