Diane Mitchell, the senior custodian at LaFayette Intermediate School, has been named the Waterloo Non-Instructional Employees Association Employee of the Year.

The WNIEA Award is given to an employee with at least two years of service to the District who is nominated by their peers. WNIEA members are asked to base their nominations on either a specific action or ongoing attitude/effort/performance by the individual.

Mitchell was honored during Opening Day for staff at the Waterloo High School Auditorium.

“I was shocked,” said Mitchell, who is in her 20^th year as a District employee. “I don’t do this for recognition, I do it for the kids because I love them all.”

They love her, too.

“Diane is loved by both students and staff,” her nomination stated. “The door to her closet displays notes from students thanking her for all she does. She is known to purchase things for students in need. She goes above and beyond to keep our building in tip-top shape. There are so many adjectives to describe Diane… caring, kind, giving, humble, friendly, and the list goes on!”

“Diane is a crucial part of Lafayette,” LaFayette Principal Molly Lahr said. “She does her best to build relationships with students. She is proactive and we appreciate everything she does here! She goes above and beyond!”

Mitchell has been married to her husband, Darren, for 33 years and both enjoy serving the students of LaFayette.

“It makes me smile,” Diane said.