Charla Hudgins was nominated by their colleague, Marisabel Wolfinger. View the nomination video here.
She is a very hard worker. She always puts her staff and students first. She is very honest and has great integrity and is a pleasure to work with and for. She also always has a kind word for everybody and always no matter what happens as a smile on her face. She deserves this award
Charla Hudgins is a cherished part of our Wallaby Family! She is an amazing kitchen manager - not only does she manage the budget and team to provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner to our students each day, she also knows children by name. Her everyday goal is to feed every child; she gives hugs and affirming words with every meal. Ms. Hudgins truly changes lives in the way she approaches her work. We are so thankful to have her as a leader working for our Millennia Gardens school and community.
Ms. Charla really cares about our students and making sure they have the best dining experience. She goes above and beyond while maintaining a positive attitude. We are very proud of Ms. Charla !!
hi, i work at Millennia Gardens ,not too long ,but i seen greatness at this kitchen , she is really exceptional manager !! keep up the great job ! hugs Charla 1
She is a lifechanger !! she is great ,i will say a natural at her , job ,she deserve this and more ,im glad she is on our school ! all kids love her , and also teachers she is awesome ,keep it up Charla !
Charla is a sweet soul. It’s not hard to see her endless care and concern for others at work. In my position as an itinerant school employee, I’ve been in lots of schools, however, I’ve never witnessed someone in Charla’s position be so hands-on with staff and students. Everyone knows her. She treats every child like they are her own. She always makes sure every child is taken care of. I’m happy to work with her but even prouder to have her as a friend.
Charla continues to show up everyday for our students. She ensures that all students receives meals, so that they are ready to learn for the day. When students feel safe, and are not hungry-this leads to success. We appreciate and acknowledge all the hard work Charla puts in, day in and day out.
I met Charla at Millennia Gardens some years ago. Her kindness and hard work shows today just as much as it did back then. She is a blessing to the students and her colleagues. I needed assistance after I accepted a district position and knew I could call on Charla to help guide me in the right direction. She is a great resource and dynamic team member. Her professionalism does not go unnoticed. I salute her and she is well deserving of recognition.
I was new to OCPS this school year and I was able to spend some time with Charla during my training. She made me feel very welcome and comfortable for being in a new work environment. She shared with me lots of best practices to help me be successful on my career path.
Charla is a great human being with her employees, she is very professional in solving situations, and she is always willing to help her students and her employees, she deserves to be recognized,
compassionate, dedicated, loyal, hard worker, understanding, amazing listener, humble, motivated, dependable, accountable, energetic, ambitious..... and a great friend. I am blessed to know her. She deserves this recognition.
She is always available for her employees and children in the school. She deserve to be recognize!
She always help the kids in the cafetería and her employees. I wish her the best!
I worked with Charla for just ten months, and in that short time she found her way into my heart and my family. I will forever be thankful that this kind, wonderful human became my friend. She is as beautiful on the inside as she is outside!
Charla alway has a smile and works very hard to create and implement our pre-k healthy meals. She serves Pre-k to 5th grade. She plans every healthy meal for our students. She is always kind and considerate to all the students and staff! We love her for her dedication to our school! She gives more than 100% everyday. She is our life changer of the year!
Charla is a shining example of kindness and compassion, always putting the needs of others before her own. I'm so grateful to know her and have her in my life.
Mrs. Hudgins is a true asset to Millennia Gardens Elementary. She is respected among her peers and loved by the students. Her superpowers are impeccable work ethic and strong leadership. We are so proud of you, Charla!
Charla is one of best employees of MGE. She is very caring, and naturing to all. She is definitely my pick for Angel of the Year.
Charla goes above beyond everyday for her co-workers and the students. She is tireless and passionate about spreading joy to everyone around her. She has done so many things from recognition parties for her staff to advocating for healthy snacks for the students. It’s hard to imagine how she ever has any time for herself (or family) She is love and gratitude for so many! It is time she is on the receiving end!
Cheering for my friend Charla all the way!!! I can’t think of anyone harder working or more deserving. I’m so grateful for all she does for the students and families at our school!!
At Millennia Gardens Elementary School, we're incredibly fortunate to have Charla as our dedicated Kitchen Manager. With her warm smile and unwavering commitment, Charla ensures that every student receives a nutritious and delicious meal each day. Her love for children is evident in everything she does, from planning balanced menus to creating a welcoming atmosphere in the cafeteria.
Charla's attention to detail and passion for healthy eating make her an invaluable member of our school community. She understands the importance of providing well-balanced meals that fuel our students' bodies and minds, helping them to succeed both academically and personally.
We are grateful for Charla's hard work, kindness, and dedication. Her positive energy brightens our days and makes the cafeteria a special place for everyone. Thank you, Charla, for all that you do for the students and staff at Millennia Gardens Elementary School. You are truly appreciated!
Charla is a wonderful asset to the Millennia Gardens School cafeteria. She keeps the cafeteria running efficiently and is always willing to help if one of the pre-k students if there is a spill or accident.
Thank You Charla for all that you do.
Charla is the best co-worker in this whole world. She is so great im making the children feel welcome in the cafeteria. She is passionate about her job and it shows in the way she cares for the children .
Love ?? you Charla ,
What can be said about Charla that everyone who knows her would say: Passionate, dedicated, detailed, caring, prideful, I could go on and on. Charla goes above and beyond in everything she does. Her dedication to perfection has made her school, one of the top in our district. She cares about all the students as if they were her own children. She is an amazing manager, and even more so, an amazing person.
Charla is a very good Manager she helps all the time to her students and her team.
I’ve had the blessing and privilege to work and supervise Charla since the beginning of her career with OCPS. Her passion towards feeding her students is beyond incredible. There no barriers for her when it comes to ensuring that students have the opportunity to eat a meal. Her customer service towards the students, parents, and school staff is phenomenal. Her leadership is implacable as she has taught her staff to follow her steps when it comes to feeding students. The students are so lucky to have her. She is definitely worthy to be recognized with this amazing award!
Charla,is a friendly and hard working coworker. She is always willing and able to help out with field trips lunches; weather it's making sure they are packed up and the quantity is enough or rearranging the lunch schedule to accommodate students. Charla is commpassinate to students needs making sure everyone has a breakfast, even our late students. Charla goes over and beyond her duties and more than ever deserves this award.
I am beyond proud to that my friend and neighbor, Charla, has been nominated for the Life Changer of the Year award! Anyone who knows her knows that this recognition is so well-deserved. Charla has a heart of gold, always going above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of others—whether through kindness, dedication, or simply being a source of unwavering support.
Congratulations, Charla! Keep shining and changing lives!
Charla goes above and beyond to make sure that every child gets the food they need. She was instrumental in getting our students extra fruits veggies and a food compost program that educates our students about the food cycle.
Charla makes sure that all of the kids in our after school programs get dinner and a snack!
She has also been a huge supporter of our school’s Eco Club that teaches kids how to grow and cook healthy food. There have even been times where she has supervised our Eco Club students cooking healthy food for the school.
I am so glad that she has been nominated for this amazing award and I can’t imagine a more qualified candidate.
i worked at Millenia Gardens since 2018,an excellent lady she really take her job with pride ! she is an inspirational lady just watching her work ,her actions speak louder than words ,loving care lady in and out of work . If she needs to works also she will, keep it up Charla , You really inspire just looking at you at work!
I have known Charla about 7 to 8 years. For the last 5 years our schools were close to each so we would help the other out if one of us was short on product. This gave me the opportunity to see what goes on at her school first hand.
In my opinion she puts her students first, her employees second and everything else is third. Near the end of Covid she had the opportunity to send meals home at night with her students. When she was asked to do pilot program she said yes and didn't even have to think about it. By doing this it put a lot of extra work on her and her team. Charla did a lot of the packing of the food for this pilot herself. This allowed her staff to focus children that were getting lunch.
At Charla's school they have an Eco Club. As part of the club they had student gardens. Charla and her Lead both volunteered and helped the students with this. They would help show the kids how a big kitchen operates. The club put on a dinner celebration at the end of the school year. At the celebration the students were the waiters and cooks. Most of items served came out of student gardens. Charla and her lead had taught and assisted the students in preparing the products that were served at the celebration. Some of the guests at celebration were School Board Members. I also got to be one the guests being served at the event. You could see the pride on Charla's face as the students served us and also explained each item that was being served along with making sure we knew that most of this came from the student gardens. You could see the pride on each child's face of what they had accomplished.
Above is just a couple ways of how Charla operates and maintains her kitchen. These are only 2 examples of what she does and assist with in her kitchen. Honestly the examples are endless. Charla also prides herself on learning something new if the opportunity is there. She bothe a great student as well as a great teacher.
Charla works so hard to ensure our school cafeteria is running in top order. She has a passion for her students. She makes sure no student ever goes hungry. She also works hard to ensure her staff is treated with respect and dignity. I truly admire her and she has a very strong work ethic. I can't think of a better or more deserving person to earn this award. We are so proud of you Charla! Way to go!
Charla goes above and beyond to make sure the students receive a meal when they are hunger. I know I can call her when the meal time has passed and I have a student who comes in late that says they are hungry. She always says "Yes, send them over" with a smile on her face. She is very passionate about our students!
Ms. Charla's work ethic is admirable! She is respectful with everyone, considerate, kind with the kids and adults alike. She is a good leader to her crew, considerate and compassionate. She runs a tight ship, but she does it with kindness, dedication and a sweet smile. This have been my experience for the past 5 years at Millennia Gardens.
Ms. Charla Hudgins certainly deserves this award.
I am proud of you Ms. Charla. Congratulations!
I've had the pleasure of knowing and working with Mrs. Charla she has always had a heart for all children, however, it goes without saying that she has an extra large and very special place in his heart for the population of students that she serves at Millenia Elementary School.
Good Luck!
hi ,u always rock ,you are so unique ,thank you for been there always so professional , i know is not n easy job but you really know how to take care of business ,i'm glad you are in our school , you deserve this and more !
I've been in education closing in on 20 years, and every time I've seen Charla working, she is an inspiration of professionalism and kindness that I've ever seen come through any aspect on any campus that I've worked. She deserves this praise, and it's safe to say she would get the same positve response from anybody who asked about her.
I have known Charla for over 25 years and have witnessed what a caring and giving person she truly is in all aspects. Not only is she a wonderful friend, mom and wife, but she is also a mom to all children. She is the first one to lend a hand and go out of her way to help someone in need. It is not surprising to me that she has been nominated for this award. Her love for her students makes a huge impact in their lives every day. We need more people like her in our schools and in the community! Way to go Charla! ??
Charla is an absolute amazing person. She always gives her all! She loves her job and truely cares about the people around her. The fact that she has been nominated for this award doesn’t surprise me at all. She is knowledgeable at her job and will make sure the students and staff get what they need. She is kind and respectful and will always do her best! She loves the school she is At and her employees! You have picked the right person not only for the job but for this award as well!
She is a very hard worker. She always puts her staff and students first. She is very honest and has great integrity and is a pleasure to work with and for. She also always has a kind word for everybody and always no matter what happens as a smile on her face. She deserves this award
I've known Charla for five years at Millennia Gardens Elementary. Charla is a well-deserving manager of your prize. She goes above and beyond as she maintains her kitchen running as it should be, and she cares deeply for her kitchen crew. I'm an ESE Preschool teacher and she makes sure to follow the District's mandated menu for my children, and she is strict to follow it, regardless of what I suggest. Finally, when it comes to the kitchen inspections, she makes sure to follow through in whatever is needed, assuring the outcome of these inspections are always positive.
You may contact me, should you have any questions.
I am Charla's mom, she changed my life on May 13th 1978 and has been changing lives since then. Charla has raised 4 beautiful children to become successful adults. Charla always has and does put others before herself, she is caring, loving and fearless and so deserving of this award, I am and always have been very proud of her, and thankful she is my daughter. Love you baby girl!
Charla…! There’s so much that I can say about her that it’ll take a while! But Charla is very caring of her staff, the students, etc.. I was told during my three days of training that “I’d love her, she’s nice, a great person.” She’s proven to be that to me. She goes above & beyond to ensure and exemplify a workplace of family and equality, all done in the Spirit of Love & Excellence!! Those are only a small portion of the things I can say about her. As I said, it’ll take a while “ ??
Charla is very good and caring with the children.
She is truly supportive and helpful to her employees.
I hope she gets the recognition she deserves!!! :)
I have Been Knowing Charla since 2018 she is very passionate about the Students at Millennia Gardens.Making Sure every student has a Healthy and Nutrition Breakfast , Lunch, Supper. Each and everyday . She Goes above and beyond. To put a smile on are students face at millennia garden. Charla well do what ever it takes. She is very passionate About her Job Take pride in her work. It has been a pleasure to work with her each everyday . Always supportive we’ll do what ever she has to do to help her staff and students always At millennia Gardens . Charla is also very Funny Helpful passionate caring . Hard Working . Wishing you the Best.
Charla has been my manager for the past 7 years, and she has truly been the strongest and most dedicated person I have had the privilege to work with. She is someone who has not only enjoyed her work but has also cared deeply about her responsibilities, her employees, and, most importantly, the students. Through her leadership, she has created a sense of family within our team.
Charla’s unwavering commitment to the well-being of children is unmatched. She goes above and beyond to ensure that every child feels supported, valued, and cared for. Her passion for making a difference in their lives is evident in everything she does, and her attention to detail and genuine love for her work have been an inspiration to all of us.
It has been an incredible experience working under her guidance. She has been a source of strength and motivation, and I wholeheartedly believe she is the most deserving candidate for this award. Charla exemplifies what it means to lead with compassion, dedication, and purpose.
Thank you for considering her for this recognition. I wish her continued success and happiness as she continues to make an extraordinary impact on so many lives.
Mrs Charla, she's a very nice person,hard worker, she's very understanding person. Working around Mrs Charla is great opportunity to learn more and more! And care about children and employees We love you so much.
May God always bless you.
Charla joined OCPS's MIT Program in 2018, upon completing the program became the Manager at Millenia Gardens ES. It was evident that Charla was an asset to OCPS. She is dedicated, passionate and loves her students. She takes pride in her job and sets the standard for others to excel. Charla was the School Lunch Hero for the state of Florida in 2021, Manager of the year for her area and District Manager of the year in 2022 for OCPS's Food & Nutrition Department. She has proven time and time again to be deserving of this prestigious honor. It is my pleasure to recommend Charla Hudgins for the Life Changer Award as she embodies what it represents.
She is a very hard worker. She always puts her staff and students first. She is very honest and has great integrity and is a pleasure to work with and for. She also always has a kind word for everybody and always no matter what happens as a smile on her face. She deserves this award
Door always open for each employee supportive always…
Charla is such an great example for every single person, especially both her students and the staff. I am grateful to be working alongside with her, and I hope for the best!
Charla Hudgins epitomizes what is required for the work that she does in Orange County Schools. There are a lot of terrific adjectives to describe Charla and caring, supportive, driven, and passionate are the first that come to my mind as I write this. She is outspoken when it comes to something relative and important to the students or operation and will continue to work to arrive at the best solution. She collaborates with any and everyone!
There will be many students at Millennia Gardens ES who may not remember everything learned or experienced during their time there but Charla will always be remembered - nothing defines life-changing better than that.
Thanks Charla for being you and all that you do!
I've had the pleasure of knowing Charla Hudgins for about 4 years now, one of the most sincere, kind hearted people that I have ever met. She consistently goes above and beyond daily by ensuring that every student in Millennia Gardens ES has the meals they need to be successful and the fuel to learn. She is extremely passionate about the work that she does and would do anything for in the world for her students well being. Charla is well deserving of the Life Changer Award as she positively impacts the lives of her students and the Community of Millennia Gardens ES daily.
Hard work , Dedication, accountable ! Some of the words that describes Ms Charla is a caring individual that goes above and beyond ! Charla Takes prides in her work and responsibilities! And this nomination is so well deserved! Continue To strive for Greatness Ms Charla.
Charla is a caring individual that goes above and beyond her professional duties for the population she serves. I have seen her interact with the students in a capacity above and beyond what us required of her, on several occasions. To the students of Millennia Gardens ES, she is not just a lunch lady, she is Mrs. Charla!
I've known Charla Hudgins for about eight years as an FNS Manager for Orange County Public Schools. I honestly knew her as a manager, but I didn't work directly with her. This past summer I was able to have Charla work for me as a site monitor. I had some issues that needed to be fixed at our community sites and Charla jumped right in to make the necessary corrections for me regarding the paperwork and also helped retrain the community sites on our procedures. It was a big task, but she knew it was important, and she went above her job responsibilities to ensure that the procedures were in place so students could continue to get meals in areas that truly needed them. Charla takes pride in her work, and I made sure that she knows I want her to work for me again this summer. I worked at Charla's school before she worked there, and I can tell you those students need a champion in their corner. I saw students who wore dirty clothes because they couldn't wash them, who were hungry on Monday because they had no food at home or just needed to know that someone cared about them. Charla is their champion in making sure they have food and someone they know in their corner to fight for them.
Charla Hudgins is a dedicated FNS Cafeteria Manager who goes above and beyond daily by ensuring every student in Millennia Gardens ES has the Breakfast Lunch Snack and Supper they need to be successful! She has trained her staff to prepare quality nutritious meals and serve those meals using the utmost care and customer service possible!! Every child at school is treated with respect and greeted with a smile! Charla is also aware of the food insecurities of her community and takes it upon herself to help families who are struggling! She has organized several fundraisers to families in need! Charla Hudgins is a humble compassionate person who puts her students needs first! Charla is well deserving of the LifeChanger Award as she positively impacts the lives of her students and the Community of Millennia Gardens ES daily!!
This woman is so passionate about the “work” that she does for her students. She mentioned that putting together a nominee video was difficult for her because she is just doing what she loves and finds fulfilling. I’m happy that she continues to be appreciated by her staff who work alongside her everyday, and even more happy that her hard work is being recognized by all of you! She truly is one of a kind and deserving of any recognition/award she receives.
She is a perfect example of going above and beyond for the students. The food and nutrition staff doesn’t get enough credit for what they do! Way to go Charla !
I can’t imagine anyone who cares more about her students’ well-being. You go above and beyond everyday with passion, you fight on your students’ behalf everyday, and this nomination is so well-deserved!
What a beautiful person inside and out. This is the kind of person I would want in my kids school. Going above and beyond does not go unnoticed!
