They work as a team. They win as a team. On Jan. 19, the custodial team of New Richmond High School was recognized by the Board of Education as Leading Lions.
Recognized were: Josh Crawford, Bruce Curfman, Jeff Moler, Amy Kelch, and John Altman.
“As we continue to tackle the immense growth opportunities, a euphemism for monumental challenges, of the 2020-21 school year, we have a tremendous obligation to press pause from time to time to recognize the fact that we have many members of our New Richmond Exempted Village School District team who are doing remarkable work on a daily basis,” Principal Robert Burnside told the Board.
“However, our doors are open and our students are in the building at New Richmond High School because of the work of one particular team,” he continued. “The first thing you notice when you walk into our building is that the floors are spotless and shiny, and the building looks brand new, which is amazing for a building that is approximately 50 years old in places. But in this particular year, without them, we simply would not be able to be here. Not only do they keep our building looking great, but they go out of their way each and every day to keep us safe, disinfecting and sanitizing every inch of our building so that our staff and students can be here.
“On a daily basis, our head custodian, Josh Crawford, is the first person I see when I arrive in the morning. And he is already marking things off his list. As our head custodian, he not only manages the custodial needs of the building, but he also takes pride in every inch of it, constantly finding ways to make it sparkle such as painting the natatorium after the school year started.
“Bruce Curfman is a fixture in our building, arriving mid-morning and spending the entire day wiping down every handrail and doorknob while always greeting our team with a smile . . . hidden behind the mask!
“In the mid-afternoon, our dream team of Jeff Moler, Amy Kelch, and John Altman come in to put everything that we mess up during the day back in order and to make it safe and sanitary for tomorrow. Jeff also shares with us a wonderful dad joke of the day. Amy takes the time to get everything in order while also apologizing unnecessarily for running the sweeper when I’m in my office. John greets everyone with a friendly smile and asks how they are doing.
“The truth is this: WE are able to be in school this year because of this team, and we can never thank them enough for all that they have done and continue to do every single day,” Mr. Burnside concluded.