INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK: Jason Morrison, Summerlake Elementary School

Jason Morrison is the custodial crew leader for the custodial staff at Summerlake Elementary School.

Morrison ensures the school is divided into manageable sections for each custodian to take care of, and he conducts walkthroughs to ensure classrooms, bathrooms and hallways all are up to standard. He is responsible for fixing anything when it breaks as well as keeping inventory of soap, paper towels, cleaning agents and place orders before the school runs out. He manages and cleans spills to keep everyone at the school healthy and safe. The cafeteria is sanitized and reset quickly between grade-level lunch blocks thanks to Morrison and his team. 

Morrison was Support Person of the Year at Summerlake Elementary in 2022, and he also has received the Golden Gator Award. He also has earned his certificate from the Florida Plant Management School Association. 

“Jason Morrison makes an extraordinary impact at Summerlake Elementary,” Principal Delaine Bender said. “As our custodial crew leader, he has been a dedicated member of the Summerlake family since the school opened in 2020. Jason is an exceptional individual who leads with positivity and professionalism. Always wearing a smile, he approaches every task with a strong customer service mindset and a self-starter attitude.

“Jason sets and upholds impeccable standards of cleanliness and organization, inspiring his team to take pride in their work,” Bender said. “He leads by example, never hesitating to step in wherever help is needed. With patience and care, he ensures his crew is well-trained and confident in maintaining the highest standards. Summerlake is incredibly proud of Jason — not only for the outstanding work he does but for the remarkable person he is. He is truly a gem to our school community.”

What brought you to your school?

What brought me to Summerlake was that since I moved from Orlando to a different area that was closer to Summerlake, I decided to apply for this position when the school opened in 2020.

What do you love most about your school?

I love the friendly environment and all of the staff are so caring.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

One of the most rewarding parts of my job is when a student walks up to me and tells me that their classroom is so clean.

What would you be if you weren’t in this profession?

I would probably be an auto mechanic or a plumber.

Who influences you?

I have more than one influence, but my biggest one is my principal, Ms. Bender. She models working hard and is always on top of projects.

What was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?

My favorite teacher was Ms. Davis, because she always took her time out to help me with things that I did not understand.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

“Little Red Riding Hood” because it was interesting and exciting.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I like to ride my bike along the trail, listen to music and work on my car.

If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?

Rihanna because she is a great singer.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

It would have to be to make everyone keep the environment clean.

If you could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be and why?

Rihanna, Bob Marley and Sting because their music is interesting and it puts it me in a good mood.

What was your go-to favorite snack as an elementary student?

Nutri-Cake.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Christmas because it brings the family together, and we celebrate the birth of Christ.

Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?

My best friend in school was Shane and, yes, we still talk.

What were your extracurricular activities as a student?

We didn’t have any extracurricular activities at my school, but after school with my friends, I would play soccer, table tennis and volleyball.

What is a fun fact about yourself that would surprise people?

I like cooking.