J.P. Stevens celebrates cafeteria worker's 95th birthday

EDISON J.P. Stevens High School on Thursday celebrated the 95th birthday of Evelyn Kiss, a cafeteria worker who has served generations of students since the school opened in 1964.

The celebration, which was in the cafeteria during each lunch period beginning at 10 a.m., featured music and performances by the marching band, choir, pit band and cheerleaders. Joined by members of her family, Kiss sat and greeted students and teachers near the cafeteria exit.

Kiss said she had taken the job a half-century ago because she had never worked in a kitchen before and felt intrigued by what the experience might offer her. In the end, though, the best part of the job was the ability to form meaningful and lasting relationships with the students, most of whom she knows by name, according to Kiss.

"There is never a dull moment. You come in and the young people are really always happy. It makes you feel young. After that, I just wanted to come back every year and meet them all," Kiss said.

Kiss' average day is no easy accomplishment for most 95-year-olds. Rising at 5 a.m., Kiss arrives at work early every morning and spends time with other staff workers before punching in for lunch duty. Even when sick, Kiss insists on coming to work -— a trait that inspires the students and staff members around her, according to Meredith Quick, assistant principal.

"I can't imagine her age still working at 95, so I find her an inspiration. If she can go to work, I can get up, too. She leaves her problems at home and does her job. If the rest of us do half as good a job as she does, we'd be lucky," said Kim Carpenter, a cafeteria worker who has spent 11 years working with Kiss.

Despite her love for the student population. Kiss admits that she has encountered a fair number of obstacles in her work, mostly involving the new technology and computer systems that the school utilizes in the cafeteria.

"These new computers drove me crazy, about two years ago. We had had computers before, but these were newer systems, and I had to learn it all over again. It was very hard, but I finally got it," said Kiss, who does not operate a computer outside the school.

Gail Pawlikowski, principal of J.P. Stevens High School, said that Kiss' positive attitude and passion for her work set her apart and inspired those around her.

"This woman brings sunshine and joy to us every day. She greets everyone with a smile, she loves seeing the students and she loves coming to work every day."

As for the future, Kiss says she has no plans to retire anytime soon.

"As long as they'll have me, as long as I can walk, I'll be working," Kiss said with a smile.

Editorial Intern Jasmine Wang: 908-243-6602; jwang@gannettnj.com