When asked what it is like to work in a school after decades of work experience outside of education, Leo Mucci answers simply yet profoundly, “It’s a blessing.” In particular, Leo finds the positivity of students and educators to be the unique factor in what is different about working in a school as opposed to other career fields. Though Leo would never say it about himself, his colleagues certainly agree that he is a key contributor to the positive school environment at Woodford County Middle School (WCMS). He is a vital member of the team, completes his responsibilities to care for the school building, and works to build positive relationships with students and staff members. It is for these reasons and many more that Mr. Leo Mucci is the recipient of the WCMS Woodford Outstanding Service Award for the 2021-2022 school year.
For nearly 33 years, Mr. Mucci worked in a local factory as a utility operator. It was challenging, physical labor, but he completed his tasks each day and consistently displayed a strong work ethic. Leo retired from the factory in May 2019 but quickly realized he wanted to be back in the workforce. In July 2019, he joined the staff at WCMS as a custodian. In his relatively short time in the district, Leo has made a lasting impact on his colleagues and on the students. Susan Tracy, former Assistant Principal at WCMS and current Director of Student Achievement for the district, says, “In addition to Leo doing a great job at WCMS, he is quick to greet you with a smile in the building. He is protective of students and staff. If he notices a student that seems upset or struggling, he will offer a kind comment or give a staff member a heads up to check in on the student. He looks out for staff as well and treats you like family. If you find a treat on your desk that brightens your day, there is a good chance that Leo left it there the night before!”
As Mrs. Tracy suggests, Mr. Mucci has taken his responsibility to care for the building and all who are in it quite seriously. He looks after the students and desires to contribute to their school experience. Clay Mattingly, Principal of WCMS, states, “Leo is a vital part of maintaining the physical environment at WCMS, but he is just as important in maintaining a positive learning and working environment. He has a terrific relationship with school staff and would do anything he could to take the time to help anyone he could.”
Students feel the effort Leo shows both in his job responsibilities and in getting to know them. Blake Porter, 7th grade student, describes how Mr. Mucci will sit with him and talk about what is going on in his life. Blake notes that he has seen Mr. Mucci at various sporting events and extracurricular activities to cheer on students. These seemingly small moments of investing in students’ lives are deeply impactful for kids. As Blake explains, it’s important for all students to have caring adults at school, but it’s especially necessary for students who may not have that same support at home. He says, “I’m fortunate in that I have a great homelife, but not everyone has that. It’s good for students to have someone to go to who they trust and who they know will care for them.”
Blake appreciates that Mr. Mucci is an adult who he can turn to for talks, advice, or a good laugh. He also notices how diligent Mr. Mucci is, explaining that he is always completing tasks. William Wills, head custodian at WCMS, agrees and says, “Leo is valuable to us. He’s a hard worker and dependable.”
Although Leo may have been shocked to hear his name called as the recipient of the WOSA, the WCMS school family certainly was not. Leo says that the experience of receiving this award had "the wow factor.” To his colleagues and to his students at WCMS, Mr. Mucci has the wow factor every single day.
Congratulations, Leo, on receiving the 2021-2022 Woodford Outstanding Service Award for Woodford County Middle School!
