“My children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." ~ 1 John 3:18
In a tiny central Missouri town, children stood on ladders ready
to tear off the paper covering new letters on the elementary school building. Swedeborg,
an unincorporated community has only two businesses: a quick shop and a gas
station.
Most of the town’s 497
inhabitants and school staff had gathered for the unveiling. They eagerly awaited
the recognition kept secret until the start of the school year.
When it comes time to
name a public building, communities look at either historic or financial
contributors and choose a high-profile name that brings recognition. Famous
Missourians like George Washington Carver, Josephine Baker, and Harry S. Truman
adorn facilities across the state. So, when the School Board chose their honoree,
they did so carefully.
With fanfare befitting a legend, the letters scrawled across the school’s entrance read “Claudene Wilson Learning Center.” A slightly confused custodian looked up at her name as people applauded in agreement with the Board’s unanimous decision of a rare celebrity who didn’t like attention.
The retired 64-year-old
“Bus-todian,” had been the school’s bus driver, custodian, cafeteria helper, and
lawn mower for more than three decades. But her most valuable role was
being ‘present’ for the children.
She offered special
treats like suckers or candy bars for raising grades, kind actions, or
noteworthy successes. “They’re what kept me coming back since 1992,” she shared.
School Board President
Chuck Boren said of the beloved handywoman, "Claudene treats every student
like they're her own.” He knew firsthand. Wilson's last year at the K-8 school
was his first. “When the kids get sick, they go to her first. If there was
trouble at home, they go to her. She's so empathetic and attuned to every
student.”
“By unanimous consent,
our goal in renaming the building,” he added, “was not only to honor her 32
years of service, but also to encourage students to be kind, hardworking, and
supportive - just like Claudene.”
One parent remarked, “Claudene
was the glue that held our school together. By nurturing and supporting our
kids, the entire community rises. Kind-hearted people like her create positive
ripples into the future.”
Kristi Cargill, an
elementary teacher, appreciated Wilson always checking on them to see if they
needed a bathroom break or any classroom repairs, by flashing them a thumbs-up
outside the hallway window. “I love coming in from summer vacation and seeing
the light’s reflection on the walls and floors because she’d waxed and shined
them to perfection,” Cargill added. “She never did things halfway.”
Now mostly retired, Wilson
is still on campus every day and occasionally helps drive the bus. “I’m no
hero,” Wilson claims, “I just hope the school’s new name inspires people to be more
kind.”
Heavenly Father, it's only by following You
that we can become a beacon of conspicuous love and humble compassion. Help me be
a Godly example by my uplifting words, kind actions, unselfish love, and pure heart.
Amen
