letters and views Letters Graduation Speech At the graduation for the Tahoma School District No. 409, Jim Bergum, my dad, was elected by the senior class to give the speech by a staff member. The event was held at the White River Amphitheater in Auburn, Washington, on June 11. He loves to interact with the students dur-ing lunch and throughout the day when he sees them. He knows many by their first names, and they respect and know him. He works a 20 hour workweek — four hour shifts, five days a week. When someone is absent he will often fill in and cover an eight hour day. He has worked for the district since June 12, 2000. Numerous favorable comments have been made about the speech, from the superinten-dent down to the other classified staff mem-bers. — Rick Bergum, head custodian at Tahoma Senior High School To The Editor Image courtesy of Rick Bergum Information and opinions from around the JanSan industry. A copy of the speech was included with the email. Bergum told the graduating seniors, “This is really the beginning of a new phase in your life. You are about to enter the real world. Your education will no longer be free, and you will likely have to go to work at a job somewhere as you pursue your goals. Don’t ever give up in pursuing those goals no matter how tough it may be at times or whatever the obstacles you may encounter. If you stumble and fall along the way, then get back up, dust yourself off and start moving ahead again toward your goal…” He continued, “I dearly love all you seniors. I have watched you walk in through the doors at Tahoma High School, have seen your ner-vousness and fear of something new in your life, but also your excitement. I have had the privilege of watching you move ahead and mature and grow. Your smiles, kindness and energy have made me look forward to another day at Tahoma, for truly we are all one school. Now, as you leave the doors of Tahoma High School, always keep that energy, happiness and those smiles…” Bergum finished by saying, “Thanks again for letting me, Mr. Smiley, and all the staff at Tahoma work with you. We are Tahoma, one school!” — Phillip Lawless, editor. CM Keeping In Contact We invite you to contact us with your stories, ideas and opinions about working in the JanSan industry. Please feel to contact Phillip Lawless, editor, at [email protected] or at (205) 408-3744. The mailing address is: Cleaning & Maintenance Management magazine c/o Phillip Lawless 200 Croft Street, Suite 1 Birmingham, AL 35242 6 CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management ® • August 2013
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