Ms. Courtney Willis, a Food Service Technician at Williams Memorial Elementary School, has been named Dorchester School District Four's November Everyday Hero.
Ms. Willis was nominated by Mr. Kevin Earle, Director of Child Nutrition Services, who pointed to her dependability and her willingness to step in wherever she is needed.
"What sets Courtney apart is her willingness to step up without being asked," Mr. Earle wrote in his nomination. "When challenges arise, she does not focus on why something cannot be done; she looks for a way to make it work."
Mr. Earle noted that Ms. Willis adapts easily when plans change and stays calm and positive on the days that do not go as expected. She takes on additional responsibilities when her team needs her, and she handles the small jobs that often go unnoticed but make a real difference in the operation of a cafeteria.
He also pointed to the way she treats the people around her, noting that school nutrition is about much more than serving meals.
"She recognizes that the way we interact with students can have just as much impact as the food we serve," Mr. Earle wrote. "She treats students, coworkers, and staff with kindness, patience, and respect."
Mr. Earle closed his nomination by noting that Ms. Willis does not do any of it for recognition. She simply takes pride in her work and cares about doing the right thing.
"Her commitment, compassion, dependability, and willingness to go above and beyond have made a meaningful difference to our school nutrition program and the students we serve," he wrote.
Ms. Willis will be recognized at the district's board meeting on Tuesday, November 17, along with October Everyday Heroes Ms. Dawn Daniel of Williams Memorial Elementary School and Mr. Jason Brewer of Woodland Middle School.
About the Everyday Hero Program
The Everyday Hero program honors Dorchester School District Four employees who work behind the scenes, helping our schools operate effectively while making a positive difference in the lives of our students. Each Everyday Hero receives a certificate of appreciation and a distinguished coin from the Superintendent as a token of the district's gratitude for their service.