National Custodial Staff Day is a day to recognize the staff’s efforts and thank them for all they do. It has been said that they are the front line of every school building. The custodians at LHS work very hard to make sure the school is a clean environment in which to work and learn. Custodial manager Tom Milbaugh shared his experience at LHS and said that he values the people he works with.

“There is a sense of team and family. You know, everybody has a pretty close, really good working relationship here, and I appreciate that they’re all really responsible and really good at what they do,” he said.

“It’s been a constant learning experience, but it’s been a good experience. This is where I wanted to be, doing this job. I’ve been here long enough to see entire classes that have come from kindergarten through high school, and it’s neat to see students when they were here and when they’re adults, doing whatever they’re doing now,” said Milbaugh.

Darla Zartman, otherwise known as Grandma, explained why students and staff call her by such an endearing name and also expressed her appreciation for her students.

“It’s been unexplainable. A lot of good and a lot of bad. Most of you are wonderful! Seeing you kids that give me hugs and that are good – it makes my day,” said Zartman.

“Everyone calls me Grandma because Steven was here, my first granddaughter was here, and he heard her call me Grandma, and he asked if everyone could,” she said.

In an Eye of the Gale questionnaire, about 70 students and staff members wrote messages of appreciation to the LHS custodial staff.  The following are some of the messages that they wrote to express their gratitude to the hardworking custodians.

Art teacher Shannon Fish said that the custodians are the unsung heroes of the school.

“Imagine the disarray without their constant work to keep our school environment clean and in order. Our LHS custodians go above and beyond to positively impact not just our physical environment but also the human beings who walk the halls each day,” she said.

Sophomore Millie Mapes said that without the custodians, it would be difficult to get through each day at school.

“I just want to say thank you for everything you do for our school. A lot of the time, the hard work you put in goes unnoticed, but it makes a huge difference every single day. You keep our classrooms, hallways, and bathrooms clean so we can focus on learning in a safe and comfortable place. I really appreciate the time and effort you spend making our school better for all of us. Thank you for always being here and caring about our school community,” said Mapes.

Math teacher Dylan Sharp recognized that the custodians may never know how much they are needed and valued.

“Thank you so much for all that you do for LHS. You guys are what make the experience of all students and staff possible. This is an insanely large building, staff, and enrollment, and your work plays a massive role in every aspect. Without your consistency, hard work, and love for others, I would not be able to do my job. You guys are such a massive part of why we have the ability to be successful at LHS, and I cannot thank you enough for the time, energy, and effort that you put into it. We all appreciate you more than you will ever know,” he said.

Guidance counselor Leslie Stoshak agreed with Sharpe.

“Our school could not run without the help of our custodians, both first and second shifts! I hope each person feels valued every day because you are appreciated for what you do for all who attend, work, and visit LHS! Thank you,” said Stoshak.

LHS senior Liberty Peterson said she appreciates the diligent attention that the custodial staff pays to the school, especially the classrooms.

“Many people do not realize how much work and effort you all put into the building on a daily and hourly basis. Thank you for always keeping our school clean, safe, and secure. We appreciate all the work you do so that we can go to school and sit in clean classrooms,” said Peterson.

Guidance counselor Sadie Kimble said that the custodians keep the school functioning.

“Thank you so much for all the hard work you do for our students & staff. I appreciate your bright smiles each day; even when the job you have to do is not fun, you still get it done,” she said.

Freshman Elaina Lewis said that she appreciates the custodial staff’s positive attitude as they clean up after almost 2,000 people five days a week.

“Thank you for how nice you all are! Your job is not always easy, so thank you for everything you do,” said Lewis.

School psychologist Sheila Coleman-Gross said even the smallest of tasks performed by the custodians means a lot to the school population.

“Thank you for all you do to keep our building clean, trash empty, paper products and soap filled, and all the other things you do each day to help us all out!!  You are so appreciated,” she said. 

LHS freshman Gage Means summed up his appreciation to the custodians.

“You do good, dudes,” he said.