AND YOU’RE MY ROCK STAR, RIGHT? THREE DAYS A WEEK. EDWARD MARTINEZ FERNANDEZ TAKES A BUS FROM ARUNDEL HIGH SCHOOL TO PINEY ORCHARD ELEMENTARY TO WORK IN THE CAFETERIA AS AN INTERN. HE’S A STUDENT WITH A DISABILITY. HE’S IN A SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM THAT’S PROVIDING HIM WITH THE SKILLS HE NEEDS TO LEAD A SUCCESSFUL ADULT LIFE, INDEPENDENT LIVING VOCATION SKILLS. THE FIRST THING EDWARD DOES WHEN HE GETS HERE IS PREP BREAKFAST FOR THE NEXT DAY, AND EVENTUALLY HE’LL BE ON THE REGISTER. AND THAT’S NOT ALL HE WILL STOP ONE TASK HE’S DOING TO CHECK THE LINE AND MAKE SURE IT’S FULLY STOCKED. HE KEEPS THE DRINK STOCKED AND HE SERVES THE KIDS THEIR MEALS FREE TO. CHAPMAN IS THE CAFETERIA MANAGER HERE. HE IS AMAZING. HE TAKES THINGS SERIOUSLY. HE DOES THE JOB MORE THAN ANYONE I HAVE EVER SEEN. I’VE BEEN HERE LIKE TEN YEARS. HE’S THE BEST EMPLOYEE I EVER HAD. HE DOES ANYTHING I ASK HIM TO DO EVEN THOUGH HE’S DONE IT LIKE 20 TIMES. HE’LL DO IT WITH A SMILE ON HIS FACE. HE TAKES INITIATIVE. HE DOES THE JOB PERFECT EVERY TIME EDWARD SAYS SHE HELPS HIM A LOT. I LIKE MISS FARAH. 20 YEAR OLD EDWARD JOINED THE TEAM LAST YEAR AND HE GREETS THE STUDENTS EVERY DAY WITH A SMILE, AND HE REALLY EMBODIES DOCTOR BIDDLE’S VISION OF BELONG, GROW AND SUCCEED, AND I WOULD LOVE FOR OUR STUDENTS TO SEE EACH AND EVERY DAY WHAT SUCCESS CAN LOOK LIKE. THAT IT LOOKS DIFFERENT FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE. NUMBER. HEY KIDS, OUR IT IS NICE AND THE KIDS LIKE HIM. I THINK HE DOES AMAZING WITH IT. I THINK HE IS KIND. HE ALWAYS SPEAKS POLITE. ONE DAY EDWARD MAY HAVE A FULL TIME JOB HERE. LI
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Student with disability thrives in Anne Arundel County school cafeteria internship
Anne Arundel County Public Schools' motto is "Belong, Grow, Succeed." One student embodies just that.Three days a week, Edward Martinez-Fernandez, 20, takes a bus from Arundel High School to Piney Orchard Elementary School to work in the cafeteria as an intern."He's in a special education program that's providing the skills he needs to have a successful adult life, independent living and vocational skills," AACPS' Kristina Cooley said.When he arrives, Martinez-Fernandez prepares breakfast for the next day and works the register. He checks the line and makes sure snacks and drinks are fully stocked."He is amazing. He takes things seriously. He does the job more than anyone I have ever seen in 10 years. He's the best employee I've ever had. He does anything I ask him to do, even though he's done it like 20 times, he will do it with a smile on his face. He takes initiative," cafeteria manager Freida Chapman said."I like Miss Freida," Martinez-Fernandez said.He joined the team in 2023."He greets the students every day with a smile, and he really embodies (superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell's) vision of 'Belong, Grow, Succeed,' and I would love for our students to see what success can look like. It looks different for a lot of people," principal Kristy Snyder said."The kids are nice," Martinez-Fernandez said.The kids like him, too."I think he does amazing work. He is kind. He always speaks polite," student Rylan Wooten said.One day, Martinez-Fernandez could have a full-time job at the school.
ODENTON, Md. —
Anne Arundel County Public Schools' motto is "Belong, Grow, Succeed." One student embodies just that.
Three days a week, Edward Martinez-Fernandez, 20, takes a bus from Arundel High School to Piney Orchard Elementary School to work in the cafeteria as an intern.
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"He's in a special education program that's providing the skills he needs to have a successful adult life, independent living and vocational skills," AACPS' Kristina Cooley said.
When he arrives, Martinez-Fernandez prepares breakfast for the next day and works the register. He checks the line and makes sure snacks and drinks are fully stocked.
"He is amazing. He takes things seriously. He does the job more than anyone I have ever seen in 10 years. He's the best employee I've ever had. He does anything I ask him to do, even though he's done it like 20 times, he will do it with a smile on his face. He takes initiative," cafeteria manager Freida Chapman said.
"I like Miss Freida," Martinez-Fernandez said.
He joined the team in 2023.
"He greets the students every day with a smile, and he really embodies (superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell's) vision of 'Belong, Grow, Succeed,' and I would love for our students to see what success can look like. It looks different for a lot of people," principal Kristy Snyder said.
"The kids are nice," Martinez-Fernandez said.
The kids like him, too.
"I think he does amazing work. He is kind. He always speaks polite," student Rylan Wooten said.
One day, Martinez-Fernandez could have a full-time job at the school.
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