BRIANA RIVERA - RUNNER-UP 2009 C.L.E.A.N. ™ AWARD |
Keeping 50-year-old Saks Elementary School in Anniston, Alabama clean could pose a real challenge for some. But head custodian Briana Rivera is very proud of her school and wants it to shine like a new dime. Her enthusiasm for cleanliness ensures that it does.
Rivera also cares about the health of the young students. She sanitizes door knobs, water fountains, hand rails and just about everything else to prevent the spread of germs.
Rivera teaches by example and motivates the students to take responsibility for their surroundings as well. She carries stickers and small awards with her during the day to hand out to students who stop to pick up trash or remember to wash their hands. Every month she presents a “clean classroom certificate” to the teacher and students who kept their classroom the neatest.
Rivera’s personal touch has paid off, as competition for the cleanest classroom becomes a real contest. “All the classrooms want to win and have their name announced over the student-produced morning TV announcements at school,” she says.
In addition to ensuring a clean school, Rivera believes her job entails serving as educator. She consults with other staff and the county custodial supervisor about best practices to keep the school clean and sanitized. During orientation for new teachers, Rivera is the first to address them about school sanitization policies. She assists with the school recycling program and encourages others to get onboard.
In addition to ensuring a clean school, Rivera believes her job entails serving as educator. She consults with other staff and the county custodial supervisor about best practices to keep the school clean and sanitized. During orientation for new teachers, Rivera is the first to address them about school sanitization policies. She assists with the school recycling program and encourages others to get onboard. |
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Her reward is working with children. She enjoys popping into classrooms to ask students what they’re learning, and she is quick to offer praise along with more stickers.“
The kids will let you know that a compliment or thumbs-up from Ms. Rivera tops any reward a teacher has to offer,” says Leigh Hulsey, who teaches autistic students at Saks.
Christie Norris, the school nurse, agrees. “As Briana shows up with her cart to clean up a mess, she’s always smiling and joking with the student who had the accident. The student can’t help but feel better because Briana has such a joy about her.”
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From school principal Hector Baeza to the teachers and education support personnel, the praise for Rivera is unanimous. They agree that her job performance is outstanding, and her smile is infectious.
The school’s motto is “One Team, One Goal.” Rivera works proudly each day to live up to those words.
One would think that Rivera had been cleaning schools all her life. But, in fact, this is her fourth year in her latest career. Previous employers include Wal-Mart, Target, TGIFriday’s, Shoney’s and more.
Rivera graduated from Weaver High in Alabama. She is working toward an associate degree in computer science while continuing her employment at Saks Elementary. |
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NATIONAL C.L.E.A.N.™ AWARD!
National C.L.E.A.N.™ Award
Custodial Leaders for Environmental Advocacy Nationwide
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