LEONARDTOWN, MD – In a significant recognition of excellence in food safety standards, 26 St. Mary’s County Public Schools have been awarded the esteemed Gold Star Achievement Awards for 2023. This honor, presented annually by the St. Mary’s County Health Department, celebrates food service facilities that demonstrate superior commitment to maintaining safe food handling practices.
The announcement, accompanied by the names of the award-winning schools, highlights the district’s dedication to ensuring the health and safety of its students and staff. The Gold Star Achievement Awards are given to institutions that not only comply with food safety regulations but exceed them, showcasing exemplary practices in the kitchen.
To qualify for this prestigious award, facilities must meet rigorous criteria, including the absence of critical and temperature violations during inspections, the resolution of any violations within 30 days, no confirmed unsafe food handling complaints, and the completion of a recognized Food Service Sanitarian and Safety Class by at least one food service worker within the last two years.
The recipients of the 2023 Gold Star Achievement Awards span across the county, encompassing elementary, middle, and high schools. Among the honored are Banneker Elementary, Hollywood Elementary, Leonardtown Elementary and High, Chesapeake Public Charter School, Chopticon High, and many more, representing a wide swath of the county’s educational institutions.
The awards ceremony is scheduled for April 2, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. in the Chesapeake Room of the Chesapeake Building, located at 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown, Maryland. This event will not only honor the achievements of the awarded schools but also underscore the importance of food safety in educational environments.
This recognition serves as a testament to the dedication of the school district’s food service staff, who play a crucial role in maintaining high standards of food safety and hygiene. It also emphasizes the importance of ongoing education and adherence to food safety protocols, ensuring a safe and healthy dining experience for students and staff alike.
