By Heather Graves
Correspondent
GREEN BAY – Sullivan Elementary facility technician Micah Bootz got quite the surprise Thursday, May 23, an assembly just for him.
“The assembly was definitely a surprise,” Bootz said. “I could not keep the smile off of my face and I loved the reaction from the students.”
Students and teachers surprised Bootz with an assembly to let him know that he took second in the Cintas Corporation national competition for the Best Custodian in the country.
Bootz, 42, was nominated for the contest by Sullivan Principal Peggy Fisher, as well as other Sullivan faculty and staff.
“Mr. Bootz is a natural with the students,” Fisher said. “His dedication to the school goes well beyond the job description. He knows all the kids’ names and he connects with all of them.”
Back in April, Bootz was named one of ten finalists out of 4,000 entries – the only one from Wisconsin.
“The whole thing has been very humbling for me,” Bootz said. “I feel so appreciated at Sullivan and I am proud to have such support from our staff and students.”
Fisher said the contest honors and recognizes those who are truly dedicated to their school, which she said describes Bootz to a tee.
“Mr. Bootz takes his role very seriously in terms of the jobs that he performs here,” Fisher said. “He understands the importance of making sure our school is safe and clean for learning.”
Bootz received more than 170,000 votes. He came in just behind winner Aristeo Flores, 73, from Scotts Valley Middle School in California.
“Taking second in the competition was great, but receiving the nominations from our staff and votes from everyone meant a great deal more to me.” Bootz said.
As the runner-up, Bootz receives $500 and Sullivan prize package of Cintas and Rubbermaid products, which Fisher said will come in handy next year since the student body is jumping to 700.
“All Sullivan 4K and kindergarten students previously being bussed to the Learning Center will be back here in their home school, so the extra supplies will surely come in handy,” Fisher said.
Bootz has worked at Sullivan for three years.
“We have a great team where everyone works together to accomplish our goals,” Bootz said. “I am also very lucky to have such great support from the district facilities department.”
Before taking on the role as custodian at Sullivan, Bootz was a teacher in De Pere and Kewaunee for 15 years.