Freeman honored with Friends of Education award

20160420_194712Jay Freeman, one of our cleaners was honored last night at the 20th Annual Capital Region Education Awards Dinner. Mr. Freeman received the Capital Area School Development Association (CASDA) Friends of Education Award. This award goes to school community members who make a true difference and go beyond their call of duty.

Mr. Freeman is known by all at the Walter B. Howard Elementary School for his kindness, commitment and willingness to go above and beyond to care for students and colleagues. Working as a night cleaner, he ensures that classrooms are both clean and safe. His kindness is visible in his smile that greets each person he encounters and his care is evident by his unhesitating willingness to transcend his job description. During a period in which the lights in the parking lot were not working, Jay regularly escorted staff members through the darkness to their cars. When asked to move holiday decorations around a display case, Jay found new locations each day to surprise children and contribute to the festive mood.

20160420_202548_001When the building is being used for evening events, Jay keeps careful watch, making himself available to assist in any capacity required. He is instrumental in planning the logistics of school events, always volunteering his effort and ideas to ensure that the activities are enjoyed by all. His attention to detail was evident during a school dance in which an overflow crowd of hundreds packed the gymnasium and cafeteria. Jay ensured that the facilities were safe and clean throughout. More important than his diligence, however, is his connection to the students and community. This was exemplified by the numerous students who came to greet him during the evening with several children going out of their way to introduce Jay to their parents. Jay’s kind spirit and care for everyone at Walter B. Howard Elementary make him a true Friend of Education.