In High School at Wauwatosa East
When I was in my Senior year of high school, as Captain of the Varsity Cheerleading team, I asked my custodial friend, who usually arrived to work around 3 pm, “Did you see us on television cheering when we won upstate?”
“Yeah, he replied, “They showed you real up close!”
Pilar Carrington, my best friend at Wauwatosa East, would rush to the bus or want to review cheers with me before a basketball or football game, while I lingered to chat with my custodial friend. She didn’t quite share my enthusiasm for socializing before events! She would interrupt my conversation with my friend and say, “Come on, Teesh.”
In College at UW-Parkside
At UW-Parkside, my roommate’s best friend, Alicia, once asked the custodian for his car to go to Taco Bell; I was with him at the time, and we brought it back safely. After the library closed, especially on the weekends, I’d often find my buddy James working and talk with him for hours. I would walk with him from room to room, watch, clean, and get free advice from him. He would always ask, “Latesha, what does PERSEVERANCE MEAN?” Over the course of four years, he was my mentor and confidant—without ever realizing it. Others, like the mailman, also offered wisdom, but today is about custodians. James was cool, and he visited my church, Christ The King Baptist Church, in Milwaukee when the church building was located on West Leon Terrace, before we paid off the mortgage and burned it.
In the Paralegal School at Roosevelt University
My dorm door was usually open, unless I was visiting my next-door neighbor, Jeannette Holcomb, from Brooklyn, or Sally from across the hall. Seeing his cart always made me happy. He was polite and sweet. Our quick conversations stood out, even on his busy schedule.
Working as a Seasonal Telecommunicator for the Milwaukee Police Department
Working third shift answering 911 calls at the Milwaukee Police, Tom, the custodian, would check on me. Our words were few but always sincere. He would come and pick up the garbage, but he always paused for a moment to see what I wanted. Many years later, I ran into Tom and his family at Summerfest, and he was surprised that I remembered him. That isolated job lasted one season, but talking to Tom was a highlight.
At Milwaukee Public Schools
At Borroughs Middle, where I taught eighth-grade math and social studies, I would often correct papers late at night during graduation season. It’s 11:00 pm and I am still on the scene. My friend, the custodian, would always call down the hall, “Ms. Jude, go home.” His reminders meant a lot.
I remember my friends from Hamilton High School. Sometimes, during my departure, I set the alarm off. The custodians would remind me what time they were leaving and when they would set the alarm. I recall running out of the building on most summer days.
No one could forget Danny from John Muir Middle School, later Northwest Secondary School. He was young, loved music, and always said, “Have a good night!” as I left after the teacher’s lounge.
I remember the custodian from Parkside Elementary School. She was wonderfully kind and balanced two jobs. She wished I would come back, but Jesus had other plans. A fellow teacher joked that I spoiled the kids, and our classroom pizza parties were always a hit.
At Edison Middle, during my first year of teaching, a custodian taught me about the importance of responsibility. After the kids left the art room in disarray, she visited before I went home to check the floor. Once I knew better, I did better.
I have so many memories, but today I pause to express my gratitude. Many custodians may not have degrees, but their wisdom is profound. Never overlook their value—custodians are truly remarkable!
At Washington High School, the custodian had the prettiest hair. Always straight, long, and she was so kind.
Too many schools to name, but talking to a custodian at the end of the day or shift is delightful and rewarding.
Casimir Pulaski High School, I can’t forget my buddy, Mr. Nelson. He was calm and down-to-earth. Whenever the classroom needed something, he was always there to help me, and when he was on vacation, his colleague helped me in the same way. So I never mind telling them, “Hey, we have some extra treats, help yourself!” Sometimes, I left it on the table for them when I had my own classroom for the GED program. When I was teaching the other classes during my four-year span, I would move from class to class, except for physical education, so that I couldn’t be as benevolent. The GED program was easy. Finish the test, earn an A or B, and get a treat! Whatever works to get the babies to graduate! Yes, Sir! When the room was too cold or too hot, the custodians were always there to help me out!
One custodian from Carver Elementary School always did a fine job cleaning, and she became a supervisor when I was helping another teacher with eight graders. I was so proud of her. She would mop the floors every day, and it was a pleasure talking to her when she started her shift.
The school I am at today has a custodial staff that was so appreciative of my kind words; I couldn’t leave their presence without showing a little appreciation.
At Marquette University
Special thanks to my friend from Marquette University. My custodial friend worked two jobs, one at MU and the other at the Riverside Theater. He was such a delight to talk to while I was waiting for my bus. He had the highest regard for the priest at Marquette University and always spoke well of them!
At Christ The King Baptist Church & Kings Academy
Special thanks to CTK’s Leader of Maintenance, Mark. Mark wears many hats, but he’s always there helping, cleaning, fixing, preparing, ordering, and more. If no one does the job, everyone can always count on Mark for his Christian faith, attitude, and exemplary behavior.
On Summerfest Grounds
I love seeing my friends at Summerfest Grounds. My quiet friend is missing from the picture because he was assigned another area, but I’m thankful to every worker who religiously helps maintain the sanctity and unity at Summerfest Grounds.
I could write more, but the point I’m making is never forget to support your Custodial Workers because at the end of the day, they care for you! If you forgot about it today, no worries – you have all next week and the month!
Reporter Jude 