Willie Toney is a big fan of the Panthers at Discovery Middle School. Toney is the 2016 Staff Member of the Year at Discovery. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – For Willie Toney, dealing with the students at Discovery Middle School is the best part of his job. The faculty and staff at Discovery selected Toney as 2016 Staff Member of the Year.

“Of course, without the students I wouldn’t have a job. But having the opportunity to interact with them and see many of them grow and develop into responsible young men and women is most rewarding,” Toney said.

His job at Discovery isn’t an easy one. As the school’s janitor, Toney must order all cleaning supplies; maintain the restrooms, halls, main office and all administrative offices; and strip and wax floors during the summertime.

“The most challenging part of my job is keeping the school clean,” Toney said.

In the last year, Toney was proud of a project that involved Discovery’s library. “I helped Ms. Angelia King in the library put some tables and furniture together and that gave me a sense of accomplishment and achievement,” he said.

Toney also feels a sense of ‘a job well done’ by “talking to kids, giving them sound advice about life and steering them in the right directions.”

Toney has met many teachers and students over the years with his job. He will never forget Discovery Assistant Principal Kim Stewart. “She always has a word of encouragement, always has a smile on her face,” Toney said.

Stewart “is a ‘real’ person. No matter how bad your day is going, she could make it better,” Toney said. “I always consider her to be a friend.”

At J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College, Toney earned certification in appliance repair. He also has worked at Buckhorn High School in New Market.

His daughter Chantaye Toney works as a teacher at Sparkman High School. Daughter Nakita Toney works for Alorica in Cummings Research Park. Willie’s son Joshua Toney is a student at Sparkman High School. Son Caleb Toney is a student at Calhoun Community College.