Page 8 - Work Force December 2018

Gunn: ‘It’s like working with family’
LEVITTOWN — Michael Gunn, head custodian at Levittown School District’s General Douglas MacArthur High School, has been exceeding expectations for the 40 years he has been employed by the district.
His incredible professionalism and exemplary work is why Gunn was honored with this year’s Excelsior Award.
The Excelsior Award, co-sponsored by CSEA and the New York State Public High School Athletic Association
(NYSPHSAA), honors
a CSEA member in a
NYSPHSAA school
who has helped
promote and foster
athletic success in
their school district.
Gunn began working in the district as a cleaner while he was still in high school. After graduation, he got a job in the school district as a part-time cleaner. He worked at a few local schools until finally settling at the high school 26 years ago.
Gunn’s current job responsibilities include making sure the school
is safe for staff and students, supervising the custodial crew and
lending a helping hand wherever needed.
“I make it a point to be involved in everything in this school, maintenance wise,” said Gunn. “That includes setting up activities for
the children and being available for orientations. I always have what’s best for the children in mind.”
School principal Joseph Sheehan makes it clear that MacArthur High School would not be where it is today without Gunn.
“Mike puts his blood, sweat and tears into
everything that makes this school
successful,” said Sheehan. “To say
he goes above and beyond his duties would be
an understatement.”
“He’s the consummate team
player who has no problem getting his hands dirty when needed and he does it because of the tremendous pride he takes in the success of this building,” said Sheehan.
Although Gunn was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth and
has mostly used a scooter to get around for the past few years, Gunn
CSEA Excelsior Award recipient Michael Gunn was recently presented with the award at Syracuse University’s Carrier Dome during the New York State public high school football championships. From left, New
York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Assistant Director Joe Altieri, NYSPHSAA Executive Director Robert Zayas, Michael Gunn, Jenine Gunn, Laurie Gunn, and NYSPHSAA Assistant Director Todd Nelson. (Photo provided by NYSPHSAA.)
does not let his physical limitations hinder him in any way.
Keith Snyder, director of athletics at the Levittown School District who nominated Gunn for the Excelsior Award, remembers when he first witnessed Gunn’s tenacity.
“We used to have a horrible press box and one day the PA [public address]
system
“Years ago, there was a student who graduated who sent a card to the custodians, thanking us for our service,” said Gunn. “She wrote
in the card that I’m [Gunn] like Superman because when I’m there, everything is fixed. That made me feel really good.”
A bit overwhelmed by the high praise he’s
broke down
during a
football
game,” said
Snyder. “He
[Gunn] got
out of his
scooter
and used
his arms to
climb to the
top of the
bleachers
to fix the
system.
Then, he
comes back
down and gets back into his chair like it’s nothing.”
“All of our jaws were on the floor; there were kids on the football field crying because of what they just saw,” said Snyder.
Gunn’s passion for his work obviously hasn’t been lost on students.
receiving because of his award, Gunn refers to himself as a, “behind the scenes guy” who wouldn’t be successful without his work family.
“Working for the
administration and working with my colleagues is like having
an extended family,” said Gunn. “They back me up 110 percent all of the time; that’s what makes me successful.”
“It’s like working with family,” said Gunn. “I don’t treat this like it’s my job. I treat it like it’s my home.”
— Wendi Bowie
Michael Gunn and Levittown School Distric District Director of Athletics Keith Snyder discuss future plans for the school’s athletic program.
8 The Work Force
December 2018
Michael Gunn shows his school spirit in the school’s gymnasium.
Wheaton joins the informational picket line in