Bob Rouse, an evening custodian for Kent ISD’s Educational Services Center, was among several staff nominated for the Essential Services Awards from Michigan Works of Kent & Allegan Counties. He was chosen for the Cleaning/Housekeeping category and was honored at a special Economics Club luncheon September 28, along with the other winners. His supervisor, Jeff Miller and the Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services, Mike Hagerty, accompanied Bob at the awards luncheon at the Grand Plaza Hotel. Bob was surprised with the announcement of his selection by Superintendent Kevin Konarska and colleagues at an impromptu staff meeting September 22. Staff provided a cake in his honor, and a certificate and gift card were given by Michigan Works.

From the letter nominating Bob: “Bob works hard to make sure that all our needs are met each day… Friendly, responsive and dependable, many of us count on Bob whenever we have evening meetings, workshops and events. His follow-through is second to none and he ALWAYS goes that extra mile.”

The other Kent ISD staff nominated for the awards program included:

• Sue Johnson, receptionist
• Todd Buckingham & Jack Nelson, couriers and mailroom services 
• Dave LaBotz, warehouse supervisor 
• Mary Kibby & Mary Lou Atchison, catering coordinators