March 13, 2025 — For 34 years, Renee Dews was a steady and beloved presence in the Food Service Department at Columbus City Schools (CCS). As the food service manager at Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center, she built deep, meaningful relationships with both staff and students, greeting each day with kindness, professionalism, and a heartfelt commitment to her work. To her, every student was family, and she made it her mission to ensure that all of her “kids” were fed.

This past fall, the Columbus community was struck by the sudden passing of Dews, leaving behind a legacy that would forever be etched in the hearts of those who knew her. Her legacy wasn’t just about food; it was about compassion, service, and the incredible impact she had on those around her.

“She touched so many lives,” CCS Food Service Supervisor Irish Dorris said as she held back tears. “She changed lives, and it started with mine. When I first came into the system, Miss Renee saved me.”

To honor Dews' enduring spirit, the District relaunched the Food Service All-Stars Award Ceremony. This year’s event held at Linden-McKinley STEM Academy brought together over 100 food service employees from across the District for a celebration filled with camaraderie and joy. The morning kicked off with a delightful breakfast, lovingly prepared by the kitchen staff from South High School and Linden-McKinley, setting a warm and inviting atmosphere for the morning.

“It's good to catch up. Just being around everybody, catching up with everybody, and seeing everybody,” said Megan Sexton, member of the food service team at West High School.

The CCS Food Service All-Stars Award Ceremony had been on hiatus since the COVID-19 pandemic, but this year, it returned with renewed energy and enthusiasm, reminding everyone of the crucial role food service staff plays in the community.

“I'm excited to see the staff coming out. It's good to see them outside of scrubs,” Dorris said with a chuckle.

After sharing a meal, the crowd moved to the auditorium for the awards ceremony, where accolades were given for milestone years of service, perfect attendance, and other well-deserved honors. It was a moment to pause and appreciate the invaluable work done by food service employees across the District.

“There is no more noble and important work than the work we do for our students,” said Joe Brown, director of food services at CCS. “Our mission is working together to provide meals that nourish and stimulate the mind and the body of every student to enhance learning in a global community. That's our target. That's our North Star, and that's where we're trying to get to.”

Dorris echoed his sentiment, emphasizing the dedication and hard work of CCS’s food service team.

“We wanted to give back to our staff,” Dorris said. “Our staff goes above and beyond. Sometimes they might work short two or three people down, but they never complain, they never fuss, they just jump in and dive in. We want to give back to show that we hear you, we see you, and we care.”

Lois Carson, president of the Ohio Association of Public School Employees (OAPSE), spoke proudly and fondly about CCS’s food service employees. She congratulated and thanked Brown and his team for highlighting this ceremony as an honor for CCS staff members.

“The food service staff always shows respect and love to their staff,” Carson said. “These are the folks who see the babies before anybody else other than a bus driver. The bus driver sees them first, then the food service workers see them second. So I just appreciate all the work that classified staff does. It's always great to be shown a little bit of love.”

Kaileigh Thomas, a food service team member at West High School, appreciated the ceremony and recognition.

“It's nice to feel seen, especially when sometimes food service can get pushed under the rug a little bit,” said Kaileigh Thomas, food service team member at West High School.

The celebration was also an opportunity for new team members to connect with long-time staff, fostering a sense of unity and belonging across the District. 

“I'm glad it's back,” said Star Lopez, food service manager at Mifflin High School. “We have a lot of new people so this is another way for all the new people to get to know the people that have been here for a long time, too.”

Although Dews is no longer with us, her impact continues to inspire. The ceremony was not only a celebration of the hard work and dedication of the food service staff but also a way to honor the lasting impact she had on everyone around her.

“It's always an honor to recognize the people that have touched so many lives,” Dorris said. “She left a big legacy so we just want to honor her and her staff.”

Food service workers may not always get recognized for their hard work, but CCS’s Food Service All-Stars Award Ceremony shines a light on these members of our community and reminds us that their contributions are invaluable.

“Thank you for what you did yesterday, thank you for what you're doing today, and thank you for what you will do tomorrow,” Brown said. “I'm so grateful to be part of such a talented and hard working team. Your dedication and commitment inspired me every day, so thank you.”

While the ceremony came to a close, the memory of Dews will forever remain, inspiring generations of food service workers at CCS to continue serving with heart, just as she did.

In loving memory of Renee Dews (1950-2024)