By Sarah Kuper
To those who know and love him, Jerome Lewis, or “Mr. Jerome,” is more than the man keeping the classrooms and hallways clean.
For nine years, Lewis has dedicated himself to investing in children by paying attention to their triumphs and their tragedies.
Now, staff and students at Crestline Elementary School as well as the community have mobilized to make sure Lewis receives the recognition he deserves through an online contest sponsored by Cintas.
The school uses Cintas janitorial supplies, and the company is holding an online contest to name Janitor of the Year. The winner will receive $5,000 and the school will receive money for cleaning supplies or equipment.
Crestline Principal Laurie King said a teacher saw the contest online and immediately knew Lewis should be the winner.
“We have a family culture here at Crestline but Mr. Jerome adds even more depth to that culture,” King said.
Lewis said he is humbled by the attention and he is hoping to use this opportunity to make a difference.
“I’m proud, honored and privileged to be a custodian. I view it as a true profession. I know the value and worth of it. I believe I can represent custodians and be their voice,” he said.
King described Lewis as the “hardest working man” she’s ever met.
“He regards the school as his house and you can depend on him to do an immaculate job. He loves to welcome people into his home.”
Though custodians don’t often stand in the spotlight, Lewis said he knows how important his work is to the school.
“I look at this place as a body. I’m part of the system. I may get less attention but if you severed my profession from the body, watch the domino effect, teachers can’t do their part because now they have to do more things and kids won’t reap the benefit of learning.”
Lewis has been known to keep in touch with students and families long after they’ve graduated. He has even visited children and families in the hospital.
But it is Lewis who has been in and out of the hospital lately.
In 2013, Lewis was diagnosed with esophageal cancer.
Since then, the community has rallied around him, even raising money for him to go to MD Anderson Cancer Center for treatment.
Unfortunately, doctors have now determined his cancer to be terminal.
Lewis said he has made peace with his diagnosis and his faith is sustaining him.
On any given day, King said, she can ask Lewis how he is feeling and he always answers, “Blessed and grateful!”
Lewis said that, because of his illness, he is able to take a unique perspective on the attention and praise he is receiving.
“God gave me special favor and blessing that before I sleep the sleep of death, that on this side of the grave, I can receive accolades and praises. I’m feasting on them not to be exalted above men, but it is in humility I thank God for it because he didn’t have to do that,” Lewis said.
As a man of great faith, Lewis said he does not shy away from telling others to have a “blessed day” or giving praise and credit to God.
He said he believes using positive language and actions in the presence of young people has affected those around him.
“If you treat children right and promote good, then good will increase. Great things come from meager beginnings,” he said.
Children approach Lewis in the halls and recount how many times they’ve voted for him and who they have told about the contest.
Signs and posters decorate the halls reminding people to vote online.
Now that Lewis has made the top 10, voters can go online and vote as many times as they want.
Voting ends April 15 and Cintas will announce the winner after that.
Regarding the prize money, Lewis said his first priorities would be tithing and taxes.
King said her staff is determined that Lewis will win and is asking everyone to vote as often as possible.
To vote for Lewis, visit www.cintas.com/customer_
