Assistant Director of Facilities for Salisbury Township School District Michael DelPriore received a Presidential Legacy Award from the Pennsylvania State Education Association at a dinner at Bear Creek Resort April 22.

DelPriore has been with the school district since 1982.

Utility Maintenance Crew member Scott Marshall gave a speech at the event introducing DelPriore and telling of his path to the school district.

“Mike came to this country from Italy as a young child. He had already understood the meaning of hard work and the fruits of one’s labor. He holds a deep appreciation of what it means to work hard, take care of family and always be there for one another.

“As a young boy and young man he learned of and experienced the hardships of the world.

“Especially in the workplace. Regardless, Mike always did everything to the best of his ability to please both those who may have taken him for granted and those who appreciated his hard work, effort and wisdom. Why? Because that’s who he is!” Marshall said.

Marshall said for 40 years since DelPriore started in 1982 and still at 67 years young, he continues to work just as hard using his wit and wisdom, along with all of the skills he’s perfected to keep Salisbury Township School District operating.

“His leadership has been both respected and appreciated by PSEA members and district administrators alike for decades.”

Marshall said DelPriore was working in the high school when he attended classes there.

“Think about that for a minute. Some of us still talk about that custodial maintenance engineer that used to joke and laugh with us kids in the halls and kick that little sack of beads they called a Hackey Sack around with us.

“When I said everybody respected and appreciated him, I meant everybody including the most important people in any school district – the students,” Marshall said.

“From the day I walked away from educating students and joined the utility maintenance and custodial position in Mike’s department, he began freely sharing his wisdom like only he can. Imagine working with and for your kind, funny, wise and generous Italian uncle from the old world. I say these things because everyone loves, respects, learns from and grows because of and with him.”

Marshall said DelPriore is always cultivating the necessary skills in others to perform the job well and always seizing every opportunity to share his life’s experiences along with his wisdom to enrich someone else’s life.

“It’s hard to explain how much it has meant and continues to mean to me to not just work with him but to call him my friend,” Marshall said.

“When Mike arrived at the Salisbury Township School District it had no idea just how lucky they were. Even luckier that he chose to stay.”

Marshall said DelPriore has served as president of the Salisbury Educational Support Personnel Association. He said DelPriore paid close attention to all things so when necessary, he would lead with wisdom, respect and by example. He said fairness and equality were always a mutual understanding in the workplace for everyone regardless of status.

Marshall served as vice president of the association and was mentored by DelPriore. “I think I’m the luckiest of them all,” Marshall said. DelPriore remains a part of the bargaining team.

Marshall said DelPriore’s story and legacy are truly remarkable. As is his friendship. “I honestly hate to think of the day he retires. I do. I cherish every moment I get to spend with and talk to this man.”