The Manchester Elementary Middle School (MEMS) officially designated May 25, 2023 as Leon Appreciation Day. It was not easy for almost 500 people to keep the proclamation a secret for three weeks, but they did it and the MEMS community managed to surprise their beloved custodian and bus driver Leon Sargent. It was a day focused on showing Leon gratitude for his faithful service to MEMS through thick and thin since 1995.
"Thank you for being steady and true and just being you," is how middle school teacher Dianna Ivey describes Leon. Students from the Success program began their day by enthusiastically washing the exterior and thoroughly cleaning the interior of the bus Leon drives each day. They also created a beautiful thank you poster and stealthily collected signatures from students and staff. Countless classes, students and staff from grades pre-k through 8 made beautifully illustrated thank you posters and cards full of heartfelt personal sentiments.
When Leon arrived at work, he was met outside with a made-up crisis. He was escorted into the building to a "flood" only to find students and staff lining the hallways clapping and cheering for him. After a tour around the building with many high fives, chants and cheers, Leon made his way to the front office where he was presented with a cake, a signed t-shirt and a generous gift from the staff.
Leon was then treated to lunch with the custodial and transportation staff and rounded out his day with many photo opportunities. Leon's service is exemplary and he is loved and appreciated by all at MEMS. Members of the Office Team all agree, "Leon is our rock and the anchor of our school!"
