For many students at Unity Point School, lunch is more than just a meal—it's a time to be greeted by Cynthia Massey's warm smile. For 24 years, Massey has been a constant presence in the school's kitchen, where she's worked in virtually every position from dish room to front line.

"I love that it is family. Very family oriented," Massey says of Unity Point. The words come easily, but her commitment to the school runs deeper than most realize.

When her oldest daughter began attending Unity Point over two decades ago, Massey took a part-time position in the kitchen—just two hours a day "to have something to do and bring in a little extra money." Those two hours gradually expanded, and in February 2020, she became full-time, now managing the salad bar where she prepares everything from Caesar salads to chef salads, and even Friday's "specialty" offering like Frito pie.

Massey's day begins early. By 6:30 a.m., she's already at work, preparing for the day ahead. She carefully assembles pre-made salads with cheese and meat, then adds croutons, crackers, and dressing. Students choose between her salad bar and the hot lunch option.

Unlike many food service workers who never know students by name, Massey has made connections with hundreds of Unity Point students over the years. In her early days working in the dish room, she called everyone "Sweetheart," "Sweetie," or "Honey." Now at the salad bar, she's learning more names and faces.

"The kids are really good here," she says. So good, in fact, that when they graduate and move on to high school, many return with a message: "We wish we had you at high school. The food was that good."

Perhaps most telling about Massey's Unity Point experience is what happened when she faced a personal crisis. In November 2022, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. From May to October 2023, she was unable to work as she underwent treatment.

"This place was just wonderful. They supported me through everything," Massey says, her voice filled with gratitude. "I consider them family."

That support extended far beyond kind words. The entire staff rallied around her during her treatment. Even now, months after she finished radiation in January 2024, they still check on her every day.

"If you don't like where you work, you're not going to stay," Massey observes. "And I've been here for 24 years."

Though she's eligible for retirement, Massey plans to work seven more years to secure her pension. For a full-time kitchen worker who completes 35 hours weekly, that benefit represents security and acknowledgment of years of service.

Beyond serving meals, Massey sees her role as supporting students in every way possible. When she worked in the cafeteria, helping seat and supervise students, she would notice when children were having bad days and take time to listen.

"I'd be like, 'Okay, what's going on? Let's sit down, talk this out,'" she explains. If students were misbehaving, she'd give them "the mom look," which was usually enough to restore order.

When asked what she wishes for the school, Massey's answer reveals her deep concern for the students: "That they could just relax and know they're safe, know they're going to be taken care of no matter what the situation."

That spirit of care extends to her colleagues as well. One year, noticing a staff member wasn't participating in the Secret Santa exchange, Massey secretly gave her gifts anyway. "She blamed everybody but me," Massey laughs. "I had to let the others off the hook."

After nearly a quarter-century at Unity Point, Cynthia Massey continues to serve up more than just food—she's serving kindness, connection, and a sense of family that nourishes the entire school community.