By Eunha Basu & Eileen Lee, Contributing Writers

Congratulations to Chef Heather Pierce, affectionately known as “Chef Heather,” who was recently named as the 2024 FISD Chef of the Year!

Chef Heather is a cherished member of the Winsor community: as Culinary Director with Flik Independent School Dining (FISD), she explores different parts of the globe through her food.

Chef Heather was recognized for her work in representing and sharing the many cultures and cuisines that make up Winsor’s community. “I love hearing about our community’s heritage and culture and figuring out ways to celebrate and shine a spotlight on them,” she shared. Every year, she spotlights more than 30 different countries around the world by incorporating a diverse range of food into our lunch. Zora Chirunga ’26 said, “You [can] see how she’s really trying to make people feel welcomed and integrated into part of the Winsor community as a whole.”

Chef Heather came to Winsor in 2007. She explained, “I left Winsor four years later not because I wanted to but because… I needed to learn more so I could grow professionally.” Since returning to Winsor in 2021, she has introduced numerous changes to our school to help make Winsor more environmentally friendly, initiating a composting program, Meatless Mondays, and “cold kitchen” lunches. She enjoys working with students and often collaborates with student clubs. Chrissy Mayer ’28 added, “I got to know Chef Heather better after we went together to plant vegetables and fruits in the school garden…I did that as a part of Planet Protectors, and it really allowed me to understand her dedication to her job and also [how she strives] for sustainability.”

Chef Heather would like to thank her team for their incredible support and for nominating her for this award. “Their hard work and dedication mean everything to me,” she emphasized. She hopes to “play [it] like Bill Belichick,” the former head coach of the New England Patriots, and keep growing in her career. We appreciate Chef Heather and her team’s commitment to introducing students to diverse and new culinary flavors.

Congratulations to Chef Heather, and thank you for all you do. We are so lucky to have an amazing chef like you!

Anna Tarkanian ’31 Dressed as Chef Heather, Photo by Laura Beebe