Martha Carrizales and Curtis Shelton are the 2022 recipients of the Cleburne ISD Heart of Gold Award, presented annually to a member of the district’s maintenance, child nutrition, transportation or custodial staff.

                They were recognized by trustees at Monday’s school board meeting, after being surprised with the news at their campuses last week.

                Honorees are selected from nominations from CISD staff and students. Carrizales, who has served in CISD for 19 years, is the lead custodian at Gerard Elementary. Shelton also serves in the lead custodial position at Coleman Elementary. He has been with the district since 2012.

                “We usually present the Heart of Gold Award to one individual,” Human Resources Assistant Superintendent Dr. Andrea Hensley said. “We received numerous—and wonderful--nominations for both Curtis and Martha. With all our campus custodians have done this year in working above and beyond in the face of a custodial staffing shortage, we felt it was right to recognize them both for their commitment to making their schools clean and safe for students and staff.”

                “There have been many times when Martha is the one and only custodian on campus, trying to do the job of three,” stated a nomination from a Gerard teacher. “It is strenuous and tiring work, yet she continues to keep a huge smile on her face, greet and love on our students and staff and work incredibly long hours. She exemplifies a ‘heart of gold.’ Our students, staff and families adore her. She has worked hard for many, many years at CISD and deserves to be recognized with this award.”

                Numerous words of praise were also received in nominations for Shelton, who is also a familiar face at the school crosswalk.

                “Curtis always goes above and beyond his duties to make sure the students are well taken care of,” were among remarks from the Coleman staff. “He not only keeps the school clean, but he also does the crosswalk duties, which is not in his job description. He’s always willing to help anywhere he’s needed. This includes lending a helping hand to Coleman PTA. I’ve never seen him be anything but sweet and kind to all the students—they all love ‘Mr. Curtis.’”

                The Heart of Gold Award was established in 2015 to recognize and celebrate members of the support staff whose efforts, often behind the scenes, contribute to the education of CISD students.