North Carolina Community Celebrates ‘Famous’ Custodian

Citizens of Edenton, North Carolina recently banded together to recognize the exemplary efforts of Raymond Brown.

Brown is the head custodian of the city’s White Oak Elementary School, who is known to do more than just keep the facility clean. Brown has a reputation for reaching out to and mentoring students, especially those with special needs, and this altruistic personality has earned him the nickname “Famous Amos,” WTVD-TV reports.

“He’s kind of our rock, our foundation of what we do here,” said Michelle Newsome, White Oak principal. “What makes Mr. Brown the most special is that he works really hard to build relationships with the students, sincere relationships that many of our students would not otherwise have.”

Earlier this year, Brown was in contention for the North Carolina School Hero Award but failed to win it. The community rallied to create and donate money to what they called “The Famous Amos Award” to celebrate his years of service. Last week they presented Brown with the award and a check for US$35,000.

A grateful Brown said he will use the money to treat the school’s students to an ice cream party.