With his cheerful personality and contagious smile, it is easy to see why Mr. Brian Reynolds is a beloved member of the Southside Elementary community. He is able to lift the spirits of both children and adults as he engages others in natural, enjoyable conversation. Mr. Brian, as students call him, could improve any situation with his pleasant disposition alone, but instead, he pairs his positive nature with an unyielding drive to do his job to the best of his ability. This powerful combination of kindness and hard work is invaluable to the Southside family, and it is the reason why the Southside team selected Mr. Brian Reynolds as the recipient of the 2021-2022 Woodford Outstanding Service Award (WOSA).
One of Mr. Brian’s earlier work experiences was for Brereton C. Jones, Governor of Kentucky from 1991-1995. Mr. Brian began as night watch for Governor Jones and later joined the maintenance department under him, as well. After his time working in Frankfort, Mr. Brian became a horse foreman at Willow Springs Farm. He was in this role for about twenty years. While he was still with the farm, Mr. Brian began working occasionally for Northside Elementary as a substitute in the maintenance department.
When Mr. Brian began working in the school district, one could say he joined the family business. “What lead me here is that all of my family has worked in Woodford County Public Schools,” Mr. Brian explains. “My father was a janitor at Mortonsville. My mother drove a school bus. My brother was the head custodian at Northside Elementary. I had a cousin over the bus garage. I had another cousin who was the head custodian at Simmons Elementary.”
Even with this family history, Mr. Brian did not ever think he, too, would one day work in the school system. However, at the same time his allergies were acting up intensely on the farm, he was a substitute working in the schools and enjoying it. He felt welcomed immediately into the school environment.
In 2000, Mr. Brian officially joined the Southside family, and he has been a prominent figure in the building for students and staff alike since that time. Shannon Brehm, secretary at Southside, says, “Mr. Brian is incredible. When he is not at school (which is highly unusual), his absence is deeply felt. He does anything asked of him with a smile and never a complaint. He is the hardest working person. He is never one to seek attention for all he does. He is humble and kind. We love him!”
Mrs. Brehm notes Mr. Brian’s diligence in his job. He credits his father with instilling a strong work ethic within him. Mr. Brian explains, “I’m here to do my job. When I arrive in the morning, I owe a day’s work.” The children and staff members at Southside benefit from his work ethic so profoundly. Shanda Warthman, first grade teacher at Southside, says, “Dependability, reliability, and responsibility are three words that best describe Brian Reynolds. His dedication to Southside is clear through his ‘get it done’ attitude and constant smile. Brian is always willing to go the extra mile to take care of the staff and students at Southside. We are beyond blessed to work with him each day!”
Mr. Brian has worked hard his whole life, no matter the job title or location. However, he has certainly enjoyed the special benefit of his current role: the kids. “I love children and taking care of children and youth.” Not only does Mr. Brian care for children each day at Southside, but he also helps with his church’s children and youth programs. He laughs and adds, “If you don’t love kids, you don’t need to be working in this job.”
For Mr. Brian, seeing students succeed is the most rewarding part of his job. He loves seeing their artwork in the hallways, and he always stops to read what new stories are on display. He says, “Kids have so much talent. It’s amazing how they put this stuff together.” A favorite memory of seeing students’ work is when Mrs. Coyle’s fifth grade class wrote short stories about Mr. Brian’s daily adventures. Some they made up while some were rooted in real occurrences. The kids’ funny yet sincere words meant everything to Mr. Brian.
Children perceive that Mr. Brian enjoys his role and enjoys spending time with them. Each day kids run up to him, knowing they’ll get a hug, a smile, and a funny comment. Mr. Brian is a positive adult in the school building, which is absolutely critical for student achievement.
Jeremy Reynolds, Principal of Southside, says, “Mr. Brian always has a ‘can do’ attitude and a smile on his face. He exemplifies the positive culture we are trying to convey to all staff and students at Southside. If, for some reason, Mr. Brian has to be out of the building for a few days, there is not another staff member that would be missed more because he does so much for our school.”
In knowing how Mr. Brian contributes to the positive culture at Southside and to the students’ success, it is clear to see why he was named as the recipient of the WOSA. His humility shines through when he speaks of this award. He laughs and says, “I was clapping for someone else when the guy next to me leaned over and said, ‘I think they called your name.’” Mr. Brian concludes, “I really appreciate this award. It’s so much more than just a job.”
We are grateful that Mr. Brian is in our district and providing so much care for our students and staff members. Congratulations, Mr. Brian, on receiving the 2021-2022 Woodford Outstanding Service Award for Southside Elementary!
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