Missouri elementary school renamed after custodian Miss Claudine

Claudine Wilson is known as a jack of all trades in the Swedeborg, Missouri community (population: 497).

Officially, Wilson, 64, works as a custodian and bus driver at a local elementary school, where she has worked tirelessly for more than three decades. But you’ll also see her serving food in the cafeteria, renovating the building, and comforting crying students.

“Cloden would do anything for these kids,” said Swedenborg Superintendent Jim Bogle. TODAY.comnoting that Wilson was the first to arrive in the morning and one of the last to leave.

“One of the kids said, ‘I want to be Miss Claudine when I grow up.’ And I know he’s not the only one who feels that way,” Bogle says. “She’s a celebrity here.”

A celebrity who hates attention.

“She doesn’t like recognition,” Bogle says.

“It’s a pity!” he adds with a laugh. Bogle is referring to Wilson making national news after the Swedenborg school board voted unanimously to rename an elementary school building in her honor.

“I was shocked—absolutely shocked,” Wilson said. TODAY. “I don’t have much to say other than I’m honored.”

Although Wilson claims to be “retired,” she is still on campus every day. Wilson not only knows each student by name, but also the names of their parents.

“Most of the kids I had were moms and dads, and when they go to school they say, ‘I already know about you!’ says Wilson.

Adding to Wilson’s popularity, she is not above giving bribes.

“I say, ‘Get your grades up and I’ll give you something special, like a soaker or a candy bar,’” Wilson said.

After the Swedenborg School District Facebook page posted the school’s new name, the page was flooded with comments.

“Congratulations, Miss Clauden! You were a huge part of my childhood and always pushed us kids to always be the best. No one deserves this recognition more than you,” one person wrote.

Other reactions included:

• “No one is more worthy of this honor.”
• “Congratulations, Miss Clauden! You were a huge part of my childhood and always pushed us kids to always be the best. No one deserves this recognition more than you.”
• “If anyone in the world deserves it, it’s her. Congratulations!”
• “Glory to Miss Clauden!!! She treated me so well during the six years that I worked in the library in Swedenborg.”
• “Thank you, Claudine, for your exceptional service and dedication to the students and staff.”
• “I love this woman! She’s known me since I was about two feet tall.

For Spirit Day earlier this month, three students showed up dressed as Miss Claudine, which shouldn’t come as a surprise. As Bogle said, she’s a celebrity.