MADISON – David Gray has been honored as Staff Member of the Year at Madison Elementary School.

“My thoughts when I found out I won were ‘surprised,’ but I was very grateful that the staff thought I deserved it,” Gray said. “Madison elementary is a great place to call ‘My Work Home.’”

Gray has the demanding job of Plant Manager at Madison elementary.

“I have worked in the school system going on 23 years. Before that, I worked for an elevator company … it had its ups and downs!” Gray said jokingly.

In dealing with children, Gray sees a great deal of promise. “What I see in today’s kids is the willingness to help others in need. I see it every day here at the school, where we have children helping others out with their reading or math,” he said.

“It’s good seeing them help each other out,” Gray said.

One particular student at Madison elementary has made a solid impression on Gray. “We have a child that really works hard on a certain sport. This child goes to camps and practices every day to get better at it,” Gray said.

The student “is determined to be the best, and the improvements are noticeable. It is good to see any child — whether it is in sports, academics or a hobby — go the extra mile to succeed,” Gray said.

“I am married to the love of my life Terri Gray. She works for Madison City Schools as Personnel Manager,” he said. The Grays’ daughter, Heather, is enrolling this fall at Athens State University to pursue a degree in education.

Away from work, David likes to fish, hunt, do woodworking and gardening, along with spending time with his family.