Eastern Hills Custodian Earns STEEL Award

A ready smile and easy laugh mixed with a strong work ethic make Jassmine Scott a favorite around Eastern Hills Middle School. That’s probably a big reason why the beloved custodian is a Killeen ISD STEEL Award winner.

“Whether it’s keeping our campus spotless, stepping in to help a teammate, or guiding new employees, you do it all with a can-do attitude that inspires everyone around you,” according to the nomination that led to Scott’s award.

“Your work ethic is nothing short of remarkable. From flawlessly completing your tasks to going above and beyond, you’ve shown what it truly means to serve our students, staff, and visitors with pride,” the nomination continues.

Superintendent Jo Ann Fey and other senior district leaders joined campus staff at Eastern Hills to surprise Scott with the award.

STEEL stands for Supporting the Education and Empowerment of Learners. KISD honors two employees a month during the school year with the award.

“Thank you, Jasmine, for your tireless work and your dedication to making KISD a better place for all,” Fey said during the award presentation. “You are a true inspiration, and we celebrate you today.”

It’s probably safe to assume that not everyone gets excited about keeping a middle school clean.

That’s not the case with Scott, who has been the mid-shift custodian at the school for almost five years.

She enjoys the students, and the school staff members and takes great pride in helping to keep the building clean. In addition, the hardworking custodian almost always is smiling and has no doubt that she is appreciated.

“Somehow Eastern Hills stuck out to me,” she said of her initial hiring. “I came over here and I loved it ever since.”

Working the middle of the day gives her a chance to do the full range of janitorial duties. “It’s hard work. It’s not glorious, but it’s rewarding. I hear a lot of people thank me for the smallest things, whether it’s taking out the trash or cleaning up a spill.”

When Scott is called on to clean a spill, very often the teacher offers up a sincere thanks.

“Oh, my goodness,” she said of the surprise award. “I didn’t know what was going on. I was told to come up here early. So, I came in and clocked in early. When I saw the people, wow, I thought Oh my goodness. I didn’t think I was going to get it,” she said.

“I just come in and do my job. I’m the cool, laidback custodian. I don’t have it in me to be a grouch,” she said.

There are students who ask her how she’s doing, and she inquires about them as well. “They say ‘I don’t know how you do it. You don’t get paid enough’ and I just start laughing,” she said.

“I love the energy in the building. The staff and the kids keep me going. I can’t think of a day I don’t enjoy being here.”

“I think it’s important because if I was a student I’d rather come into a clean school. Having a clean school makes the kids want to come and learn.”