July 23, 2025
Clayson’s upbeat attitude and commitment to his job are what all workers should aspire to. He has demonstrated remarkable resilience as an MRS customer, overcoming significant challenges — including an intellectual disability that can often create barriers to employment — and serving as the sole earner in his household.
Upon graduating high school, Clayson excelled in the custodial program at the Michigan Career & Technical Institute (MCTI) and is currently working as a custodian for the high school from which he graduated.
While participating in a school-to-work program during his junior and senior years of high school, Clayson was seen as a leader. He would go on to become an even stronger influence as a student at MCTI where Clayson was selected to be a mentor to newer students, volunteered as a Career Assessment Services representative, served on the student government, and spoke on behalf of the custodial program during public tours.
Clayton’s high school teachers and support staff spoke glowingly about his positive demeanor and the impact he had in the classroom. Clayson was always open to listening and providing encouraging words to others. He could be counted on to respond to emergencies on campus — both during and outside of class.
While attending MCTI, Clayson and four of his classmates visited two local businesses twice per week where they learned how to clean buildings and represent themselves in a professional manner. Beyond this work experience, Clayson participated in an independent study where he job shadowed the maintenance staff on campus.
After graduating from MCTI, Clayson went on to land a job at his old high school — where he always wanted to work. He has become a valued member of the custodial team of the buildings he knows well — just a couple of minutes from his home.
