Behind The Broom
Killion Positive Influence On DT
By: Katie Christensen
When you think about the most beloved people in a school, you might think of the homecoming queen or the football coach, but at DT, one of the most beloved Cardinals is janitor Mr. John Killion. Killion, known simply as John K. to students, works hard every day to keep the DT school nice and clean. What makes Killion such a shining light at DT is that not only does he maintain a clean environment, but he also works to uplift the students every day.
When he isn’t riding around on his floor cleaning Zamboni, he’s reading to the preschoolers, doing magic tricks to entertain the elementary students at lunch, playing air guitar at a pep rally, or dressing up as Santa. He’s made it his mission to make everyone in the building feel at home.
“My favorite part of the job is opening the doors for the elementary students,” states Killion. “If I can make the little kids to the high school kids smile and laugh then mission completed.”
Killion, who himself is always sporting a smile under his signature handlebar mustache, has been keeping the school clean and making students smile for the past 11 years. Prior to working at DT, Killion worked as a welder and served in the U.S. military. Killion started with seven years in the Marine Corps, followed by 13 in the Nebraska National Guard. He notes that his military experience helped prepare him for his work at DT.
“Being a veteran, you try to maintain organization and keep things in order,” noted Killion.
He does just that in his work here at DT. Although Killion has a bubbly personality, he is here for one thing: to maintain a clean and functional school. He loves to have fun but makes sure to keep the school in running order and get the mandatory requirements done while having a good time. Killion even goes so far as to say that the thing he looks forward to the most when coming to school is that it is clean.
“If I have a clean and functioning school that makes my job a lot easier,” said Killion. “If all electric units, the toilets, paper towel dispensers, and sinks are working, everything is alright.”
However, Killion doesn’t work alone; the school has a full staff of dedicated custodians and maintenance workers, led by head custodian Mr. Scott Sjuts, who together keep this school running. Killion notes that the maintenance team is always working hard to make sure DT is a welcoming place for students.
“Everyone is doing their job,” Killion notes “Some of the tasks they have us do are challenging, but we still get the job done.”
It’s this can-do attitude and teamwork that keep Killion coming back year after year, noting that it’s the DT school community that is the real draw.
“Everyone is real good about caring for one another and looking out for everybody,” claims Killion.
Killion is certainly doing his part in caring for the DT school and its students.
“John loves his job, and you can tell he loves being here,” said junior Taylor McDole. “We all just think he’s the greatest guy. He’s very kind; I’ve never seen him be anything but great to everyone, K-staff.”
The halls would be a much sadder, lonelier place without Killion roaming the halls, bringing a smile to the faces of everyone he runs across.
“John brings a sense of vibrancy to the school, and he lifts everyone’s spirits,” said junior Taylon Bennett. “He’s just a jolly, good guy to be around.”