Lake County Gazette

The steps taken in and out of Westminster Public Schools (WPS) daily are more than some can count. Some with shoes that are comfortable, cool, and can catch the eye of many. Others, being the opposite.

We all remember being in school and knowing someone who had the newest pair of shoes or being the one who didn’t have them at all. That is an observation many make and can relate to. Especially Custodial Trainer Lead, Joseph Pittman, who has been working for WPS for five years.

There were times that Joe’s upbringing was the reason he might not have been able to walk into school with the coolest kicks, along with adversity he faced along the way. But growing up, Joe had many staff members that no matter what, gave him a safe space.

Specifically, a basketball coach who paid for him to be on the team (after he tried out and made it of course). His coach believed in him so much and understood the financial situation Joe was in, so he stepped in to help.

It is thanks to coaches like him and Joe’s hard work that he has been able to give back to students in the district. Joe has gone out of his way to donate multiple pairs of sneakers to students without them knowing it’s from him.

He is a believer in giving in silence.

“They don’t know my story and I don’t know theirs, but I look at their feet and that is something that I can change,” he said.

Joe has not only given sneakers but hope to many students in WPS; one comfortable and cool step at a time.