Students passing the 7000 building during lunch may see a woman with a smile on her face selling pizza and ice cream. That woman is Celia Llamo — otherwise known as “Cece” among students — a small lady with a big heart.
Mrs. Llamo moved from Cuba to the United States 32 years ago, living in New York for 15 years before moving to Florida in 2002. She began working at American Heritage 15 years ago after she was offered a job in the kitchen. She came to the school every day to pick up and drop off her granddaughter at school and eventually received the offer.
“One day one of the ladies told me ‘Why don’t you start working here? You come every day’,” Mrs. Llamo said.
Mrs. Llamo runs the 7000 snack bar, which is open during both Senior and Junior High lunch. Students repeatedly flock to her station to buy lunch causing long lines and many interactions with students.
“It’s very nice when I can talk to them and tell the kids stories and just be nice with everybody,” Mrs. Llamo said.
These interactions have created a reputation for Mrs. Llamo among students in all grades. She is best known for her cheerful attitude and interesting stories. Her popularity with students has raised many questions about how she maintains her happy disposition.
“I’ve always been like this. Everything is funny to me,” Llamo said when questioned about her positive attitude.
Whether Celia “Cece” Llamo is serving sandwiches or stories, her bright personality and friendly actions notes her as one of the “lovely ladies” in the kitchen.
