Staff Writer Tears of joy streamed down Evelyn Kiss’ face as students at John P. Stevens High School in Edison serenaded her with “Happy Birthday.”
J.P. Stevens High School cafeteria worker Evelyn Kiss is touched as students, staff and Principal Gail Pawlikowski sing “Happy Birthday” on Oct. 15. Kiss, who turned 90, has worked at the school since 1964. JEFF GRANIT staff Kiss turned 90 on Oct. 15, and to her surprise, she was the guest of honor throughout the day in the dining hall where she has worked since 1964.
“I have worked here as long as the school has been here … ,” she said with a smile. “I started working here when my children were getting bigger and I set out to work to get money, and I have been here ever since.”
Kiss drives to work from Fanwood and arrives each day around 6:30 a.m.
“I usually sit and make my coffee,” she said. Around 7:15 a.m. she begins working and continues until 1:15 p.m. She mostly works at the salad bar and the cash register.
Friday, however, was not a regular workday for Kiss. She was met with hugs and kisses from her colleagues at Chartwells Food Services and an array of baked goods and flowers. During all lunch periods, students sang to her and wished her a happy birthday.
“They won’t let me work today,” she said, seated in the dining hall and wearing a corsage and an apron made by her colleagues that read “Happy Birthday.” “I feel like a celebrity.”
Kiss’ granddaughter Johanna Galasso and greatgranddaughter Kimberly joined in on the celebration.
“It just baffles my mind when I look at her,” said Johanna. “She is just amazing; she keeps busy and she loves the kids.”
Left: Temira Greene, a junior at J.P. Stevens High School, applauds as cafeteria worker Evelyn Kiss is honored for her 90th birthday during lunch period on Oct. 15. Above: Former head custodian Skip Costello came by to say “happy birthday” to Kiss. More photos at gmnews.com. PHOTOS BY JEFF GRANIT staff Kimberly said she adores her great-grandmother.
“She is my life,” she said.
Kiss is very active, and Galasso noted that even up until a few years ago, she would make regular road trips to Florida with her sisters.
Kiss said she gets nothing but kindness from the high school students.
“Sometimes there are misjudgments made about the kids,” she said. “They are so respectful to me. Kindness goes a long way.”
Gail Pawlikowski, who has been principal at J.P. Stevens for six years, described Kiss as an “extraordinary woman.”
“She greets everyone with a smile and kind words every day,” she said. “She never loses her patience, and models respect and love. She always tells kids to be respectful.”
Michelle Carroll, director of dining services at the school, said Kiss amazes her.
“She has more energy than people half her age,” she said. “She’s just an upbeat person.”
Carroll said many of the 105 employees from Chartwells, who work at a variety of schools, came by to wish Kiss a happy birthday.
She also noted that since Kiss has worked at the school for so long — including a period as manager of food services — parents of students remember her from when they were growing up.
“She is so vibrant and just loves her job,” Carroll said.
Chris Casker and Sean Salmonson, seniors at J.P. Stevens, gave Kiss hugs for her birthday.
“She is such a nice lady,” Casker said.
Later that night, after celebrating her birthday with her colleagues, Kiss received surprise visits from her extended family. Her brother, who is 92, along with her sister and family from Florida and Puerto Rico, came to New Jersey to celebrate Kiss’ birthday with dinner at the LouCás restaurant in Edison.