Joanie Curtis grew up in Lake Orion, and she’s proud of the work she’s done for the Lake Orion School District for the past 18 years.
Curtis was honored for her service as head custodian at the Community Education Resource Center (CERC) on May 12, with the Distinguished Service Award from Oakland County Community and Adult Education (OCCAE).
OCCAE held their 2005 Awards Luncheon at Edgewood Country Club in Commerce.
Curtis, a Clarkston resident, started working for Lake Orion Schools as a bus driver, and after five years moved to the buildings and grounds department.
She said she really enjoyed her time there.
‘We did everything in the district, from moving stuff to plowing and mowing,? Curtis said. ‘I liked being outside.?
Five years later, Curtis moved on to work at the Ehmann Center. She continued on as a custodian when operations were moved to the CERC on Scripps Road.
‘I’ve been a custodian for eight years now,? she said. ‘I would never want to leave CERC. I work with probably the best people in the district.
‘It’s a wonderful experience,? said Curtis. ‘It’s a challenge. There’s nothing routine about it.?
Curtis still has a lot of family living in Lake Orion, including her son, Ryan, 26. Daughter Nicole, 29, lives in Ferndale with her son Ethan, 7, Curtis? only grandchild.
‘Both my kids went to Lake Orion Schools,? she said. ‘I grew up here and I went to school here. I love the community.?
Curtis said she likes working in the CERC because she said on a daily basis she sees ‘babies from six weeks old to people in their 100’s.?
‘It’s extremely diverse,? she said. ‘I love the babies.?
When Curtis has free time that she isn’t spending with her family, she likes to garden and do remodeling.
Curtis is also working towards her HR degree as a full-time student at Oakland University. She is set to graduate in May of 2006.
‘I’d like to work somewhere in managerial and training and development,? she said.
Curtis gives credit to MaryAnne Thorndycraft of Lake Orion Adult Education with her receiving the award.
‘I admire her so much,? Curtis said. ‘I am usually on the other end, I’ve never been on the receiving end.?
Thorndycraft said Curtis had opportunities to change buildings as the CERC was being renovated.
‘Thank goodness she hasn’t and doesn’t want to,? Thorndycraft said. ‘We feel blessed to have her taking care of us. She is flexible…she has worn out many walkie talkies, answering our calls.?
Thorndycraft said Curtis always seems to know what needs to be done, and does it with a smile.
‘She even comes in on her own time to make sure we are ok,? she said. ‘Her leadership skills with her staff is outstanding. Her rapport with all the staff is always friendly and helpful.
‘Her quick wit is enjoyed by all,? said Thorndycraft.
‘She has one of those positions in the district that never gets the recognition it deserves. She is our unsung hero.?
Also from the Lake Orion District, Lara Sebert received the OCCAE’s Instructor Award for Enrichment.
Sebert has worked with Lake Orion enrichment programs for the past four years, offering a variety of youth enrichment classes and summer camps.