Ken Grimsley: Ken Grimsley: 40 Years of Connection

As Ken Grimsley reaches his 40-year milestone of service at St. John’s this year, no one is more surprised than Ken himself. “It’s all gone so quickly,” he said. Why? “The best part of working at St. John’s is the relationships, working with the faculty and staff, and seeing generations of families grow up here and return to teach, coach, and send their kids here,” said Grimsley. “It’s all about the generations of families who spend time at St. John’s.”

Known to everyone as “Kenny,” Grimsley joined St. John’s four decades ago as a member of the facilities team. A native Washingtonian, he was just 19, scarcely older than the graduating seniors.

Today SJC President Jeff Mancabelli calls him “an integral part of the fabric of this community. He comes to school every day not because it’s a job, but because of his devotion to the students and the school.”

The longevity of Grimsley’s service means that he has been able to welcome back former students who return to the community. He has known Assistant Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Pat Ward ’93 since Ward was a 15-year-old student. He has helped former students, like English teacher Chris Dunckel ’08, set up their classroom as a new teacher. He enjoys working with everyone, but there’s a special connection when it’s a former student, like Mike Ward ’06, Antwon Bailey ’08, Rashod Gillespie, and Mark Gibbs ’96.

His responsibilities range from maintaining the cleanliness of the campus and assisting in the setup and breakdown of events to delivering heavy packages throughout the school and running off-campus errands. But he goes above and beyond these tasks to support others.

“Kenny’s dedication to the SJC community is unparalleled—he is tirelessly dedicated to keeping the school working and in pristine condition. His constant support of student-athletes at multiple sporting events has always impressed me,” said Mike Ward ’06, assistant director of performance and associate head football coach. “But people don’t always get to see Kenny’s helpfulness beyond the parameters of his job. He will assist you with your work and give valuable advice.”

“A wise veteran teacher told me if I wanted to be successful, become friends with someone on the custodial staff,” said math teacher Duane Carr. “Kenny’s ability to know what is going on with the students and the staff has allowed SJC to be successful on many levels. He has helped and counseled many young people over the last four decades, and in La Salle’s words, he has ‘touched the hearts’ of countless young men and women. I am glad I followed the advice of that veteran teacher. My teaching career is successful because of my friendship with Mr. Kenny Grimsley.”

Pat Ward ’93 says Grimsley “knows and looks after the students at SJC. He’s a St John’s guy through and through.” Whether they initially need his help opening a locker or finding their first period class, students befriend Grimsley as a valuable ally and friend. Jason Gilliam ’24, said, “He is truly dedicated to SJC and his job, which is rare to find these days. We are very lucky to have had him all these years.”

Grimsley says he can’t promise a 60-year milestone at St. John’s but looks forward to his 50th. We thank him for his gift of service, one of the many reasons St. John’s inspires such loyalty across generations. His pride in SJC is captured in this reminiscence by Mike Ward:

“There is one moment that exemplifies the way Kenny feels about this school and his pride in it. In 2017, when we won our first football championship since 1989, Kenny was waiting to give me and Pat a huge hug. With tears in his eyes, he said, ‘Thank you, love you, and I’m proud of you.’ Kenny celebrates everyone’s success, and I hope he realizes that we know he is an amazing human being with an incredible story.”

“In 2017, when we won our first football championship since 1989, Kenny was waiting to give me and Pat a huge hug. With tears in his eyes, he said, ‘Thank you, love you, and I’m proud of you.’

Kenny celebrates everyone’s success, and I hope he realizes that we know he is an amazing human being with an incredible story.”

MIKE WARD ’06

WASHINGTON D.C. 1851