Each morning, food service attendant Pamela Cole makes her way down the special education hallway at Milby High School to serve a nutritious breakfast to her favorite students, each of whom she knows by name. 

One day, Nutrition Services Team Lead Mari Thibodeaux assigned someone else to that hallway. 

“The teacher called and said her students were waiting for Ms. Pam,” Thibodeaux said. “Can you believe they didn’t want anyone but her? It’s because she exudes excellence in all that she does.” 

Thibodeaux nominated Cole for the Business Operations Customer Service Impact Award for the month of October, calling her dependable, dedicated, encouraging, helpful, and wonderful. 

“I just try to do everything that I’m told to do,” Cole said. “If I’m caught up on my work, I’ll go help someone else. If you love what you do, you’ll always succeed.” 

The Customer Service Impact Award recognizes HISD Business Operations employees who display exemplary performance, deliver fantastic customer service, and regularly go above and beyond to add value to their division and positively influence co-workers. 

“When I think of all that this award symbolizes, there’s only one name that comes to mind and that’s Pamela Cole,” Thibodeaux said. “I knew she would win.” 

Nutrition Services employees organized a special celebration to present the award to Cole. In addition to the framed certificate and award, Cole received colorful balloons and chocolate and vanilla cupcakes.  

Milby High School Principal Ruth Ruiz also thanked Cole for the work she does. 

“We don’t always take the time to recognize our custodial staff and our cafeteria staff,” Ruiz said. “They play an important role in student education.” 

Thibodeaux added that Cole is never late and never misses a day of work. 

“If you’re looking for a wow experience with a topping of service excellence, head off to Milby and witness the greatness of Ms. Pam and all she does for our team,” Thibodeaux said.