Jobs await District 24’s former students

District 24 hires many of its former graduates to help get the schools ready for September. This year, there are a dozen high school and college students working in the Brooklyn Avenue, William L. Buck and Robert W. Carbonaro schools.

Michael Giannone
Age: 19
School: Adelphi University; 2008 graduate of South High. Attended the Robert W. Carbonaro School.

Time working for district: Second year
Responsibilities: Maintenance at all three elementary schools. Does painting and assists with electrical and plumbing repairs.
Likes about the job: “I learn a lot through watching and helping,” he said. “It’s great hours.”

Lauren Grupp
Age: 20
School: Syracuse University; 2007 graduate of Central High. Attended Brooklyn Avenue School.
Time working for district: Fourth year
Responsibilities: Working at the William L. Buck School. Cleaning all the classrooms, dusting furniture, moving furniture into the hallways to clean the classrooms floors, then moving all the furniture back.
Likes about the job: Has about a month off from the end of the college semester until late June when the District 24 job begins. “I like that we have definite hours,” she said. “We’re out at 3:30 and we have weekends free.”

Gerard Middleton
Age: 21
School: Will be attending the Technical Institute for Auto Body in the fall. A 2007 graduate of South High and attended the William L. Buck School.
Time working for district: Second year
Responsibilities: Working at the William L. Buck School. Cleaning classrooms, clearing weeks outside the building and making sure the grounds are clean.
Likes about the job: Consistent hours and steady pay for two months. Found out about the job though a school board member. “It’s a great summer job,” he said.

Andrew Sommella
Age: 19
School: West Virginia University; 2008 graduate of South High. Attended the William L. Buck School.
Time working for district: First year
Responsibilities: Working at the William L. Buck School. Cleaning the classrooms, dusting and “doing whatever I’m told to do.”
Like about the job: “The people I work with are great,” he said, adding that he has learned a lot from Fred the custodian. “I also like that it’s aground the corner from my house. I get to walk here every morning.”