Congratulations to Megan Kearney for being recognized as the 2026 New York School Nutrition Association (NYSNA) Manager of the Year. This award honors school nutrition professionals who work to ensure students are well-nourished every day and prepared for success.

A Culinary Manager for the Saratoga Spring City School District who joined Capital Region BOCES in 2024, Mrs. Kearney was in disbelief when she learned she had been selected to receive the award. “It was jaw-dropping,” she said. “To even be nominated was an honor, but to be chosen is something I never expected.”

Mrs. Kearney was nominated for the award by her supervisor, Eric Bush, Senior School Lunch Director. “Megan is a vital part of our daily operations. Her passion and care for not only the students, but staff is evident in all she does and it truly shows. Her standards are high, and her reputation for delivery quality service has grown the program but also the reputation of the food service program here at Saratoga. We are so happy she is being recognized!”

For Mrs. Kearney, the award is not about personal accolades, it’s about the work she loves and the students she serves every day. “Our main focus is kids, has always been kids and always will be.”

Mrs. Kearney oversees food service operations across the nine school buildings in the Saratoga school district, where she takes a hands-on, very personal approach. Her commitment to service is evident in even the smallest of details, from securing specialized milk options for students with dietary needs to responding quickly to individual concerns raised by families, students or staff. Through consistent communication and regular visits to each school, Mrs. Kearney works directly with staff to address any challenges that may arise, offer support and ensure students receive quality, nutritious meals.

Under Mrs. Kearney’s guidance, the food service program in Saratoga schools has continually evolved. She has expanded the catering department, from providing refreshments for small administrative meetings to full service for outside groups of more than 100. This accomplishment has garnered positive feedback from event attendees and praise from district administrators; however, student engagement is at the heart of Mrs. Kearney’s work. She actively seeks feedback from students on meals and uses that information for menu planning and food selection. When reopening the high school cafeteria after a renovation, Mrs. Kearney invited students to participate in chicken tender taste tests and let them play a role in the decision making process.

“I love the kids’ input. I often hear ‘we want to try this or can we try this?’ And we’ll find a way to do that for them. I want them to be happy and satisfied…we want them to really come and eat lunch,” she said. Her efforts are paying off. In recent years, the number of lunches served daily at Saratoga High School has increased from 600 to over 1,000. “For me [that] is jaw dropping and amazing and it’s a good feeling,” she professed.

To continue that growth and interest, she posts monthly food facts outside the coffee cafe. These fun and intriguing tidbits engage students and staff and spark their curiosity. A recent food fact highlighted the Easter candy treat, Peeps. “If one student just walks by and says, ‘hey, I didn’t know that,’ that’s really cool to see.”

Mrs. Kearney is also known for quietly stepping in when students forget their lunch cards, ensuring they receive a meal without embarrassment or stress. “It’s just the little things — to make a student’s day, to make sure everything’s taken care of. I make sure my employees are taken care of as well…anything I can do to help them and improve their day or make life easy. I listen to their feedback as well as the student’s feedback about what meals worked, what meals didn’t work, what they liked, what they didn’t like, and that’s a typical day for me.”

While the award bears her name, Mrs. Kearney is quick to credit those around her. “I could not do this without our food service team and BOCES leadership who believe in me,” she said. “And I have to mention some of my most important sources of support – my husband, my son, my family and my best friend, who has been one of my strongest and most consistent cheerleaders.”

The award not only recognizes Mrs. Kearney’s leadership, but a food service program defined by collaboration, compassion and commitment, values she brings to the table every day. “I love every minute of this job.”