Editor's Note: This series recognizes people who make a difference in their communities. To nominate someone, call Wendy Victora at 315-4478 or email wvictora@nwfdailynews.com.
MARY ESTHER — When students or teachers pass Mary Wooley in the hallway or the cafeteria, they can’t help but smile.
The daytime custodian at Mary Esther Elementary School is known for going the extra mile but never expecting anything in return.
“She’s great with the kids (and) great with the employees,” said principal Gary Massey. “Everyone loves her.”
For the past three years, she’s been the first person to arrive at the school and wastes no time ensuring it is as clean as possible before anyone else arrives.
She not only ensures the interior is clean, she always checks outside of the school to see if anything else needs attention. By the time others arrive, she’s ready with a smile on her face.
“I try to come in with a good attitude,” Wooley said.
“The trick is, she keeps it all day,” Massey said.
In addition to cleaning duties, Wooley has made it her mission to help out whenever possible, whether that means locating a lost item or taking a few minutes to listen to a child’s story.
Through the years, Wooley has worked as a custodian at three Okaloosa County elementary schools and said it’s never been a career decision she regretted. Or one that she plans to walk away from anytime soon.
“I enjoy what I do,” Wooley said. “I just try to make people comfortable around me.”
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Katie Tammen at 850-315-4440 or ktammen@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @KatieTnwfdn.