By Fatimah Noulati
Staff Writer

Laurie Scaplen is the new café manager at Westford Academy.

Q:What brings you specifically to Westford Academy?

A: I wanted to continue to grow in my field of work. I wanted to work within a bigger operation.

Q: Have you worked at any other schools before?

A: Yes, I worked at Medway for 3 years and Westborough for 4 years. So I’ve been doing this for a long time and am very passionate about it and I wanted to continue to grow. This was the next step because it’s a bigger operation than where I was before.

Q: What is your position within the cafeteria?

A: I am the cafeteria manager here.

Q: Did you always want to work within cafeterias?

A: Well I’ve always wanted to be in a school setting and I have worked in a school setting since 1995. But I have a passion for food so that drew me from the secretary pool that I was doing for many years. I was a legal secretary by trade and then I had children so I started working within the school system.

Q: What’s your favorite part about working within the school system?

A: Feeding the Students.

Q: Is there any changes you have specifically brought to the WA lunch systems?

A: I would like to say so. I am passionate about my work. I feel like everyone eats with their eyes so making sure things are very appetizing, healthy, and fresh.

Q: What are some of your hobbies outside of your job?

A: Regular exercise, food, and education.

Q: You said you had children. Do any of them attend WA?

A: No, they’re all grown. I have four grown children and six grandchildren.