The Trousdale Crew serves as the maintenance staff, school librarian and the manager of the recycling program.
Jeremy Hitson and Shane Smith make up the student maintenance team. Hitson is responsible for cleaning Asbury United Methodist Church, while Smith keeps Trousdale School clean and tidy.
“They find things (problems) we don’t see,” said the students’ supervisor, Kurt Carpenter.
To assist the students, Carpenter created a visual guide for which products are used to clean each area of the school. Hitson said he mops, sweeps and cleans off tables in the church area. Smith said he cleans the floors, the kitchen, gym and offices in the school. Hitson has had his job for about six months, while Smith has worked for Trousdale for three years.
Each of them works three hours a day, three days a week. Carpenter said their work has to pass inspection before they get paid.
Hitson said he loves his job and he loves the church.
He also enjoys the physical activities at the school.
Two years ago, Hitson was named the school’s Biggest Loser in the popular weight-loss program that follows the theme of the TV show by that name.
“I lost a lot of weight, about 100 (pounds),” Hitson said.
Smith also enjoys physical activities at Trousdale. His favorite sport is football. His favorite team? The Tennessee Vols.
However, Smith said his favorite activity at Trousdale is the correspondence class. The class gives students the opportunity to write to celebrities, and many times the students receive a response.
“John Travolta has written back several times,” job coach Catherine Patten said.
Graham Cash and Jordan Kendrick help Trousdale in other ways. Cash is in charge of the recycling program, which is made possible through a partnership with Coca-Cola.
The school recycles cardboard, paper, cans and No. 1 plastics. Teacher Stephanie Royer said the school has recycled more than 2 tons of material since starting the project in March. Cash collects the recyclables and puts them into bins that are later picked up by the Coke staff.
Cash said he enjoys every aspect of his job, especially earning a paycheck.
Kendrick is the school librarian. Whenever a new book is donated to Trousdale, Kendrick catalogs the book on the computer. He also helps students check books in and out of the school library. Kendrick has been the librarian since January. He said his favorite part of his job is working with computers. Patten said Kendrick also helps the teachers with technical issues.
Both men like music. Country is Kendrick’s favorite and he knows the words to all his favorite songs. Royer said music has become a way for Kendrick to express himself. Cash said he likes all kinds of music.
Cash also enjoys being a part of Trousdale’s annual musical.
“I like to be a Blues Brother,” he said.
They also enjoy school sports.
“I’m also the assistant coach (for the Special Olympics) team,” Cash said.
Cash also enjoys watching wrestling. Kendrick said he plays bocce and basketball at Trousdale.
