Barngrover Latest Above & Beyond Winner

Will Barngrover is someone who makes sure schools and buildings stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer.  For more than 16 years, he has been doing it as a heating and cooling maintenance worker for Topeka Public Schools.  “I am the person you don’t want to see in your building,” said Barngrover.

Will Barngover is the latest Above & Beyond winner for all he does going above and beyond to help students.  He was nominated by David Fernkopf who wrote, “Most people he works with probably have no idea of the involvement in the community that Will has and all the time he volunteers.”

Young Champions of America is a karate class taught at Chase Middle School.  Each Saturday, you will find Will teaching karate to students, most of whom attend Topeka Public Schools.    Will says he wants to teach kids what to do to get away from an abductor.  “That’s very important to me, the safety of kids.  If I can keep a child from someone taking them, then every minute I spend is well worth it.” 

In addition to working with Young Champions of America, Will devotes time as a volunteer hunter safety instructor and he teaches self defense classes through Topeka/Shawnee County Parks and Recreation.

If you would like to nominate someone for Above & Beyond, you’ll find a nomination form on the district website at staff/forms for staff/district program forms and TPS Above and beyond award.