Montgomery brothers take great pride in Cherryville schools
Their work may often go unnoticed, but if you know where
to look, it’s easy enough to see: clean classroom floors, shining
windows, and empty trash cans. What might be harder to see, but
much more significant, is the difference they have made beyond the
walls of the school building.
For years, brothers Larry and LeeRoy Montgomery have served
as custodians at John Chavis Middle School and Cherryville High
School, where their pride in their work and desire to make someone’s
day better have made an impact on each school and the Cherryville
community.
A pair of Facebook posts helped to illustrate just how far the ripple
effects of their character have traveled. In November, the brothers
were nominated for the Gaston County Schools’ Kia Outstanding
Educator Award. Of the 55 nominees from across the district, Larry
and LeeRoy were two of the most popular: together their Facebook
posts had more than 1,000 “likes” with hundreds of comments and
shares.
Former students and staff members told stories about how Larry
and LeeRoy brightened their school days, with comments coming
from beyond the Cherryville area.
Lee Dedmon, Gaston County Board of Education member, said the
brothers have made a difference in Cherryville over the years.
“They’re an integral part of that community,” he said. “They
went to school there, grew up, and then contributed back to their
community. They have made a difference in their schools.”
Dedmon has known them for more than 30 years, having taught
them when they were students at Cherryville High School. He also
hired them as custodians when he was principal there.
“They overcame a l