Good News
“Queen of Kitchen” Kelly Schultz honored as School Lunch Hero

The “Queen of the Kitchen” is taking off her crown, but earned a cape in its place.
Friday marked School Lunch Hero Day, and the La Crosse School District honored Kelly Schultz in a surprise ceremony at Southern Bluffs Elementary School.
Family and friends cheer from the parking lot to celebrate Schultz. Family and friends cheer from the parking lot to celebrate Schultz. Schultz poses for a photo with her family after the surprise announcement.
Schultz started in the district by working nights in the bakery at Logan High School in 1981.
“We baked everything for all of the schools,” Schultz said.
From Logan High School, she went to Central High. Today, she is an assistant nutrition manager for the School District of La Crosse but has plans to retire this summer. It is a bittersweet end to her career, especially with schools closed because of COVID-19.
“For me, the part I miss the most are the kids,” Schultz said. “That’s why we’re here. We’re here for kids. They just pull your heartstrings.”
She recalled feeding multiple generations of students in her time with the school district.
“It’s kind of fun it’s like, wait a minute, I think your parent went here.”
In retirement, Schultz planned to take over her husband’s role in the kitchen and see what else calls to her.
