Vic Bridges, a Swain County school custodian, is known for going “above and beyond” to keep his school clean and safe for students.
In February, while checking the bathrooms at Swain County Middle School, Bridges found a loaded handgun. He alerted school officials to a weapon being on campus and students were kept safe until law enforcement officers determined no threat to their safety existed.
“He’s a person that always goes above and beyond to help out and keep the school maintained,” wrote Tim Sale, band and chorus director at Swain County Middle, in nominating Bridges. “Vic is not only a spectacular custodian, he is a true hero.”
Bridges’ dedication to his job and to the safety of his students led to his selection as one of the 10 winners of the Education Lottery’s School Heroes program.
“I feel honored today, but I do not feel like a hero,” said Bridges. “Any employee at this school would have done the same thing. I feel every one working here, no matter what the job, can make a difference in a kid’s life if you just try and do your job to the best our ability.”
The North Carolina Education Lottery created the N.C. School Heroes program to showcase the positive impacts teachers, principals, and other school workers have in public schools every day. Parents, teachers, and community members submitted more than 6,000 nominations of individuals making a difference in their schools. Ten heroes were chosen with each receiving a $10,000 award and $10,000 for their school.
Students at the school gathered in the gym with teachers and other colleagues to cheer and clap on Wednesday as their hero received his award.
“There are thousands of heroes like Vic Bridges doing amazing work in our public schools,” said Mark Michalko, executive director of the N.C. Education Lottery. “Teachers, cafeteria workers, custodians, school resource officers, all make a big difference for our students every day. We’re glad our School Heroes program shines a spotlight on their great work.”
Money raised by the lottery assists many of those School Heroes, including $386 million this year that supports the work of school support staff such as office assistants and custodians. Additional money will help build and repair schools, support the N.C. Pre-K program for “at-risk” four-year-olds, provide college scholarships and grants based on financial need, and help meet school transportation needs. The lottery raises more than $650 million a year for education. For details on how money raised by the lottery helps all 100 counties, click on the “Impact” section of the lottery’s website, www.nclottery.com.
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