SAN DIEGO — Not all heroes wear capes, some wear aprons.
In this Zevely Zone, I visited Mira Mesa High School on National School Lunch Hero Day.
Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, but on this day all eyes were focused on the famous lunch lady Chhovy Chhit. At Mira Mesa High, there's a 'Lunch Lady' who has always dreamed of being on the news. "I'm so excited," said Chhovy. "I always see you on the TV."
On this day, we shined the Zevely Zone spotlight on Chhovy. "Yes, it's me, Chhovy Chhit, whoa!!"
She is the senior cook in the kitchen at Mira Mesa High.
"Woohoo!! Mira Mesa is the best, Mira Mesa is the best, Mira Mesa is the best," the kitchen staff chanted when we arrived.
For nearly 20 years, Chhovy's been making meals for students. "She is the very best," said a cafe worker. On National School Lunch Hero Day, Chhovy's finally the main course. "She is such a wonderful person," said another co-worker.
Every morning the staff is cranking and crafting nearly a thousand meals. "Everyday lunch has to be ready by 12:15 rain or shine," said Chhovy.
Yet, somehow, she always finds the time to pile on an extra serving of compassion. "Can you tie my shoe? Can you find my jacket?" said Chhovy about some of the many requests she received from past students.
It's not just about making food, it's about helping students. Years ago, when she served meals at an elementary school, Donovan Wong was a kindergartener in need. "Did Chhovy tie your shoe for you?" I asked. "Yes, she did, she actually did before," said Donovan.
For an Immigrant from Cambodia, Chhovy's whole life is an American dream. "I wish I could be the lunch hero everyday, I wake up and say I'm the one, everyone is so excited, my team is excited," said Chhovy. Although making meals is a team sport, on this day, there's only one 'Lunch Lady Hero'. "Yes baby, I'm the one, I'm the one," said Chhovy.
Food and Nutrition Services at San Diego Unified adheres to strict food standards and is proud to have Chhovy offer its service with a smile.