“Honey.” “Dear.” “Doll.” These are just a few of the affectionate names that Betsy Humann gives to her student clients in the sandwich line. Almost any day of the week from 11:30-1:00, she can be seen bustling happily from toaster to counter and back again as she prepares countless sandwiches, relating happily with the students the whole time.

“She’s the nicest lunch lady ever,” said regular customer and Edina High School senior Alexis Clark. “She always recognizes me, which makes me feel special.”

This recognition goes beyond just the face: Betsy seems to somehow catalog the sandwich preferences of students who visit her station even just once a week.

I get a sandwich approximately thrice weekly, and Betsy never fails to smile, say “Hi, hun,” and begin to prepare my combo-sized ham and pepperjack sandwich before I needlessly begin to vocalize my order.

“She calls me the Cheese Girl, because I only get cheese on my sandwiches,” said Clark, waiting in the sandwich line as she was interviewed. Even after she had said this, Betsy noticed her daily client, winked, and began to get cheese—and just cheese—out for her. Clark said that she didn’t know Betsy’s name and Betsy didn’t know hers (other than Cheese Girl), but still they had this special daily connection.

“The best part of my day is serving with the kids,” said Betsy. “I try to keep a smile on my face the whole time.”

I think we can all learn from Betsy’s example of unconditional friendliness, paying special attention to each student- though she doesn’t have to-and making each of their days that much brighter with a smile and an uplifting, “Hi, doll.”

“It doesn’t pay to come in [to work] crabby,” said Betsy. “I’m a happy-go-lucky person most all the time. I try to be.”

Betsy has been serving lunch at Edina schools since 1978 and is a mother of two and a grandmother of four. On weekends, she said, “My youngest and I meet in Farmington and sometimes we go shopping.” Besides this and the occasional grandkid’s event, Betsy said her life at home is “pretty quiet.”

When she comes to work, though, her life is anything but. “Betsy moves at the speed of light. She’s always on the move,” said Mary Lombardi, the nutrition manager for Edina Public Schools.

“It’s good to keep busy; it keeps you young. The kids keep you young,” said Betsy.

The next time you see someone who needs their day brightened, why not follow Betsy’s example? Smile and say, “How are ya, doll?”