A custodian in Texas was overwhelmed with emotion upon learning that a new elementary school would bear her name—39 years after she began her career with the school district.
Marilyn Hampton, who retired this year, was taken by surprise when the school board for Aubrey Independent School District announced that “Elementary School Number Five” would be called “Marilyn Hampton Elementary School” starting next year.
Superintendent Shannon Saylor had asked Hampton to roll out a red carpet in front of the podium during the meeting, a task reminiscent of her years of service as a custodian.
“She may not have the official title of an educator, but in every meaningful sense, she was a teacher at heart,” Saylor noted, as shared in the footage released by the school.
As Hampton looked down at the carpet, her eyes fell on the name “Marilyn Hampton Elementary School.”
“You’re too good. I wasn’t expecting this. Thank y’all. I can’t speak,” she expressed, tears streaming down her face as she covered her eyes with her hands.
“Oh my goodness. Oh God. You all are the best,” she added, visibly moved.
In the midst of the emotional moment, board members rushed to embrace her as she was shown a picture of the school with her name.
“I didn’t bring my phone,” she remarked.
“That’s okay, it’ll be everywhere,” Saylor quipped.
The new school, located in Aubrey, Texas, is scheduled to open in August.
Later, Hampton confessed that the honor rendered her speechless. “I still can’t believe it. I haven’t stopped crying. My heart is full,” she shared with a local news outlet.
Hampton, the youngest of eight siblings, was the only one in her family to graduate high school. She had once viewed her lack of a college education as a failure but came to appreciate her journey differently over time.
“I thought, ‘You know, Marilyn? God put you where you are supposed to be.’ And I’m very happy with how everything turned out,” she reflected.
Saylor emphasized that Hampton contributed far beyond maintaining the school facilities. She was known for purchasing and delivering school supplies and assisting students with their studies.
“She is truly Aubrey ISD,” Saylor stated, adding that Hampton’s legacy is one of kindness, hard work, and perseverance.
Now, Hampton spends her time at the district’s Early Bird Learning Center, where she enjoys rocking a young girl named Claire.
“Can you believe it? I can’t. I cannot. All I can say is God is good,” she stated regarding the recognition.
The district also presented her with a T-shirt featuring the new school’s name to celebrate the announcement.
