Mahopac High School

For the past five years, Mahopac High School’s beloved “Chef Mela,” known to friends and colleagues as Maria Angelini, has been a lunchtime favorite among students and staff alike. Whether she’s serving up her famous pizza creations or greeting students with a smile, Mela has made the cafeteria a place that feels like home.

“I love interacting with the students, and my coworkers and the new friends I’ve made all over the school are priceless,” Angelini said. “Coming to the high school feels like I’m seeing family every day.”

Chef Mela’s pizza station developed a following among students. Her secret? Cooking with heart.

“The students mean a lot to me,” she said. “I’m a parent, as are most of the kitchen staff, and we want the students to look forward to lunch. I cook and create as if they were my own kids and I bring the Italian way to my pizza station. Everybody’s gotta eat!”

When asked what she’ll miss most, Angelini didn’t hesitate.

“The smiling faces I see every day, hearing from groups of kids about their weekend plans and being around the best coworkers anyone could ask for,” she said.

Chef Mela’s last day will fittingly be this Friday, Oct. 31, Halloween, when she plans to go out in style, serving up the school’s fan-favorite pizzas one last time.

She isn’t hanging up her apron entirely, though. Angelini recently launched her own business, shifting her care and creativity from children to animals, another lifelong passion.

Interim Superintendent Frank Miele said Angelini’s warmth and dedication have made a lasting impression on the Mahopac community.

“Chef Mela is one of those people who makes everyone’s day a little brighter and she will be missed,” Miele said. “Her kindness, energy and the pride she takes in her work truly embody what makes Mahopac such a special place. We wish her nothing but happiness and success in this next chapter.”

As she prepares for her next adventure, Mahopac Central School District extends a heartfelt thank-you to Chef Mela for the warmth, laughter and love she’s shared with students and staff alike.

If you see her in the cafeteria this week, be sure to stop by, grab a slice and wish her well!