Sweeping With Pride

From trash cans overflowing in the bathroom, muddy footprints in the gym, and a never ending trail of pencil shavings, a public high school is a building full of chaos. To most, it is nothing but a mess; but to Steve Chapman, being a custodian at Buford High School is a daily puzzle to be solved and a job to get done. For over 4 years, Chapman has looked past the grime to see the children behind it, turning a grueling job into giving back to his community.

“I started working here mainly to have something to do. I had retired and I just wanted something to do, you know, outside of the house, and something to make me feel needed and like I’m giving back to the community.”

Chapman began working as a custodian after retirement to get himself out of the house. He chose to do his job simply because he wanted to. He says that he values the fellowship he finds in the teachers and students at Buford High School. 

“A student I bonded with, she graduated last year. Her name is Grayson Davis, and she's over the cheerleaders now, but she and I connected real well last year, so I miss her. What stuck out was her character, how she smiled, and made everybody happy. She just brought joy and she always tried to make everybody laugh and smile. For a teacher I’d have to say Mrs. Marshall is one of my favorites. She has that same character like Grayson.”

Working as a janitor can call for lots of grueling tasks. Some of which, many people don’t think they would be able to handle or do. Chapman however says that none of it is gross and that to him, it’s simply another day of work. He even goes to say that the job is peaceful.

“My job is pretty simple. I can just accept what, you know, every day I come in looking forward to. Even the ‘nastier’ stuff doesn’t get to me. I know that's just a part of the job.”

As a quieter person, Chapman knows that not many people know his personality or true character beyond what he does for the school. He says that he wants people to notice that he is dependable and reliable. He may not be a big talker, but he is a huge supporter of those who attend Buford High School.

“I'm just happy to be a part of this school and this community,” he says with a smile.