Position: Head Custodian
School: Belle Chasse High School
School District: Plaquemines Parish School Board
City, State: Belle Chasse , LA
Music that Describes Terry
Terry Hicks, also known as "Mrs. Terry," was nominated by her colleague, Robin Richoux.
"When I started working here four years ago, Mrs. Terry welcomed me and made me feel like I was part of the BCHS family from day one," said Richoux. "As Head Custodian, she looks out for her employees like they are her own family. On several occasions, Mrs. Terry has come to me, the school nurse, to voice her concern if any students or staff look unwell. She has prayed with and prayed for me when I felt I needed prayers, faith, and strength."
Mrs. Terry's heart and dedication to BCHS go beyond just the staff. She is always trying to find ways to help the students, even with little things, such as placing small bins in the girls' bathrooms throughout campus. She fills these bins with feminine products that she usually purchases with her own money.
"When my daughter left for college last year, Mrs. Terry brought me a basket filled with dorm room necessities for her! Her thoughtfulness and generosity are just a few of the qualities that make her such a special, amazing person," said Richoux.
Mrs. Terry always looks out for others, even when she has trials and tribulations. In 2021, Mrs. Terry could not contact her husband during Hurricane Ida. He was a resident of a nursing home that had evacuated its 800-plus residents to a warehouse. Families had no idea their loved ones were being transported to this warehouse, much less that the conditions were deplorable and inhumane. Mrs. Terry's husband was left in standing water in the warehouse and ended up with infections and eventually an amputation.
"Mrs. Terry's heart was broken by what her husband had gone through. I remember the tears she shed as she told me the story," said Richoux. "You would never know what she was going through internally because she always has a smile! She has one of the greatest smiles ever!"