First-grader Owen Bracelin has a special friendship with Newton Parrish Elementary School custodian Eric Lloyd. To celebrate National Custodian Appreciation Day, last week Bracelin took a candy bouquet to “Mr. Eric,” as Lloyd is known to the students.
Bracelin, who was absent due to several surgeries many during his kindergarten year, said he was nervous to come to school each day. Then Lloyd stepped in.
He asked Bracelin to help him each morning when he arrived at school, and Bracelin reacted positively and has been going early ever since. And because of this, Bracelin knows how important it is to be there for his new friend.
“I take the trash out,” Bracelin said.
For two years, Bracelin has arrived early at Newton Parrish to spend time with Lloyd. Beyond the morning time, Bracelin said Llyod also helps him open his lunch, among other things.
“He reads my homework,” Bracelin said.
Bracelin’s teacher said that Lloyd really enjoys working with the kids at Newton Parrish and the kids know it. She said he often comes to her class to check on Bracelin and has helped him make transitions and friendships.
Bracelin said that he now has lots of friends, and that is because Mr. Eric helped him want to come to school.
Bracelin took the candy to Mr. Eric Wednesday.
