Gravette School District

A beloved staff member of Gravette Upper Elementary recently celebrated a major milestone. Chloretta “CG” Skelton marked her 80th birthday with colleagues and friends at the Gravette Food Services main office. She was welcomed with themed banners, a cupcake display shaped like 80, and handwritten messages from fellow team members. Superintendent Jeff Gravette also stopped by to congratulate her.

CG has spent the last 11 years serving healthy meals and smiles to the children at Gravette Upper Elementary. “I love Gravette. It’s just got that home-town feeling, you know?” CG said. “I mean, the people here know you by name at the store and so-on. I always felt like I belong. It’s just a good feeling.”

Skelton grew up in Kingston, Arkansas, east of Huntsville. She worked on farms and in hospital kitchens across northern Arkansas, and in the mid-2010s she brought that team experience to Gravette. “Hiring her was one of my best choices in food service," said Director Sheila Roughton. "She can outpace anyone on the team. She sees what needs to be done, thinks ahead, and comes to work ready to get the job done."

Kids look forward to seeing Chloretta at lunch, and she says talking with them is her favorite part of the day. While classrooms often come to mind when parents think about learning, daily interactions with staff also teach children how to speak kindly, take pride in their work, and treat others with respect. “I always thank them when they clean up well,” explained CG. “I like to let them know when they’re doing something good. Something small like that can be big for children. They’ll hug me, and you can just see it in their eyes.”

For both the kids she greets each day and the coworkers who count on her in the kitchen, CG’s steady presence and work ethic are a vital part of the rhythm at Gravette Upper Elementary. Her kind words help the lunchroom feel welcoming and make students feel seen. Happy 80th birthday, Miss Chloretta “CG” Skelton. Thank you for the care you bring to our students, and most importantly, thank you for the wonderful Wednesday Biscuits and Gravy breakfasts and Mexican Chicken lunches. We are grateful for the example you set and look forward to more of your milestones ahead.

Follow Gravette Food Services on Facebook to see more from our staff, as well as behind the scenes peeks at what's cooking for Gravette kids!