Terry Brannigan is president of the Mat Men, Staples High School’s wrestling team booster club. He is also a former Wrecker wrestler and coach. Terry writes:
We would like to recognize Staples culinary teacher Chef Cecily Gans as a true Unsung Hero, for the extraordinary work she quietly does in support of the Staples High School community — particularly the wrestling team and Staples Players.
For several years, Cecily has generously opened her kitchen to help prepare the food needed to support our wrestling tournaments. This selfless support has been transformative for our program.
She works closely with the captains’ parents to plan menus, calculate quantities, source ingredients and order supplies, to ensure we have a Michelin-worthy concession stand. (Her hundreds of egg sandwiches are renowned throughout the wrestling community.)
Cecily brings her daughter Leila, a Staples student. They arrive as early as 6 a.m. on weekends, and lead a crew of volunteers worthy of any Top Chef competition.
Cecily makes the entire experience joyful and seamless — often without ever stepping out to see the smiles she creates.
Chef Cecily Gans, in her kitchen …
This year, she also opened her kitchen for a pancake breakfast serving 90 wrestlers and coaches during an early-season scrimmage. Hundreds of pancakes, dozens of eggs, hand-cut home fries (the best anyone has ever had), along with coffee, hot chocolate and bagels — it was extraordinary.
At this past weekend’s John Chacho Dual Meet, Cecily and Leila were back at it, once again arriving early to ensure our concession stand was healthy, delicious, and very successful.
This event is one of our primary fundraisers. It would not have been possible without her.
But that’s not all. Cecily quietly provides the same incredible support to Staples Players. The drama organization’s board echoes my praise. They say:
“We could never thank Cecily enough for what she does for the Players cast and crew.
“Chef Gans puts in countless hours ensuring the kids are fueled during the intense weeks leading up to opening night.
… and her daughter Leila, at the wrestling team’s concession stand. Leila is also dance captain for Staples Players.
“Cecily even showed up very early on a Sunday morning — her birthday, no less — to cater brunch following Candlelight.
“Her menu choices are always varied and irresistible. The kids rave about her meals. She created a glittery disco ball cake for ‘The Prom,’ and a full French feast for ‘Les Misérables.’
“Chef Gans is incredibly creative and inclusive. Her gluten-free and vegan options are as amazing as everything else she makes. We are so lucky to have her feeding and fueling our kids through tech week.”
Cecily and Leila embody the very definition of “Unsung Heroes.” Their generosity, creativity, and quiet leadership have made a lasting impact on many students and families at Staples. We are incredibly grateful to see them recognized for all that they give.
(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)
Give her the Compo beach concession ‼️
What a wonderful tribute to Chef Gans! I was moved and impressed to read this heartfelt appreciation. But, guess what — she does even more in our community, and I’m sure people will detail more in these comments. Congratulations, Cecily!
How about our hero, Dan Woog!
I agree with Tom!
Hear, Hear!
Where do you even begin?
Just incredible.
Thank you Dan
Thank you Terry for thinking to highlight all the wonderful things Chef Cecily and our granddaughter Leila do behind the scenes in support of Staples Wrestling and Players. I must add- while Leila doesn’t do any of the wrestling, she is a joy to watch when she is performing on stage in all the Staples Players productions- especially the most recent- Les Mis.
Bravo, Chef Gans! You feed our kids with great food and care!