Our "Employee Spotlight" series aims to showcase the unique personalities, talents, and stories that contribute to the success of Lansing USD469. This section celebrates the incredible individuals who make our Lansing USD469 community thrive.
Jennifer (Penny) Lingenfelter, Lansing High Kitchen Manager/Head Cook
Question: How long have you worked in Lansing USD469?
Answer: Going on 17 years
Question: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and the role you have within the school district?
Answer: I'm a Lansing alumni from a long line of Lions, as is my husband. We have a son, Garrett, who graduated in 2023. I've been kitchen manager for 11 years now, and I take pride in feeding our Lions.
Question: What do you enjoy most about your role and the work you do in the school district?
Answer: I enjoy interacting with the kids and getting their input on what to have on menus. I try my best to feed them what they like, and if we can make a recipe, I do it. I love when they're excited for lunch!
Question: When you're not working, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy?
Answer: Hanging out with family or friends, reading, landscape painting, and I love to go look at Christmas lights during the season!
Question: What is something unusual about you that most people don't know?
Answer: I'm a licensed Cosmetologist
Question: Could you share a particularly heartwarming or memorable experience you've had while working with students or colleagues?
Answer: There have been many, so it's hard to choose one...I'll give 2 . I hadn't been at the school for very long, maybe 3 years, and I had a boy come up to me the very first day of school and say, "I'm so glad you're here Ms.Penny, you're the whole reason I came back to school this year. I'm gonna graduate." 😭
And then more recently, I was headed out to the commons to write up the menu signs, and as I exited the doors into the commons, a girl said, "Hi, Ms. Peeny." She was with a couple friends, so I replied, "Hey babies, how are ya'll?" They said, "Good," and I got up on my ladder. As I'm writing, the girl says to her friends, "Geez, Ms. Penny's been here a long time." They say, "oh, I know." She says, "No, like she was here when my big sister went here!" ( Her sister graduated like 4 years ago, lol)
Question: What piece of advice would you like to offer to students to help them succeed and make the most of their educational journey?
Answer: Never let someone steal your shine. The opinions of the people you go to high school with don't make you. Only you can make your future. Shine bright!