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SCSD’s Very Own Child Nutrition Director to Present at National Conference
Simpson County School District’s Director of Child Nutrition, Dr. Derricka Thomas, has been selected by a group of her peers from across the country to speak at a national conference this summer in Denver, Colorado.
Chosen by industry professionals of the School Nutrition Association (SNA), Thomas will lead an education session during the 2023 SNA Annual National Conference, which unites thousands of school nutrition program operators, industry partners and allied organizations for an unparalleled educational and networking experience. Her presentation, titled “Increasing High School Students Participation Through Student Workshops and Menu Design,” will discuss her strategy and collaboration efforts of working with school administrators, educators, and high school students to increase student participation in the district’s school lunch program.
Thomas said she felt excited to be chosen as a presenter at the Annual National Conference, which is proclaimed to be the “School Nutrition Event of the Year.” Having presented on numerous occasions on the state and local levels, the Annual National Conference will be her first time speaking with professionals from across the U.S.
“Presenting on the national level has been one of my career goals, so I felt accomplished to set out to do something and to get an opportunity to achieve it,” she said.
Because of her presentation topic, Thomas was also contacted by the editor of the School Nutrition Magazine to write an article on the same theme for their upcoming May/June issue – another first for her on a national level.
According to Thomas, to be recognized on a national level is a blessing for any employee.
“It is a highlight for our district, the Child Nutrition Department, and everyone we serve,” she said. “It is a great opportunity for the district, as well, that you have that caliber of professionals that have been selected to present and be published on a national level.”
Dr. Derricka Thomas is a veteran educator with 26 years of experience as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, district-level administrator, and adjunct professor. She has been an employee of Simpson County School District since 2016 and has served in the role of child nutrition director for the past three years.
MageeNews.com is an online news website covering Simpson and surrounding counties as well as the State of Mississippi.
Great job Dr. Thomas!