LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Pam Mackie

Position: Head Custodian
School: East Junior High School
School District: Boise City Independent School District 1
City, State: Boise, ID

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Pam Mackie was nominated by a colleague, Mark Anderson.

"Pam Mackie is one of the hardest working custodians I have ever known," said Anderson. "Her commitment to making our school look as clean and fresh as possible is obvious when walking through East Junior High School's halls. I often hear visitors to our school comment on how clean our building is, and many even ask when our building was built - East opened its doors in 2009."

"When I began teaching here at East, I will never forget the first time I met Pam. She was pressure washing the tile floor of the bathrooms right outside of my classroom. Never have I seen a custodian go through that much effort to maintain a school. Pam is the consummate professional and leader. She holds all of her team accountable and to the highest standards," said Anderson.

"During the pandemic, Pam had the unfathomable task of implementing the sanitization protocols that our district adopted to keep everyone safe. Even during this impossible time, Pam had a positive attitude and supported students and staff to the best of her ability, all while sanitizing door handles, bathrooms, and lunchroom tables," said Anderson.

"Because of East's location in the community, finding custodians who are willing to travel to work here is extremely difficult. Pam has had to send countless emails stating that the custodial staff is short-staffed that night and will do their best to meet everyone's expectations. I have seen Pam stay late after arriving at school at 5:30 AM. She has shared with me that she has worked 15 - 18 hour days because she was needed at school," said Anderson.

"No one is more deserving of this recognition. Without Pam, East would not be the school it is today. Her effort and commitment are unmatched, as is her joyful spirit despite the adversity she often faces daily," said Anderson.

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Comments (12)

Gale Zickefoose Posted over a year ago

I've quickly come to appreciate Pam as the Head Custodian at East Junior High School in Boise, Idaho! This is my first year as the principal at East but not my first year as a principal. I've worked with a lot of custodians over the years and Pam ranks up near the top with the best of the best! She is calm, positive, consistent and very hard working! She responds quickly and models her work ethic for her team! Pam's efforts make it possible for the students and staff to be most prepared to learn and teach! Pam is a LifeChanger!!

Susan Jackson Posted over a year ago

Pam is always positive and helpful in any situation. She helps immediately with any problem or issue at school. Pam also truly cares for our students. She is never too busy for any request or need. Our school stays clean and cared for because of Pam's hard work and dedication!

Sandy Scott Posted over a year ago

Pam was one of the first people I met when I came to East. She has always made me feel welcomed and appreciated. She maintains our classrooms in the highest of standards. She is quick to respond with needed supplies when I run out of papertowels in one of the five kitchens that my students use. She takes the time to chat even on the busiest of days. Her positive attitude is noticeable and appreciated throughout the day.

Seth Stringer Posted over a year ago

Pam, Congratulations you deserve credit for leading your great team at East Jr. I agree with everything that was said about your great attitude and how much you care about the work that you do. Congratulations!

Tatia Totorica Posted over a year ago

I concur with everything Mark Anderson said about Pam. In my 34+ year as an educator, I have never worked in a building as scrupulously clean and as well-maintained as East’s. Pam’s commitment to excellence is evident, as is her desire to live a joyful, meaningful life. Her motto is to focus on the good, to prioritize safety, and to choose happiness, no matter the struggles life may put in your path. Even her license plate advertises her positive perspective on life! I am continually inspired by the unique blend of gratitude and grit Pam brings to all facets of her life, whether it’s work, community, home, or family, and the positive impact she makes on the those around her is definitely worth celebrating!

Jason Artz Posted over a year ago

Thank you so much for all of your hard work and for giving our students a clean environment and campus to learn!!

Raylene Dodson Posted over a year ago

Visitors to East often comment on how well maintained our school is. The credit for that goes to Pam Mackie. She works tirelessly to ensure that our school environment reflects the high standards that we set for our students.

Rashelle Mack Posted over a year ago

Pam responds to the many inevitable daily "emergencies" at school quickly and with a smile, from helping students with lockers, to cleaning spills, to finding tools or materials, to all manner of unexpected needs. She efficiently, effectively, and thoughtfully prepares for events, planning well in advance to make sure things run smoothly. Pam's presence in our building creates a clean, safe environment for students and staff, as well as a sense of security and support that helps everyone else perform better.

Matthew Yocum Posted over a year ago

Thanks Pam for working hard to help our school be as safe and clean as possible. You have done a lot with a little, as we've been short staffed more days than not.

Anna Resnick Posted over a year ago

Pam is a consummate professional who cares about the health and safety of everyone in the building.

Kacey Larracoechea Posted over a year ago

In addition to her commitment to keep East clean and safe, Pam cares about the students and staff. She supports the teachers and helps hold students accountable to our motto of continuing excellence through academics, leadership, tradition and community. I see Pam contributing as much as she can to help make all things possible. Her work ethic shows not only as she leads and supports, but also as she participates in East events.

Colleen Donohue RN, MSN Posted over a year ago

We would not have a health, safe and organized school without Pam. She's always reliable, kind, and caring. Pam makes our students home away from home a great place to be!