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When Joel Manriquez isn't greeting you as you leave with your lunch, he is helping McNary in many different ways.

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Manriquez has been working for McNary for almost 11 years. He also coaches boys’ soccer and girls' tennis. “Some highlights of my work day are seeing the students every day and my teams after school,” Manriquez said.

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Manriquez grew up in Salem and attended middle school at Claggett Creek. He has never worked at any job besides McNary and has never wanted to switch jobs. 

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Manriquez’s main job is taking attendance of all the students who have gotten their lunch and breakfast. He expresses how it is not the most exhilarating part of his day. “Yeah, it gets boring but I have to do it, that's my job,” Manriquez said.

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A typical work day for Manriquez is consistent and can sometimes run pretty late. Manriquez labels it as a “long day.” His work day starts at 8 a.m. and can last until 8 pm. ”It depends if my team has meets or not,” Manriquez said. 

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Manriquez works in the kitchen before any of the kids get to school. “I do a little bit of everything,” Manriquez said. Once students have had breakfast, he cleans up and prepares for lunch.

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“We take our breaks before everyone has their lunch,” Manriquez said

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Once Manriquez gets done with working in McNary's kitchen, he takes a break before starting his coaching job after school. “I go home and come back around five o’ clock for my coaching job,” Manriquez said.

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“The most difficult part of my job is probably when the kids don't behave,” Manriquez said. 

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Manriquez also enjoys the school food just like the rest of the students at McNary. “I like all the school food. It's really good. I like the cheesy bread,” Manriquez said. 

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