A special story of gratitude comes from Texas, USA, where a woman who worked for 39 years as a sanitation worker at an elementary school will be honored in an unusual way. The new school, which is expected to open in August next year, will bear her name, Marilyn Hampton, in recognition of the dedication and help she has given to thousands of students over the years.
Hampton worked for 39 years in the Aubrey School District, where she retired in 2022. But her work went far beyond the duties of a janitor. She helped students with their homework, purchased educational materials for children who could not afford them and personally delivered them. She also got involved in school sports activities, working as a ticket agent for football games.
To appreciate her contribution, district leaders decided to throw her a surprise party during the board meeting on October 21. Hampton was invited with the proviso that a school-related issue would be discussed, but in fact she was expecting news she had never imagined.
The district superintendent, Shannon Saylor, asked her to roll out a red carpet that read “Marilyn Hampton Elementary School.” At that moment, she burst into tears of joy.
"I still can't believe it. I haven't stopped crying," Hampton told UFAA.
Saylor praised that, although Hampton had not had the formal title of a teacher, she had been an educator in every sense of the word, leaving a mark on students and the community.
The woman, excited, thanked everyone present. When she saw the image of the new school on the screen, where her name was also displayed, she made a joke: "I hope they keep it clean," causing laughter in the hall.
Hampton also revealed that she was the only one of eight children in her family to finish high school. She had once felt disappointed that she had not been able to continue on to university, but over the years she had realized that she had found her place.
"God put you where you were supposed to be," was how she described her journey.
The new school is expected to open in August and will bear the name of the woman who for nearly four decades took care not only of the facilities, but also of the children who passed through its doors every day.
