Northern Celebrates Custodian’s 38 Years of Service

The Northern Elementary community paused to recognize lead custodian Steve Hamilton and celebrate his 38 years of service in Fayette County Public Schools. He joined Northern at age 18 and starts a new chapter in retirement after Thursday, Aug. 31.

“Steve is incredibly private, humble, and the model of a servant leader. He works tirelessly to help every staff member and is so kind to our students,” said Principal Geniene Piche. 

The school had a surprise assembly on a Monday morning in Hamilton’s honor. Northern alum Denise Gray, a council member for Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, presented him a plaque from the mayor proclaiming Aug. 28 as Steve Hamilton Day in Lexington. Piche also unveiled an old cast iron schoolhouse bell that will help sustain his legacy. Students and staff may ring it whenever they do something “over and above,” as Hamilton modeled every day at Northern. “Thirty-eight years is a long time to be in one place and do such an exceptional job every day," she said.