One familiar, smiling face at Taylor Exemplar Academy prompts students to burst out in excitement with one word: “Grandpa!”
School Aide Billy Lane serves as Taylor Exemplar’s unofficial grandfather, and students confide in and lean on him for support throughout the school year. Whether he’s making sure students are safe at recess or having lunch with a student who might need a pick-me-up, Lane is making a difference for his unofficial grandkids.
These efforts started when four of Lane’s grandchildren first attended the school. One of their teachers asked for parent volunteers, and when he saw no one volunteered, Lane signed up for all the spots.
Lane said he was impressed by the school’s care for its students, and that’s why his family chose Taylor Exemplar.
As seven of his grandchildren made their way through Taylor Exemplar, the nickname “Grandpa” stuck to Lane. Once he started helping in the classroom, Lane kept signing up for opportunities.
“The principal at the time asked me if I could play Santa for a couple of years, and that was fun,” Lane said. “I did a few other little things, and then I just started volunteering from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every day.”
After a brief stint back in the professional world, Lane returned to Taylor Exemplar doing what he loved most, supporting students.
“I just started getting closer to the other kids and it just expanded from there,” Lane said. “I had nothing to do, and I needed a purpose in life, and this gave it to me, so I just started doing it.”
School Aide Billy Lane (left) is making an impact at Taylor Exemplar Academy
Lane’s presence comforts students and staff, and he has made lasting impressions on students over time. Principal Zemen Marrugi said he is an essential part of their school community.
“He is truly a special part of our school family,” Marrugi said. “He’s a retired veteran, a proud member of the Taylor community, and an all-around wonderful person who has made a positive impact on so many students and families over the years.”
His care for students is evident, and Lane can turn a negative moment into one for growth. After moments of conflict, Lane is quick to comfort, but makes sure to address what started the issue, challenging students to live up to the Moral Focus™ virtues they learn each day.
While “Granpda” is a fun nickname, students are truly forming bonds with Lane, and he’s always there to support when he’s needed.
“You can tell when the kids are down and out, and I listen and try my best to help,” Lane said. “I know it makes a difference for the kids. One girl came up to me and said she never had a grandfather. She asked if I could be her grandfather.
“I said: ‘I’ll be your grandfather forever, and don’t let anybody tell you different.’”
Thanks for all you do, Mr. Lane!
About Taylor Exemplar Academy
Taylor Exemplar Academy is a free public charter school in Taylor, Mich., serving students in Young 5s through high school in partnership with Taylor Preparatory High School, a school that falls under National Heritage Academies (NHA®) portfolio. NHA is a charter school management company in Grand Rapids, Mich. which has more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools across nine states, serving more than 60,000 students in kindergarten through high school. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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