Florida Catholic | 800 Cups

800 cups of service a day with a smile

DANIEL SOÑÉ | FLORIDA CATHOLIC CORRESPONDENT

Published: 10.26.07

Margaret Brewer tightens the lids on some of the 800 or so beverages she prepares for Archbishop Coleman F. Carroll students daily.
- DANIEL SOÑÉ | FC

MIAMI | Six years ago, 73-year-old Pennsylvania native Margaret Brewer could not have imagined herself at Archbishop Coleman F. Carroll High School in the southwestern reaches of Kendall.

Six years ago, she could not have imagined herself coming out of retirement.

Six years ago, she could not have imagined having tongue cancer — and surviving.

“I never smoked, drank, or did anything that usually causes tongue cancer. It just showed up,” Brewer said.

The 2001 diagnosis was a sobering experience. It made Brewer realize her mortality and value each day more fully.

“Something like cancer makes you realize that you’re not here forever. So you must make every day count. Otherwise, you’re in big trouble with ‘the man upstairs,’” she said, chuckling.

As a cancer survivor, Brewer does not seem to be causing any trouble for “the man upstairs.” She is active in her parish, Our Lady of Lourdes, where she teaches religious education to the children and takes part in Emmaus retreats. And she always performs her duties at Carroll High with a smile.

“I’m just a humble lunch lady, but I love working with kids,” Brewer said.

Her humble perspective regarding her job does not lessen the size of her responsibilities. The 73-year-old mother of six is responsible for preparing and serving beverages for 755 students, as well as the high school’s faculty and staff. In a single day, Brewer prepares approximately 800 cups of drinks, lids and all, for all who eat lunch at the high school.

Archbishop Coleman F. Carroll students Isabel Hernandez and Caitlin Driscoll pose with Margaret Brewer at lunchtime. “She is the sweetest lady in the whole cafeteria,” Caitlin said.

- DANIEL SOÑÉ | FC
Archbishop Coleman F. Carroll students Isabel Hernandez and Caitlin Driscoll pose with Margaret Brewer at lunchtime. “She is the sweetest lady in the whole cafeteria,” Caitlin said.

She enjoys serving the children so much that even though she prepares so many beverages, she remembers to properly dimple the lids of all the cups containing Diet Pepsi.

“Our lives are meant to be lives of service. I first served my parents. Then I served my family as a mother. Now, I serve the wonderful children here. I’m just glad to be useful and serve my community,” Brewer said.

Drinks aren’t the only thing she brings to the table. Her smile and positive attitude have not gone unnoticed. Both students and faculty at Carroll High enjoy her liveliness and the cheer she brings to the lunchroom.

“She is such a good person of the church. She has brought a grandmotherly, loving, spiritual, wholesome demeanor to our environment,” said Father Michael Davis, president and principal at Carroll High. “She does her thing and does it with a smile. The kids love her here.”

Sophomore Caitlin Driscoll agreed. “She is the sweetest lady in the whole cafeteria.”

Although Brewer does not see herself as a grandiose influence in the school, Mark Landia, director of institutional advancement, says she models virtue for students and faculty alike.

“She has overcome adversity and is still here today as happy and lively as ever. She has found a special kind of joy in her work that I haven’t seen anywhere else. What makes her so special here is that she has turned a negative experience into a positive,” Landia said.

Brewer, who arrives at work before sunrise, maintains her humble, happy attitude amidst all the appreciation. “I just see it as living my religion. We’re called to serve and that is what I’m doing.”

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800 cups of service a day with a smile

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