Aromas of spice and flavor fill the air, pots and pans clash as the shuffle of feet as they move through the line, one plate at a time.
In the heart of the kitchen, Chef Mario Perez and Mr. Rodney Bradley pride themselves on crafting culinary creations for all students to enjoy. While students are in class learning, Perez and Bradley are busy at work preparing nutritious meals.
“I’ve always enjoyed working in any kitchen, and I’ve been working in kitchens since about age 14,” Perez said. “Now, 14 years later, I’m still enjoying every day, loving it.”
Their path to working in school comes from their many life experiences.
“I did different courses at school,” Bradley said. “As for working in a school, it just worked out for me because it wasn’t planned. I just showed up to work. That was it.”
While Bradley actively engaged in cooking courses while he was in school, Perez began working with food throughout every opportunity from the time he was a kid teaching himself until he was able to teach others.
“I’d already worked with the homeless, I’d already worked with the elderly, and so this was yet another opportunity,” Perez said.
For over a decade in Comal ISD, Perez and Bradley have pursued their passion for cooking for students of all ages from the time they were in kindergarten to when they graduate.
“It’s cool to see them grow from being a little kid up to an adult getting ready to go off into college,” Bradley said.
As each day presents new challenges, Perez and Bradley’s expectations have evolved with each student that passes.
“Being able to cook the different foods and see different things every day, and see the kids and watch them enjoy the food that I put out, that’s what I want. That’s what I would expect to see every day,” Bradley said.
Their dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“They really are exceptional,” Principal Wiley said. “We rely heavily on them, and they are very reliable.”
No matter the experience, good or bad, whether it’s food or grades, Perez and Bradley encourage all kids and students to do their best and try new things just as they strive to do every day.
“I feel that we should do what we say and do as we say and be there,” Perez said. “Keep that promise and be a promise keeper and just give it your best. I give my very best every day, every meal, every time,”
