Written and submitted by Beth Courtney...

Some legacies aren’t loud— but they are lasting.

In Wamego USD 320, our school nutrition program has been shaped by women whose leadership didn’t stop at the cafeteria doors.

Barb Depew served as a director here in Wamego before taking her expertise to the state level—helping guide and strengthen nutrition programs across Kansas. Her work reminds us that leadership built in small communities can create impact far beyond them.

That foundation carried forward through leaders like Laura Fails, who expanded what school nutrition could look like—bringing innovation, connection, and student-centered thinking into everyday practice.

Together, they represent something bigger than a title or a role: A legacy of women who built programs, mentored teams, and created pathways for others to grow.

In school nutrition, we don’t just serve meals.

We build systems.

We build people.

We build futures.

This Women’s History Month, we honor the women who came before us— and continue the work they started.

From Wamego throughout Kansas and beyond… leadership grows where it’s planted.