Dan Wilson was nominated by his colleague, Laura Dunbar.
"For over a decade, Dan has not only been my colleague and friend, but a mentor for my two children," said Dunbar. "As a colleague, I have always admired Mr. Wilson’s ability to connect with students, teachers at our school, and members of our community. His kind, caring demeanor compliments his sense of humor."
Mr. Wilson is the first person to arrive at Belgrade Central School each morning. Every day, he arrives before his scheduled time to make sure the school is ready for the teachers and students. If the roads are icy in the early morning, Mr. Wilson will send out an email to the staff with a warning to drive carefully on the roads. Before every holiday, Mr. Wilson sends out an email wishing everyone a wonderful vacation. His ability to think of others is second nature.
On any given day, Mr. Wilson can be found in the hallway greeting people as they arrive for the day. He usually has a joke to tell or has created some mischief in the classrooms. Mr. Wilson knows how to make people laugh and smile. It is a necessity when you work in a job that can be mentally taxing at times.
"My own two children rush to greet him each morning," said Dunbar. "He is always ready to give them a hug, kind words, or a special treat."
Only second to Mr. Wilson’s connection with the people around him is his generosity. All of the children at Belgrade Central School have benefited from Mr. Wilson’s generous nature at one time or another. The week of Thanksgiving, a letter was sent home to each and every student at Belgrade Central School stating that Mr. Wilson wanted to show how grateful he was to work at BCS with such a great group of staff and students. The letter stated that he would pay for any student who wanted to have "Thanksgiving dinner” for lunch at school on the final day before Thanksgiving break. Additionally, each student, whether they decided to participate or not, would receive a raspberry sherbet dessert.
"He has come to me numerous times noting that a student of mine had shoes that were falling apart and asking me to find out the size so he could purchase them a new pair of sneakers," said Dunbar. "If there is a fundraiser to benefit the school, Mr. Wilson is the first to donate. In fact, Mr. Wilson works two jobs in order to have extra money to donate to others. After his day at Belgrade Central School, he heads up the road to work a shift at the local gas station."
"If the LifeChanger of the Year is someone who goes out of their way to connect and give to students, staff, and community, then look no further than Dan Wilson," said Dunbar. "I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this recognition."
I hVe come to know dan as a coworker and friend. Always greeting you with a smile and a kind word. This man goes above and beyond on a daily basis for not only staff and student but anyone who comes in contact with him. He is a blessing to the community and to anyone who has had the pleasure to meet him. He is well deserving of this nomination and more.
Way to go Cuz. Proud of you.
I have known Dan for a very long time. I know that is an excellent dad to his son Jake. And an equally excellent grandparent to his grandchildren. Although I dont get to see him very much anymore I would just like him to know that I am so very proud of him. He is a good man. Love U Dan.??
We had a mr wilson at Halifax st s hool and he was a custodian also. For a yr I thought he was a teacher. I could not wait to see him every day
Dan is a one of a kind man. One of the first the smile and welcome you to BCS. Always there to help parents, students and staff. My girls have always thought the world of him, my oldest had the opportunity to work at the school the kids would ask her Miss Wilson are you related to Mr Wilson she would always answer with sadly no but man I wish that'd be cool huh. Dan our school and community are so very blessed to have you making a difference in all of our lives. Thanks for being you and doing all you do. Best of luck...your other Wilson family.
Dan is very deserving of this award in so many ways. He has such a big heart for those that surround him. He is very attentive to all the kids at school. He also had worked part time at a daycare my children attend and the kids always flocked to him and thrived for his attention. Again he is very deserving of this award. Thank you Dan for make a difference in the kids.
My husband Jay and I have known Dan for many years. He is so deserving. He is a soft spoken, “not looking for attention “ guy who genuinely cares for others. Best wishes Dan!
This warms my heart! What a beautiful honor to a beautiful human. This is such a strong testament to the fact that each person in a school building has the opportunity to be a difference maker in the life of a child. Thank you Dan for all you do for children...and adults...at Belgrade Central. You are a gem!
I coached Dan's son in Junior High Baseball. Dan was great to be with and he has a huge, huge heart for all the kids!
Well deserved!
Enjoyed my time working with you in the kitchen with our two amazing friends Kathy and June. You are well deserving of this recognition! Congratulations ????
Dan is a great guy and deserves this recognition!!!
This nomination is well deserved. Mr. Wilson has had an amazing influence on both of my children and the members of our community. A true example of what it means to spread kindness.
I've been a special education teacher at Belgrade Central since Dan began working at the school. As big as his heart is towards everyone, Dan has a special place in his heart for not only students who receive special education services, but the special education staff as well. Dan has volunteered to be part of "reward systems" for students with special needs by allowing them to work with him. He has anonymously bought shoes, sweatshirts, and numerous other articles of clothing for students in need. When the special education staff has had a particularly difficult day, it's not uncommon to find donuts or other goodies brought in by Dan. I could continue to give example after example of Dan's generosity in giving both of his time and finances. Definitely the unsung hero at BCS!
Our kids put it best, “Mr. Wilson is the best. ?? He loves everyone and always thinks of others first. He’s funny, caring, and helpful. He definitely deserves it!”
Thanks for being who you are Mr. Wilson.
Both of my children adore him!!! He’s so kind, generous and caring.
Simply an amazing mentor for all of our Children!
Dan is a kind, compassionate , generous man with a wonderful fun sense of humor that everyone loves! I couldn’t think of a more deserving person for this award. He is always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
I was new to the faculty last year and didn’t know anyone. Dan instantly made an impression on me as going above and beyond with helping students AND teachers. One day I heard how he was helping one student with providing shoes and clothing when he noticed this student was wearing the same thing a couple days in a row and their shoes were falling apart. And he did it all without wanting any attention brought on himself... it was heart warming to see that good people do exist! He didn’t want recognition, he just has a tremendous heart for kids!
My own kids will talk about him at home and tell me how funny he is, and how he is so good at cleaning up messes! Ha!
Mr Wilson definitely deserves this award! He’s a great leader for the kids he’s around and a great friend!
Dan is the beacon of light shining through even on the dark days. You mention one little thing and it’s done within 24 hours, he picks up the slack when things aren’t up to par, but most importantly he makes you smile when you need it! Not having many men in an elementary building, Mr. Wilson is a wonderful person to make a positive impact on so many kids lives! He’s there for breakfast, lunch and so much in between and I’m sure many of the kids at BCS will list him as one of the best from their elementary days!! Thanks for all that you do Dan, even if some of us princesses ask for way to much!! ;)
I am new to BCS as my children are just at school age, but with just that little time I see Mr.Wilson around the school always helping out in any way he can! The children really love him and his great, positive nature!
Mr. Wilson has, without a doubt, touched a life of a student(s) every single day he has worked at BCS. Dan has changed the trajectory of so many children he has come across to try to quantify it is impossible. To witness it though; is magical. Dan has an innate ability to feel when a child is struggling, not just see it. He just knows. He isn’t afraid to get down to their level in every sense and they know they have Mr. Dan or Mr. Wilson in their corner. And we as parents know he’s there for our children too. I have personally on many occasions asked him to be my eyes and ears for my most precious gifts. My newest addition, a foster child he knew the hard place that he came from, he dropped everything so we could tour the school this summer to allay his fears. That moment in time, changed his little life forever so that his first day at a new school was a little less scary. We will never forget that day.
Children know when people are good. They know when someone has a pure heart and soul. Dan has used his platform in this district to impact the lives of children and their families for generations to come. Dan is the epitome of a life changer. He deserves this award more than anyone I could ever think of.
As I read the comments about how others experience Dan at school, I can say that he is exactly like this with his family. Dan is kind, thoughtful, loving and very funny. Everything he does is with someone else in mind. I've known Dan for 20 years and he's always been the same. Dan is someone who operates from the heart and I am blessed to be a part of his life.
Dan this is a wonderful nomination to be up for, you make my day when you are ready to greet me with a good morning and a friendly smile at 6:30 in the morning each and every day. You are friendly and kind to each staff member and all students here at Belgrade Central School. You are a person anyone could call on and you are there ready to give a helping hand. Good luck my friend.
I’ve actually only spoken to Dan a handful of times in person.. we became Facebook friends through mutual friends so honestly Dan has no ties to me really BUT whenever I post that a child, children or family at the jr high or high school in Fairfield is in need of anything, Dan is the first to respond and say “ what can I do, or what do you need?” From gas cards for families so parents can drive to work, toilet paper, laundry soap, any type of clothing, to hannaford gift certificates and paying unpaid lunches so children can march at graduation, Dan is always willing to give anything that he can and after it’s all said and done, he will check back in and make sure that nothing else is needed. If anyone deserves this award it is hands down, no question in my mind.. Dan Wilson.
Congratulations Dan! Well-deserved. It’s clear that you do what you do not for the kudos, but because you have a good heart and truly care about the kids, with the added bonus of humor mixed in! You’re a great role model for them and are someone they can come to if they need to. BCS is lucky to have you!
If you truly enjoy what you do, you don’t have to tell anyone - the rest of the world knows as the evidence is how you conduct yourself day in and day out. Mr. Wilson exemplifies what it means to be a positive role model for students and a trusted colleague. His sense of humor and caring nature are so appreciated and he’s way too humble to readily accept just how much he means to the BCS community. He is a pleasure to work with everyday!
I couldn't agree more with this nomination. I worked at this school for a short time with Dan, and during that time, I felt honored to work with this person who brought a smile to everyone's face. I miss him dearly, and he has left some big shoes to fill as I wish every school I've worked for had someone like Dan!
Dan - you realized years ago that you were in a job where you were making money but you were miserable and you had no purpose. This job has allowed you to SHINE. Life is not about wealth in currency and you are living proof. At the end of each day, week, year, and life - it is the wealth that we have accumulated in love that fills us. You give out your positive energy, your thoughtful kindness, your silly jokes freely to all and you make a positive difference in this world every single day. I am so proud to say that you are my cousin. You deserve to be recognized and I hope others will learn from you and pass on your love and kindness.
I was fortunate to work with Dan for several years at BCS! I miss his sense of humor, willingness to help in any way, and I can’t forget to mention his bulldog pride! I will never forget Dan’s enthusiasm to lend a helping hand...He literally would stop whatever he was doing to help out both staff and students! Dan is so deserving of this nomination!
Mr. Wilson builds positive connections with students.
Mr.Wilson is awesome. He loves his school, community, and everyone in both. Always making everyone laugh, even over summer breaks! He is someone I'm happy to have my kid around everyday.
He doesn't like to draw attention to this but he bought a kid whose shoes were falling apart a brand new pair one year. He just gets things done around the school and anything you ask him to do he finds a way to make it work. He handles everything with a great sense of humor as well. He adds so much to this community.
Dan is a wonderful and priceless addition to Belgrade Central School. He is the first to greet us in the morning, with a smile and a friendly hello. He works hard to make sure our school is ready for students and staff alike. Dan shows his love for the students and staff in a quiet way, but also at times with smiles, laughs, and jokes. He is always ready to lend a helping hand, beyond the call of duty.
Mr. Wilson is such a light at Belgrade Central School. I have been a teacher here for 3 years, and from the first day I stepped in the building, he has always made me feel welcome and appreciated. Mr. Wilson goes out of his way to make sure that the students and staff at our school feel welcome and safe. Whether it be coming in on the weekends to get projects done for teachers or agreeing to be our "Simple Machines Expert" for science class, he is always there for us. If I had to choose one story to explain why Mr. Wilson is deserving of the "Life Changer of the Year" Award, it would be when he volunteered to take a bag of laundry home with him every weekend to wash so that a student would have clean clothes to wear at school each day. He'd come to my classroom to pick it up each Friday and it would be back in my classroom, clean and folded, before I got to school on Monday morning. We are so blessed to have Mr. Wilson at Belgrade Central School.
Mr. Wilson always has a smile on his face. He takes time to get to know the students and will always help with anything, from putting on mittens to cleaning up a spilled lunch. He takes time to make coffee for the staff. He most recently went to get food for the staff the week before Thanksgiving and bought all the kids a Thanksgiving meal through the kitchen. Mr. Wilson is a great co-worker and mentor to the students! We are very lucky to have him.
Mr. Wilson is extremely helpful! He has done countless jobs for me over the years. From cleaning my room and getting it set up, putting together tables, checking on the heat, lugging heavy boxes, to putting in batteries in electronic math games! He goes above and beyond to make sure we have what we need for our classrooms here at BCS! All that Mr. Wilson does at BCS he does with a gracious heart, expecting nothing in return.
He also brings his love and caring of students to the rest of the world His wonderful stories he shares makes me smile. Well deserved recognition.
That is the Dan I know! Wish he had worked at one of my schools.
I went to high school with Dan; he was a great guy then, and he definitely still is to this day. I moved to Alaska 31 years ago, but keep an eye on Dan through the magic of social media. I feel like I could show up on his doorstep tomorrow with a suitcase and he would let me crash on his couch. I have never heard anything but good from Dan, or about Dan, and to see him recognized this way makes me very happy, and proud to know him.
The first time we entered BCS at a back to school summer welcome, my father, a 30 year retired school teacher- administrator, noticed Mr Wilson and commented. He was Walking through the hallways making sure things were ready to sparkle, while greeting the young students and families. Mr Wilson works tirelessly to support all of the PTO events, setting up and breaking down chairs and tables, waving the parent volunteers away. His sense of humor and kind nature is not only cherished by students, but also teachers. He is quite the practical joker, in the best way, making even the most stalwart veteran teacher crack a smile. With his hard work ethic, and commitment, Mr. Wilson could surely find other (higher paying!) work elsewhere, but it is clear that he has a love for this school community- and they love home right back.
I have had the pleasure to work with Dan at BCS and witness the unconditional love he has for the students and staff. As an ed tech, working with kids that challenge and sometimes make us feel defeated, he has always seemed to have the best timing to help pull my spirits up with a little bit of laughter from one of his jokes or stories. I was not shocked by a note that came home at Thanksgiving time that read he would make sure all students who wanted to partake in the Thanksgiving Dinner will have their meal paid for by him. He never wants to see a child go without.
Every community should have a person or group of people like Dan in their lives, so they can experience the care and kindness that this one man has bless us with.
Dan Wilson, good luck!??
Dan, thank you for all that you do for your students and those who work in your building. You’re a selfless example of what we should all strive to be.
Always putting smiles on faces! Thank you Mr. Wilson!
Mr. Wilson is such a wonderful person, we really enjoy seeing him during preschool dropoff.
Mr. Wilson will do anything and everything and there's always a smile and a story.
Way to go, Dan! Well deserved nomination! Best wishes on the win!
Thank you so very much for all you do.
Every time I see Dan in the halls, he goes out of his way to check and see how I’m doing. But even more importantly, he can always tell me specific stories of joy, pride, or worry he’s feeling about specific kids of mine. He truly cares about the students at our school and proves time and time again he is in it for the kids. Well deserved!
I cant agree more with what Laura has said about Dan Wilson. He has done so much for not only the school and the community but for me personally. If my day is bad he is always there to cheer me up, he is always making sure I'm taken care of and I get what I need. He has helped me with kind words and kind gestures. He is a great human being and I cant think of anymore more deserving then Dan.
