As the last student steps out of the Auditorium door and the last staff car exits the stadium parking lot, it’s only the beginning of Chris Nelson (‘89) and Robin DeShazo’s hard work to keep WHS facilities clean, safe, and functional.

     October 2 is National Custodian Appreciation Day. While members of the Wissahickon community may not directly see the custodians during their shifts, their work should not go unnoticed. 

     To honor their commitment to keeping our school disinfected and polished, Nelson and DeShazo were interviewed so that their work can be associated with a voice. They each provide their perspectives as long-standing members of Wiss Nation. 

What is something you want the Wissahickon community to know about you? 

Nelson: “I’ve been with the school district for 32 years and had a variety of different roles—a custodian, a crew leader, to name a few. I worked at every school in the district and watched Lower Gwynedd being built from the ground up. I’ve been through different construction projects in the district and have pretty much been involved in every aspect of the district that you can think of.” 

DeShazo: “In the next year or two, I’ll be retiring. I hope to move out of the state. I love the Ambler community, and I think the staff at the high school are very kind and wonderful people.” 

What is your favorite part of your job? 

Nelson: “I like interacting with the staff and the students. Just the whole school spirit—getting behind that. I was a student here myself, graduated in 1989. Being back at this school just brings back a lot of memories, and you can’t help but get caught up in the spirit of it all and reliving that.” 

DeShazo: “My favorite part of the job is interacting with the teachers and the students. The staff here are absolutely wonderful, and the students are funny, kind, and accommodating. If you say something to them, they aren’t rude or anything; they’re just friendly. I really like the students and the staff here.”

What is something you wish the Wissahickon community could be mindful of? 

Nelson: “I would like to see the community get more involved with sporting events. I know it’s been said that there’s a lack of school spirit, but I want to see the community come together to support our teams and the district. We’re living through tough times right now, and I just want people putting their differences aside and becoming one.” 

DeShazo: “I hope that we can work hard and keep this school to the best standard that we can. We should really enjoy being here.”