Bruce. Is. Back.
Bruce Towne has long been one of the most recognizable faces in the East Grand Rapids high school and community. The high school has various aspects that make it such a great place to be. The senior bench, student section, great teachers and administration, and Kabookie week. For the past three years though, there has been a missing piece. And that piece goes by the name Bruce.
Bruce is more than just another EGR employee. While he might be why our school looks pristine every day, he does a lot more for the students at 2211 Lake Drive.
Walking down the halls daily, you can find a smile, a “Hey!”, a handshake, or a “How’s it going?” all from the same person. Mr. Bruce makes everyone’s day just a little bit better each day. And that adds up.
“One of the best parts of being back is the high fives in the hallways or saying hi to people,” Bruce said.
While the students and staff get so much joy from Bruce, he gets just as much from us. We asked Bruce how he thinks he positively impacts the school. His answer? Just what you would expect.
“I think it’s the other way around. I do. You guys impact me. It’s easy for me,” Bruce said. “You know, people make sacrifices all the time. I don’t consider this a sacrifice. It’s so easy for me to jump out of bed. Well, I’m getting a little bit older. That jump is more of a lumber.”
Bruce started working here at East Grand Rapids in 1997. He has seen thousands of students walk the halls of the high school throughout his time here, but there is one thing that has never changed. And that is Bruce’s unmatched enthusiasm and passion for what he does.
“I love all the state championships and the sports, I love seeing people excel in theater, and I love watching people grow from being a freshman to a senior and on,” Bruce said.
Upon his return, Bruce received the longest job title the district has ever had: Manager of the High School Physical Plant and Safety Infrastructure. With the new bond proposal coming to the high school, Bruce and his team have their work cut out. But Bruce is looking forward to it.
“There’s a lot of painting that I’ve got to do yet that I haven’t had a chance to get to. We’ll get to that stuff, but you know what? Memories. Getting those memories going is what I am really looking forward to the most,” Bruce said. “And then also, the seniors graduating. That’s going to be a culmination of an amazing first year back.”
Bruce has spent the previous three years working in sales for a good friend.
“I was good at building relationships, working for a friend, things were going well. But, it wasn’t me. So, when the opportunity presented itself and I heard it through the grapevine, I thought let’s see where this goes,” Bruce said.
To say he made the right decision would be an understatement.
“Walking into the main lobby on my first day back I just had to take a break and say to Mr. Weigel ‘I need to take a second’, and I just looked down the hallways and it was just memories of the past and memories that are going to come,” Bruce said.
As you go through school each day, don’t hesitate to say hello or give Bruce a high-five. It will make his day better, and certainly make yours too. I know it makes mine.
“This is the closest to heaven for me because it’s just, man, my heart just sings when I’m here,” Bruce said.
