Students Recognize Food Service Worker at Chaffin Middle School

Pictured (l to r): Calvin Fretheim, Edith Engnell, and Sophia Tran.

For Edith Engnell, a food service worker at Chaffin Middle School, work involves more than just ensuring students receive healthy meals; getting to know every student who passes through the cafeteria is her calling.

“All the work that I’ve done to get to know the kids has worked out,” Engnell said. “They realize that they’re important to me, which means the world.”

Engnell’s devotion to the students at Chaffin does not go unnoticed, however. Each nine weeks, students select three staff members to receive the Cats Award for excellence. This nine weeks, Engnell was selected to receive the honor.

“Ms. Engnell is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met,” students wrote. “Every day when I go to lunch, I look forward to seeing her. She is friendly to all the students and teachers. She remembers everyone’s names and is kind to everyone. She greets me every time I take my tray up to her. Ms. Engnell always has a smile on her face and something nice to say to us. If anyone deserves this award, it’s her. Ms. Engnell is an ideal Chaffin Cougar!”

Sophia Tran and Calvin Fretheim, both eighth graders, were two of the students who nominated Engnell for the award.

Tran said she nominated Engnell because Engnell is a sweet person.

“She makes my day a lot better,” Tran said.

For Fretheim, not only does Engnell know everyone’s names, “She can tell me and my twin apart,” he said. 

A transplant from Minnesota, Engnell moved to Fort Smith more than two years ago to be closer to family in Texas. She has more than 17 years of experience in food service, having served as a food services manager at Hanover Elementary School in Hanover, Minnesota. 

Not only can students see Engnell each day as they get their lunch, but Engnell can also be spotted cheering on students at sporting events. 

That’s another reason why the award means so much to her. 

“This is why I do what I do,” Engnell said, tightly clutching her award. “It’s for the kids. They’re the reason I’m here.”