This year, MEA received dozens of submissions for the annual “My Hero Works in School” essay contest. Every year it is special to read, from students’ perspectives, the wonderful impact that Maine educators have on their lives each and every day.
This year’s “My Hero Works in School” contest winners were Sebastian L., from Veazie Community School and Juliette J. from Thomaston Grammar School. Sebastian’s essay honored his school hero, Mr. Smitty, a custodian at Veazie Elementary School. Juliette’s essay was written in honor of Mrs. Cole, an Education Technician at Thomaston Grammar School.
The two students and their school heroes were honored on the field at the Portland Sea Dogs game on June 22nd! Congratulations to all!
My School Hero and Friend, Mr. Smitty
Mr. Smitty is more than just a janitor at my school. He is my friend. He loves cars, especially Mustangs and Fords. He drives a Mustang, a Kawasaki motorcycle and a Ford Ranger truck! I think that Mr. Smitty and I get along so well because we both have a love for cars. A fun activity that Mr. Smitty and I like to do is exchange car magazines.
Our favorite car magazine is Modern Rodding where they restore old vehicles. My favorite restored car is the vintage ‘57 Ford Del Rio Station Wagon where they gave it a new paint job and removed the rust off of the car.
Mr. Smitty greets everyone in the hallways and he is always sure to give me a friendly fist bump! All of my friends are attracted to his vibrant personality as well as teachers and parents! If you ever need a ball pumped up, he is nice enough to pump it for you. He also is 75 years old and could be retired by now, but he chooses to spend time with us and makes our school a clean and happy place.
Something that people might not know about my friend is that he is a veteran and he was in a war. He doesn’t discuss the war and I think that makes him even more of a hero. All different kids with different abilities feel comfortable around Mr. Smitty and he never forgets to make silly jokes and show them his tools.
Sports is another thing that connects our friendship. I love soccer and he loves baseball and basketball. Mr. Smitty tries to find time in his schedule to come and support my school’s sports teams or he even comes to my band concerts! He is definitely my hero at school.
– Sebastian L., Veazie Community School
My Hero Works at My School
My hero is Mrs. Cole, she is a paraprofessional at Thomaston Grammar School, and has worked here for 8 years. Today you are going to find out why I picked her, and how amazing she truly is and everything she does for our school. So I’m going to show everyone how great of a paraprofessional she really is.
First, Mrs. Cole is amazing because even when she is having a bad day she still smiles and laughs. She tells us jokes throughout the day during morning care, lunch, and recess. I love to hear her laugh because it makes me happy and laugh too. Mrs. Cole helps everyone feel comfortable, welcome, and safe no matter what.
Next, she has so many responsibilities! She has to do morning care, lunch duty for all the kids in the school, recess duty, and even subbing too. Mrs. Cole has to look around to make sure everyone is safe during all her duties. She has to do that for 150 kids, I have no idea how she does it! When we go outside Mrs. Cole walks around, but sometimes there’s problems across the playground and she goes over and helps students solve the problem. I have know idea how she can even see that far!
Mrs. Cole is a wonderful paraprofessional at Thomaston Grammar School. She works so hard, but a lot of people don’t notice. I want her to know that I notice. That’s why I think Mrs. Cole deserves this award, so everyone knows how amazing she is. Mrs. Cole is my hero at Thomaston Grammar School!
Juliette J., Thomaston Grammar School
