CROSS SECTIONS MAGAZINE / SUMMER 2021 35
HONORING EMPLOYEES
20 YEARS
MIKE ELLINGTON Twenty years ago, Mike Ellington began working at the Elementary School as a security guard through an outside contractor. Consistently warm and gracious to students, parents and visitors, Mike quickly endeared himself to the entire community. Everyone, including Mike himself, wanted him to work directly for the School, and Crossroads soon hired Mike to work at the Elementary School gate. It wasn’t long before Sports Center Coordinator Frankie Gladden realized Mike’s strengths. Frankie asked Mike to work as support staff on the night shift at the Sports Center, where Mike prepared setups for events in the Community Room, on the field and in the gym. At one point, when the School was in the need of a lifeguard, Mike even stepped up to fill that role for a brief time as well. Mike
JENNIFER NELSON next worked on the 21st Street Campus as an event staff coordinator and ultimately became the facilities crew lead in charge of the physical setting for all events. Mike has moved from one position to the next with his signature good nature and bright smile. He has juggled multiple events with ever-changing needs simultaneously and seems to do so effortlessly, despite the challenges. Whether faced with a finnicky coffeepot or too few chairs, Mike has always come to the rescue. Outside of work, Mike is an avid fan of LeBron James, following him from team to team, and a big Raiders fan, regardless of their locale. And Crossroads is a huge fan of Mike!
Jennifer “Jenn” Nelson heard about an opening for a receptionist at Crossroads’ Elementary School from a friend who worked in the Facilities Department. At the time, Jenn was employed at Starbucks and wanted a fulltime job with “normal hours” and benefits. Plus, she would love working with children! Jenn became a reception superstar in no time. She not only deftly managed the front desk, but also served as a de facto school nurse. She remembers responding to frightening incidents of head wounds and broken limbs—and tending to the largest splinter she has ever seen! During her first year at Crossroads, the administrative assistant at the time left, and Jenn was encouraged to apply for the open position. Over the past 19 years, Jenn’s job has greatly
increased in scope to include every aspect of office manager and assistant to the Elementary School administrative team. Jenn was also the safety coordinator and the substitute teacher coordinator for 17 years. To all of these roles, she has brought her efficiency, detail-orientedness, timeliness, warmth and good humor with spectacular success. She is also the most generous, thoughtful person we know. If she senses you are having a bad or busy day, she’ll be at your elbow with a cup of tea, a piece of chocolate and a hug. A truly special person, Jenn embodies everything we love about the Elementary School. In fact, if you need to know anything about any aspect of the division, ask Jenn!
