NAMPA, Idaho — There are many unsung heroes in our local schools. People who just do not get the credit they deserve for the wonderful work they do with the students and the staff.
The Idaho Lottery created a 'Nominate Your School Hero' program to honor those hard-working people. In honor of the Idaho Lottery's 35th anniversary, the organization is recognizing 35 'School Heroes' across the Gem State in January and February. A school hero can be anyone at a school who makes a difference every day for the students and staff. Nominations were sent directly to the Idaho Lottery where a committee reviews the submissions and makes the selections. There were over 200 submissions this year.
The custodian at Desert Springs Elementary in Nampa, J.R. Goleman, was one of those heroes, and it was a complete surprise. David Workman from the Idaho Lottery came to the school to present the award.
"Heroes make a difference every single day, they make everything better," said David Workman from the Idaho Lottery. "We are here today to celebrate one person from your school, that person doesn't know that they are your school hero. It's Mr. J.R. Goleman."
Workman also brought a big Sweethearts box filled with goodies, including a $200 gift card and some Sweethearts Scratch tickets. The program is a collaboration with Sweethearts Candies. To say Goleman was surprised would be an understatement.
"Yeah, I heard a rumor there was an assembly, but I didn't know what it was about," Goleman said. "I think it's pretty neat, it's quite an honor to be involved in a school. You can't not be involved, you have to be, whether it's a kid falling down, or whatever goes on, you have to be there."
They call him Mr. J.R. and they are some of his biggest fans.
"He always lifts everybody's spirits up and he goes above and beyond for everybody," said Norah, a fifth grader at Desert Springs.
"He makes everyone laugh, he has really inspired everyone," said Ellerie, a fourth grader at the school.
Desert Springs Elementary music teacher April Flake saw that the Idaho lottery was asking for 'School Hero' nominations. She was the one who nominated him.
"I just came across it on Facebook," Flake said. "J.R. came to mind first thing."
Flake sent the Idaho Lottery a special letter about J.R.:
Mr. J.R. is one of the most giving people that I have ever met. When I first started at our school, he came to my music classroom willing to help me get settled in. He saw that I was in need of some drying racks and storage for my recorders and he went and made them for me without my asking. The students look to him as a grandfather figure. It is very rare to not see him chatting with a student as he is going about the school doing his job. He often encourages them, jokes with them, and is there to bring a smile to their faces. He brings a light to our school that can't be replaced. My Mom worked as a school janitor, and I know that it was often a thankless job. I want him to know that we see him, we are so thankful for him, and that he truly has made our school a better and more beautiful place.
Flake said she watched him grow over the past years and how he went above and beyond for everybody. Because her mother was also a school janitor, Flake said she knew it was backbreaking work and she has always had a huge appreciation for school janitors.
"It was natural for me to want to give him a little bit of love and support. He is a phenomenal woodworker, and he is always telling people, if you need something for your classroom, he could probably make it for you. He's always just tinkering. If you need to find him, he's usually making something for somebody, not just me but other teachers in the building as well," said Flake.
Goleman said he loves his job.
"I love every bit of it," he said. "If a student breaks their bike chain or has a flat tire, I can help them out. Get those shoelaces untangled, or whatever it takes. It's a lot of fun, you can make their day so often."
Flake said he lights everyone's day up.
"He'll have a conversation with them, maybe they don't have a male figure at home, but he can give them that interaction that's always positive," said Flake. "He truly does make a difference, it's not just what he does for a job, it's who he is as a person."
Goleman said he plans on retiring in the near future, but for now, his focus is on his work at the school, and being as helpful as he can to the students.
"It's all about the kids," Goleman said.
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