Custodians celebrated for dedicated service

VBCPS Director of Custodial Services Shay Broadnax said the annual “Custodian Appreciation Day” luncheon brings everyone together to celebrate a job well done. From left, Lester Dildy, Tallwood High; Alfred Olds, Lynnhaven Middle, Broadnax, and Sandra Mendina, Kempsville Elementary.

Director of Custodial and Distribution Services Sam Nix and others welcomed custodians to the “Custodian Appreciation Day” luncheon and thanked them for their dedication to beach public schools.

The VBCPS “Custodian Appreciation Day” luncheon was held June 18 at Ocean Lakes High School.

Several hundred custodians gathered at 8 a.m. to kick off the special event.

Director of Custodial and Distribution Services Sam Nix told them they are appreciated.

“This is about you,” he said. “You are seen and celebrated, and this is your time to relax.”

Chief Operations Officer Jack Freeman, Executive Director of Facilities Services Melissa Ingram and members of the custodial leadership team also spoke to them about their behind-the-scenes teamwork.

Custodians ensure buildings “make a good first impression,” said area supervisor Ralph Thorpe. “Your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.”

Ingram thanked them for their part in helping students thrive.

The VBCPS custodial leadership team, under the direction of Sam Nix, hosted custodians for lunch and fellowship June 18 at Ocean Lakes High School.
From left, Nix, Tiffany Abraham, Tomika Knox, Shay Broadnax, Francine Kerbo, Ralph Thorpe, Adriene Hill, Jennifer Britt. Kneeling: Michael Williams.

“We know you guys care about our schools,” she said.

Nix applauded the custodians for being “the eyes and ears of the buildings.”

They were thanked for not only keeping the school buildings clean, but for maintaining equipment, using “wet floor” signs when appropriate, wearing proper uniforms, making sure the buildings are secure, and more.

Ahmad Parks is the head day custodian at Princess Anne Elementary. Parks, known by students as “Mr. A.J.”, said he loves working with kids.

In fact, they usually greet him with their “secret” handshake.

He has enjoyed participating in some school activities, including a student-staff football game.

Sometimes he notices when a student needs cheering up, such as when a parent is out of town or deployed with the military. “I try to make them laugh,” Parks said.

Summer will be busy, he said. In addition to stripping and waxing floors and deep cleaning all classrooms, the school is hosting summer school.

Custodians Cassie Schaefer from Providence Elementary, left, and Sandra Mendina of Kempsville Elementary, who worked together in the past, reunited at the annual “Custodian Appreciation Day” luncheon at Ocean Lakes High School.

Providence Elementary custodian Cassie Schaefer, who has worked for the school system for more than 20 years, spotted her counterpart Sandra Mendina from Kempsville Elementary. “She trained me!” she exclaimed, as the pair hugged.

Schaefer said she loves her job as head night custodian. “The staff and parents appreciate us very much,” she said.

She and her team are busy during the school year after students go home. In addition to regular cleaning duties, sometimes there are basketball games in the gym and club meetings in the classrooms.

“I get my steps in,” she said with a smile.

The custodians enjoyed fellowship and lunch from Taste Unlimited. They were each given a foldable seat with back straps, multiple pockets and an attached cooler.

Renaissance Academy assistant principal Dolores Phipps attended the celebration. Her school’s team has a big responsibility, she said. They take care of the middle and high school sections of the school, plus the area where the alternative education program SECEP is located.

Custodians deserve this recognition, Phipps said.

“It is the opportunity to thank the unsung heroes of the school division.”

For more information about VBCPS custodial positions for the 2026-27 school year and to apply, visit https://www.vbschools.com/careers.