Celebrating literacy with a meal of green eggs and ham, holiday gingerbread decorating and parent dinner nights of spaghetti and meatballs — these events are just a few reasons cafeteria manager Valerie Wata­nabe and her team of seven Mililani Ike Elementary cafeteria workers were recognized with the 2012 Department of Education Team of the Year award.

Watanabe and staff begin their days at 6 a.m. to cook breakfast and lunch for the school’s more than 1,000 students; Mililani Ike is one of the largest public elementary schools in the state.

But Principal Steve Naka­sato says that doesn’t impede Wata­nabe from remembering the special dietary needs of individual students.

She and her staff also volunteer after hours on special projects, such as baking gingerbread men and houses for the decorating sessions, or baking a cake and preparing green eggs and ham to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday. The staff also cooks extra lunches when parents visit to eat with their children, as well as dinners during parent evenings.

The school also has received grants that have Wata­nabe working alongside faculty to promote healthy lifestyles.

“She’s a stronghold on campus,” Naka­sato said.

But Watanabe says she’s just following Naka­sato’s lead.

“His goal is to create a positive environment for the students. He wants us to create happy memories for them so they’ll remember Mililani Ike fondly during their lives,” she said.

As for the award, “I have to credit my staff. They work really hard,” she said.

“After hours they’re always willing to come out for the families. At some dinners our spouses and children volunteer to wash dishes.”

At the same time, Wata­nabe says she feels almost guilty for being singled out.

“We do work hard, but to me we represent all school cafeterias. Everyone works really hard to make sure the kids are fed properly.”