Walter Land Jr. and other custodians are frequently greeted by students in the hallways of Princess Anne High School with a “Hey Unc!”
The nickname is short for “Uncle.”
“You build relationships with the kids and that’s cool,” Land said.
He and other Virginia Beach City Public Schools custodians were celebrated at a “Custodian Appreciation Day” luncheon on June 17 at Ocean Lakes High School.
Director of Custodial and Distribution Services Sam Nix said the group works tirelessly behind the scenes for the more than 62,000 students in VBCPS.
“They set the tone for our kids when they come into a clean building,” he said.
Nix said custodians are “the concierge of our buildings.” They not only clean the school, but set up for special events, assist with buses, monitor the cafeteria, accept school deliveries, set up and remove classroom furniture as
needed, and more.
They are usually the first to enter the building in the morning, and the last to leave.
Most of the approximately 500 custodians attended the luncheon and were applauded, treated to lunch and given a pair of canvas folding chairs.
The event also provided them the opportunity for fellowship and camaraderie, Nix said.
Land, who has worked for VBCPS for the past 20 years, said his job is rewarding.
“Knowing you are making a clean and safe environment for the students, and also the teachers and staff, is a good feeling,” he said.
Damion Davis is known as “Mr. D” to students at Corporate Landing Middle School. The head custodian has also worked at Christopher Farms, Landstown and Malibu elementary schools.
He takes pride in his job and believes in giving every child a chance. “Kids can be kids,” he said.
“I encourage them to stay on the honor roll,” Davis said. “Part of the reward is seeing students do well.”
Kellam High School night custodian Shekia Lawrence said she enjoys her job because she likes being organized and having things in place. “They know when I’m not there,” she said with a grin.
Joshua Gremillion works year-round as a custodian at College Park Elementary. His job is both challenging and enjoyable, he said. “I try to be a role model.”
He likes to interact with the students and sometimes challenges them to a game of “Rock, Paper, Scissors” in the hallway. “I kind of see myself in them,” said Gremillion, a Kellam High graduate.
John Graham retired from the U.S. Navy after serving 22 years as a welder and then worked for almost 20 years in the private sector. Several years ago, he joined the Glenwood Elementary custodial staff.
The students are the best part, he said. “They come tell me I did a great job and tell me their ups and downs.”
Teresa Walker said she loves her job as custodian at Thoroughgood Elementary. “We have a blast and like seeing those happy faces every day,” she said.
Her co-worker Evjeni Plaku agreed. “They really appreciate us,” she said.
Nix said custodians provide a relationship with students from a unique perspective.
“Students see them as adults they can easily communicate with and are always interested in the work they perform.”
