Graciela Butarelli manages the Matanzas High School cafeteria. She rarely misses a day of work, and she's described by others in Flagler County as someone who is selfless and has a passion to use her cooking skills to help others in need.

  • Matanzas High School's cafeteria manager is an Everyday Hero
  • Graciela Butarelli is described as selfless and passionate
  • She has been giving back to the Flagler community for 28 years

Butarelli typically arrives to work at 5 a.m. and is the first in the kitchen.

"The first person in the school every single day," Butarelli said, noting she has taken off three sick/personal days — possibly less — in her working life.

When Butarelli isn't at Matanzas High School with her team preparing hundreds of meals, she’s dedicated the rest of her time to helping people in need. The dedication Butarelli has in the cafeteria spills over into the community.

"Cook is my biggest one, and when I cook, I like to make a difference," she said.

People who know Butarelli said she is — without a doubt — making a difference in Flagler County. She teaches special needs students how to cook and serves summer lunch to families and pregnant mothers. She also buys food and clothes out of her own income for homeless students.

"Since I do it for the kids (and) see the kids happy, that's pay in my day," said Butarelli, who also bakes cakes without asking for money in return. "I try anyway possible to help them."    

Butarelli is known for being a helping hand in the cafeteria and the community for the past 28 years.

"She deserves everything ... for the work that she does and all the things she does for the community. And I think for me, she's the hero," said Susana Heire, a friend.

She is so known for her work that they named part of the cafeteria at Matanzas "Lady Graciela's Port" after her.  

But, Butarelli has a lot on her plate. Outside of the kitchen and her community work, she's also the caregiver of her sick husband of 43 years. 

"I'd like to see him in the way that he was before, but it is life," Butarelli said as she wiped tears from her eyes.

So, while the selfless woman doesn't mind caring for others for free and constantly making stomachs full, it's what she does for them every day that keeps her heart full.

"I feel in peace with myself when I'm doing something like that," she said. "I think I'm doing something good."