BY AMBER J. CRAFT
Special to the Times
Kelley Holder never set out to be in the spotlight. In fact, she’d be the first to tell you she’d rather lift someone else up than talk about herself.
But after six years of quiet dedication, joyful interactions, and tireless work behind the scenes, the Lake Butler Middle School community has spoken loud and clear: Holder is more than deserving of recognition. She’s been named Lake Butler Middle School’s School-Related Employee of the Year.
I just love my job
For Holder, being a custodian is more than a job—it’s a calling.
“It feels pretty good,” she said of receiving the honor. “I just love my job.”
Her work begins before the school bell rings and doesn’t stop when the last student heads home. She ensures that classrooms are clean, facilities are safe, and teachers have what they need to succeed. But it’s the personal connections she builds along the way that truly make her role special.
Throughout the school day, she greets students with warmth and a playful spirit. Her sense of humor shines as she jokes with students in the hallway, sometimes calling out a fake “Your shoes are untied!” just to get a smile.
“They even pick back with me, telling me my shoes are untied,” she said with a laugh.
These lighthearted exchanges aren’t just for fun—they’re part of Holder’s intentional approach to creating a positive and welcoming environment for all students.
“I joke with them to put a smile on their faces because I do not know what their home life is like,” she said.
Holder’s presence is a steady reminder to students that kindness matters and that someone at school genuinely sees and cares about them. She’s not just a custodian; she’s a comforting figure, a listening ear, and for some students, a beacon of stability and care.
Cleanliness is about respect for each other
Her pride in her work is evident in everything she touches.
“The classroom reflects on me; how clean it is,” she said.
She sees every swept floor and wiped surface as an extension of her commitment to giving students and staff a safe, clean, and dignified place to learn and grow. And when that environment is disrespected, she doesn’t turn away—she addresses it head-on.
“If they destroy the bathroom, like vandalize it or something, I will talk to them,” she said.
Her direct, respectful approach has made an impact. Over time, she’s seen a decrease in those kinds of behaviors. Students come to understand that cleanliness isn’t just about appearances—it’s about respect for each other and for the people who take pride in maintaining their spaces.
“They apologize when they realize that is disrespect to the work that others put in,” she said.
It’s a testament to the kind of relationship-building Holder has prioritized—relationships grounded in mutual respect and genuine care.
Re-entered the workforce
Before joining Lake Butler Middle School, Holder spent 13 years as a stay-at-home mom, raising five children with her husband of 16 years. When she was ready to re-enter the workforce, she accepted a substitute custodial position. She quickly realized she’d found more than just a job.
“The kids, when they see you, they will come up and give you the biggest hug in the world,” she said. That was the moment she knew this was a place she could make a difference.
Now, she balances her work life with family time, fishing trips, and volunteering at football games—just a few of the things she enjoys outside of school. But even at work, she finds herself surrounded by a strong support system.
“I have a wonderful work family,” she said. “Ms. Ricks and Ms. Tucker are the best. They’re there for you whenever you need them. Even though they have a ton of stuff on their platter, they’re there.”
A quiet agent
That feeling of being appreciated is something that motivates Holder every day. Her peers frequently express their gratitude for her dedication and the positive energy she brings to the school.
“Being there for people,” she said simply, is what drives her. That’s what she gets out of her job.
Despite the well-earned recognition, Holder remains humble.
“I’m not the type of person to brag on myself,” she said. “I would rather encourage other people and be there for somebody else.”
And that, perhaps more than anything else, captures why she’s this year’s School-Related Employee of the Year. Her selfless spirit, consistent work ethic, and deep love for the students and staff of Lake Butler Middle School have left a lasting impact.
In a world that often overlooks the quiet heroes, Kelley Holder shines as an example of how meaningful it can be to simply show up each day, give your best, and care deeply.
