Volunteer Keeps School Property Clean

John Holt is a familiar site around Chase Middle School. For the past 12 years, he has made his daily rounds picking up trash at Chase as well as neighboring State Street Elementary School. “When I retired, I wanted something to do. I started walking and picking up trash thinking I would do myself good and the community good,” said Holt. But he doesn’t restrict his cleanup efforts to just school property. He walks around the schools, then through the Oakland neighborhood all the way to Oakland Park. He says he has picked up everything from clothes and food to toys.

Chase Middle School Assistant Principal Bob Gay says he appreciates what Mr. Holt does for the school. “He comes over every day and walks completely around the school property. He picks up all the trash that is lying around. He makes sure our property stays clean,” said Gay.

For all his help to Topeka Public Schools, John Holt has been chosen as the Topeka Public Schools’ latest Above and Beyond Award winner. If you know of a staff person, parent or community person who goes above and beyond to serve the students of Topeka Public Schools, nominate them for the Above & Beyond Award. You will find a nomination form at www.topekapublicschools.net. Click on staff/forms for staff/district program forms/ TPS Above and Beyond Award.