[March 3, 2009]
Michael Talley, a custodian at Mary Orr Intermediate School, was named the February 2009 recipient of the MISD Heartbeat Award. District Superintendent Vernon Newsom, along with a small crowd of Orr Intermediate School staff, surprised Michael with the recognition after school on February 27 inside the school's library.
“He is just a model and mentor for our children and for adults,” said Orr principal, Alma Martinez when asked why Mr. Talley is deserving of this award. “He always puts others first.”
“Mr. Talley is such a good person inside and out,” said 5th grade Social Studies teacher, Tracy Johnson. “He cares about us and he cares about the kids...He has such a great heart and just fits the Heartbeat award.”
 Orr Intermediate has a program called Character Counts were students can submit ballots to highlight people from the campus who demonstrate positive character traits. According to staff members, the students often choose Michael Talley, or “Mr. Mike” as he is called on the campus, as an example of great character.
A nomination form submitted on behalf of Michael Talley noted a particularly telling example of his caring. Last year Talley went “dumpster-diving” with an assistant principal to locate a medal awarded to the gym teacher after she ran a marathon.
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The Heartbeat award was established to recognize employees who display heart in their lives and inspire other employees with their actions. |
