LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

John Ruemanapp was nominated by his superintendent, Rob Ridgeway.

Mr. Ruemanapp, also known as Chef John, is the embodiment of a LifeChanger. He creates positive change and gives hope to thousands of children and their families, one life at a time. His official title is food service director, but that title does not begin to describe him, his story, or his unwavering mission – no child left behind, no student left unfed.

"Surely, Mr. Ruemanapp has Maslow’s hierarchy of basic needs tattooed on his heart," said Ridgeway. "He clearly understands that hunger gets in the way of student health, growth, and learning. He opens his kitchen and his heart to ensure people’s basic needs are met by feeding them. Where there is a need, he will find a way."

Chef John is a trained chef turned food service director. Life’s twists, turns, and circumstances led him to Orlando, Florida to serve as a chef for the countries in Walt Disney World's Epcot Center. Then, he moved back to Michigan to be nearer to family. Epcot’s loss was Harper Creek Community Schools' good fortune. Chef John knows good cuisine and how to prepare it, and he shares his skills and wisdom with his district. He's innovative and creative, and he opens the culinary world to students who might otherwise not experience it.

Pre-pandemic, Chef John collaborated with building principals to offer students and families cooking and tasting programs. He also had a presence at district events such as Girls on the Run and wellness events for students and staff. Students have experienced pop-up cuisine stations and multicultural food trucks because of Chef John. He was integral in bringing Universal Free Breakfast to the elementary and middle school buildings. He worked with the board of education, the business manager, and the superintendent until a means to bring it to fruition was found.

Prior to the pandemic, Chef John was at the pinnacle of the food service profession, recognized by his peers as the standard for excellence. Other districts sent their directors to see his innovative, creative programs and to be trained and mentored by him. He has only proven himself unmatched during the pandemic.

Above and beyond his regular duties, Chef John pursues opportunities to secure additional funding to serve the best, nutritious foods. This past summer, he found funds and opportunities that allowed families to receive free weekly produce and dairy boxes full of fresh produce and products. He partnered with Love Thy Neighbor Food Pantry to offer weekly dry goods to families in need. In collaboration with Summit Pointe, he also included flyers on mental health tips, strategies, and resources with the dry goods, feeding the body, mind, and soul.

"Just as we have seen on social media and in the news across the nation, COVID-19 has people beleaguered and short of patience," said Ridgeway. "At times, they reach out to us in frustration and anger, but Chef John is a master at assuming ‘positive intent.' He begins interactions believing that people mean well or are doing their best, regardless of what they say or do. We've never heard a harsh word from Chef John, even when emotions run high and situations are intense."

He brings out the best in people, including his food service staff. He leads his people by setting the example and working alongside them, not in front of them. Chef John would never ask his staff to do anything he is not willing to do himself, even serving food curbside in heat, rain, and snow. He has a "can-do" attitude that is mirrored by his staff. He's absolutely a professional, but he's also passionate about cultivating the love of healthy eating habits.

Chef John and his team work ceaselessly, whether school is in session face-to-face or virtually. They even work during vacation times, when the rest of the staff are duty-free. He and his team are working tirelessly to feed children. Even if they're weary, they continue to serve without complaint. As COVID-19 cases rise and fall, Chef John and his staff seamlessly pivot from serving students in buildings to providing meals at satellite location pick-up sites.

Chef John has the uncanny ability to navigate rules, regulations, and paperwork while planning, preparing, and serving breakfast and lunch to students. One might think such a job requires a larger-than-life, bombastic personality. You might be surprised to know he is a soft-spoken, humble leader who never boasts and is more about serving children and lifting his team members than receiving praise or accolades.

"There is no other person I would rather have leading our food service department," said Ridgeway. "For these reasons and countless others, it is my great pleasure to recognize Chef John as a LifeChanger."