Photo provided Ryan Carter, lead custodian at Mt. Healthy Elementary, was recently commended by the Bartholomew Consolidated School Board for his work at the school and with students.
For most students — and some adults as well — 6 a.m. is when their alarms go off, and they choose to either get out of bed or hit the snooze button.
However, for Ryan Carter, lead custodian at Mt. Healthy Elementary, 6 a.m. is when his workday begins, as he ensures that the school building is operating, completes work orders and responds to messages. Additionally, all radio calls, emergencies, maintenance duties and routine cleaning are included in Carter’s to-do-list as the only day shift custodian.
“One of the reasons I like this job is that there is no such thing as an ‘average day,’” he said. “You never really know what to expect day to day.”
Carter was recently commended at a Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. board meeting in December, with board member Todd Grimes passing along words of praise from Mt. Healthy Principal Amy Sprong.
“He (Carter) goes out of his way to mentor students in their school job each day, never complains, responds quickly to the various demands of his job on a daily basis,” said Grimes.
In regards to mentoring, Carter said that a teacher had asked him if there were any jobs around the school that students could help with. Carter obliged, and he now has two kids who lend a hand. One helps clean up school grounds, inspect playground equipment, empty trash and stock the cafeteria milk cooler in the morning. In the afternoon, the other helps Carter clean cafeteria lunch rooms. Both students also help with odd jobs such as delivering packages to classrooms.
“While talking and getting to know these students, I learned that due to some similar past hardships, I was able to connect with them,” said Carter. “I think students with school-related jobs alongside caring adults have improved attitudes and I’m glad to have their help. Giving students access to another positive adult at school is always a win. I am happy to be this adult.”
He said that the best part of his job is being part of a team that impacts students positively, whether it’s by being a mentor, a “friendly face” or simply the person who ensures their facilities are clean.
The most challenging part, he said, is practicing humility. He tries to achieve this by putting others first, which sometimes includes “performing tasks that some people would cringe at.”
“This job is definitely not for everyone,” Carter acknowledged. “It is hard work that comes with its own challenges, but it can be rewarding if you’re doing it for the right reasons and if you open yourself up to new opportunities.”
