JACKSON – A township school custodian made the Top 10 in a nationwide contest but it was her school and school district officials who held a ceremony to honor her.
Doreen Merritt is a custodian at Elms Elementary School who was named as among the top 10 winners of the national Cintas Custodian of the Year contest
This is a nationwide contest to honor hardworking custodians like Merritt, who have gone above and beyond to positively impact their school communities. The public was able to vote in the contest.
Merritt celebrated at a surprise ceremony at her school where she was presented with a $1,000 cash grand prize.
The custodian said she was completely surprised by the entire effort on her behalf. “I never expected anything like this to happen.’’
She added, “it is very nice to be acknowledged and to be appreciated in this way.’’ In addition to the public voting efforts, she said she was truly moved by all of the letters and messages that people wrote about her.
“It’s like this wall of people who took the time out to help nominate me and I am so touched. It is a tremendous honor,” she added.
Elms Principal Michael Burgos said Merritt’s commitment to the students of Elms goes far beyond the typical duties of a custodian. “She is actively involved in the school’s Green Team, which focus on sustainability initiatives and spends time on the school’s aquaponics system, food share system and food pantry donation efforts and recycling program.”
“Her interactions with staff and students are always focused on sensitivity, understanding and deep commitment to doing all she can to keep students safe,” Burgos said.
“We are so happy that one of our most deserving members of the Elms community was recognized for her selfless service to our kids,” Burgos said. “She is the last person to ever want or expect this kind of attention, but it is attention she rightly deserves.”
“Doreen leads by example, setting clear expectations and doing the work she asks of her team. She’s developed meaningful relationships with staff, students, and families alike. She’s responsive to others’ needs, including being quick to help the school’s large special needs program – from diapering needs, cleaning up toilet accidents, all while approaching those tasks with a sensitive and understanding manner,” he added.
He noted that Merritt plays an integral part of the school’s recycling program and helping facilitate the school’s food share program and is very meticulous about cleaning and has organized space within the school to help students and staff thrive.
“Doreen joined us at Elms nearly two years ago and since that time has made a tremendous impact on our school. She is known for going above and beyond, for her reliability, and for her cheerful attitude. One of our proudest accomplishments is our recognition as a National Green Ribbon School, but what you may not see behind the scenes is the care and effort that Doreen puts into helping the Green Team carry out some of our biggest initiatives, like recycling and our food share program,” Elms Elementary School 2nd grade teacher Shaina Brenner said.
She added, “every morning, Doreen collects recycling from around the building, ensuring that any contaminants are removed, and neatly sets it out for pick up. Every day she collects and organizes our leftover food from the cafeteria so that I can take it to the food pantry and to the farm.”
“We wouldn’t have the success we do without Doreen’s commitment and support. Just like my story, I’m sure everyone here can share their own Doreen story. We all have them, because that’s who Doreen is,” Brenner said.
Brenner added, “we are all completely in awe of Doreen’s work ethic and inspired by her positive attitude. Thank you to everyone at our school and in our community who took the time to vote for her.”
