Since 1955, Ramona Gaudette has been serving up hot lunches at Southport Central School. Now, 55 years after she served her first plate, Gaudette said her love of her job hasn't wavered or changed.

The reason she keeps coming to work hasn't changed either.

“It's the kids,” she said. “I love them, and they love me. That's why I'm here.”

That unwavering devotion to the people she serves and her love of her job and community was why the Southport Selectmen picked her as its 2012 Spirit of America tribute.

The Spirit of America award is given annually to an individual, project or group that showcases a special love of country and community.

The choice to honor Gaudette was an easy one, Southport Selectman Smith Climo said during a November 14 meeting.

“She has kept generations of Southport students well fed, offered advice, hugs and encouragement when needed, and has more spunk in her tiny frame than anyone I know.”Sarah Sherman

“We were looking for everyday citizens who go the extra mile,” Climo said. “With Ramona, talk about someone who exudes a love of country.”

Last year's winner was Evelyn Sherman. On Tuesday, Gaudette was presented with her award at the Lincoln County Communication Center in Wiscasset.

For Gaudette, cooking for a crowd was a natural progression; she lost her mother when she was 13, so she was left to cook for her family. When she attended Lincoln Academy in Newcastle she worked in the cafeteria to help pay for her lunches.

Gaudette has cooked across several generations. She said she has not only seen the children of former students lined up in her lunch line, but their children as well.

“I haven't just cooked for the children,” she said. “I've cooked for the children of the children of the children.”

When she first started serving lunch on the island there were more than 80 children at the Southport school. Although that number has been cut to approximately 30 students per year, the challenge has remained the same.

“I'm still cooking 35 meals per day,” she said.

Gaudette said not only the faces have changed, but the food she serves has changed too.

White bread is out; whole wheat has become the staple.

But some of her dishes have return customers.

“I still see people who were in the school a long time ago who ask me to cook them Welsh Rarebit,” she said. “The parents of some of the kids ask me for Welsh Rarebit.”

Sarah Sherman said Gaudette's influence can be felt around the island, not just in the lunch room.

“Ramona Gaudette is the heart and soul of Southport Central School and always has been,” Sherman said. “She has kept generations of Southport students well fed, offered advice, hugs and encouragement when needed, and has more spunk in her tiny frame than anyone I know.”

Sherman said Gaudette's impact on her life extended beyond meals and beyond the hours the school was open.

“My favorite memories of Ramona include her stopping everything during lunchtime in the cafeteria to sing and dance for the kids, bringing hot cocoa and homemade cookies to the school pond during skating parties – the ones with the raspberry jam are still my favorites, trick-or-treating at her house because she always gives out a Halloween breakfast treat that extends the holiday an extra day, and her unwavering devotion to her family,” she said. “It is an honor and a privilege to be Ramona's island neighbor and I cannot think of anyone else more deserving of this award,” Sherman said.

Gaudette's impact was felt even after students left the school, former Southport student Maddie Rideout said.

“She would always put her arm around me every time I walked through that small kitchen at Southport Central School,” Rideout said. “It would always be accompanied with a 'How you doing darling?' Still to this day when I see her, I still get that same hug and our conversation starts with her same question.”

Rideout said that in the 7 years she attended Southport Central School, she never even thought to bring a bag lunch. But with Gaudette, the cooking was always secondary, Rideout said.

“The most impact that she's had on my life is her love for each and every child who has gone through that school,” Rideout said. “She enjoys children more than anyone I know, and it shows in her smile and her enthusiasm whenever there are kids around.

“It really shows that she was more than just head of the cafeteria at the school, but also a terrific caregiver and friend.”

Gaudette's reach extends far beyond the cozy confines of the school, Rideout said.

“When our time is up after the long or short conversations that we still have to this day, she always ends it with 'I love you sweetheart,'” Rideout said. “Ramona truly is a legend in this community, and will remain an icon for Southport Island. I love you Ramona.”

Ben Bulkeley can be reached at 207-844-0711 or bbulkeley@boothbayregister.com. Follow him on Twitter: @BBRegisterBen.