When walking into school on a bad day, it may feel like nothing could make it better. That is, until you are greeted with the friendly face of our school’s beloved custodian, Derek Williams, saying, “Good morning!” Making our community a better place, Williams greets all with a smile, spreading positivity and lifting the moods of students and faculty every day. 

Born and raised in Towson, MD, Williams attended Essex Community College and has had jobs including security, sales and construction before ending up at Dulaney 22 years ago. When asked about his favorite part of the job, he replied that he loves interacting with the teachers, kids and creating good spirits.  

“Sometimes I feel like our Dulaney pride’s getting away from us,” Williams says.  

With the overwhelming focus on technology that this generation has, Williams notices a shift in the demeanor of students at Dulaney.  

“Instead of them lifting their heads up to say, ‘Good morning’, they put their heads down and hope no one says anything to them. I usually pick their heads up and say, ‘Hey! Morning, how are you doing?’” 

Gradually moving forward from the initial impact of COVID, Williams hopes the increase in social gathering leads to improvement in the communication skills of students. However, talking to the right ones, he says, shows you that the motivation and Dulaney pride is ever-present.  

He is passionate about supporting sports and other extracurriculars at Dulaney, often attending games and theater productions throughout the year. Having played sports his whole life and raising daughters who played basketball, Williams sees the great importance of working as a team.  

“You’ve got to work hard for whatever you do. Even if it’s not sports, you’ve got to work for something and say, ‘Well, if I don’t work hard, I won’t make the team. Or I won’t make the cut. It gives you a strong work ethic.’” 

A family man who values his time outside of school, Williams states that he also views the beginning of each school year as though he’s still a student.  

“I can’t sleep at night…that’s the thing about school, every year I know I’m getting older, but you guys keep me young,” he says.  

Students often take for granted the work of our custodians and the little things they go out of their way to do for us. In the words of Coach Lochte, Derek Williams is “the heart and soul of our school”. The Dulaney halls would not be the same without him.  

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