Linden-Kildare Junior High honors Harvey Hodge

Harvey Hodge, custodian of 22 years for Linden-Kildare Junior High School, received an early Christmas present this year. It was a letter from the principal commending his work and school spirit.

The 400-word letter was written by Rebecca Owen, the principal of Mae Luster Stephens Junior High, and sent to a family member.

“He’s been an example of leadership, not only for our students but also for our staff,” Principal Owen said. “He’s been a rock for me … young at heart … and a pillar for our community.”

Hodge, of course, was surprised. Nothing like this had happened to him, he said, even though he is a 1980 graduate of LindenKildare schools and a 15-year-employee with Cass County before becoming the junior high custodian.

At a reception on Dec. 11, relatives, friends and school officials spoke of their appreciation for Harvey. These included his sisters Darlene Laverna Taylor, Priscilla Gail Tyous, his brother Horace D. Hodge and L-K CISD Superintendent Keri Winters.

A 13-minute video of Hodges’ life and work at school was shown along with the reading of the letter.

“He makes sure (our building) is in good shape,” Owen wrote, “but his positive impact goes so much further. He learns our students’ names, checks in with them regarding their grades, extracurricular activities and their behavior..

“He makes every game event he can … you can hear him cheering.

“He is a foundation for faith, too. On many occasions, I’ve heard him lifting his voice in song and worshiping as he works. In my 24-year career in public schools, I’ve never known anyone to work harder and take his job more personally.”

In response, Harvey told several persons individually, “My satisfaction is having everything clean and ready for the kids so that they are not coming into a bad place.

“I talk to the kids every day. I try to intervene with them and see how they are doing.

“I’ve been to a Region 8 convention to improve my service and learn how to capture students’ hearts. That’s what it’s really all about, capturing the students’ hearts.”

Staff photo by Neil Abeles ■ Harvey Hodge is third from left, with his brother Horace Hodge and friends Rebecca Owen, Keri Winters, Darlene Laverna Taylor and Priscilla Gail Tyous. They have just spoken at a reception for Harvey Hodge, Linden-Kildare Junior High School custodian.

Staff photo by Neil Abeles ■ Harvey Hodge smiles after receiving public recognition for his work as Linden-Kildare Junior High School custodian. He is with his pastor, Eric Bradley of the Southside Church of Christ in Linden.