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American Morning
High School Janitor Sweeps Inspiration into Commencement Address
Aired May 30, 2001 - 09:56 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Commencement speakers are often chosen for their ability to inspire young graduates, and the students at one Missouri high school didn't have to look too far for their source of inspiration. They chose the school janitor.
The story now from reporter Sharon Stevens. She's with our affiliate KSDK.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
GEORGE SMITH, CHIEF CUSTODIAN, FERN RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL: When I first learned about it, it basically knocked me off my feet.
SHARON STEVENS, KSDK REPORTER (voice-over): George Smith has worked in the Parkway schools for 13 years, the last three as chief custodian at Fern Ridge, an alternative high school. For some kids, it's the last stop.
SMITH: I try to inspire them any kind of way I can, anytime I can give them an encouraging word. I've been here with them for three years, and I just basically do whatever I can.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: My genuine pleasure to introduce to you Mr. George Smith.
STEVENS: Smith wasn't sure what to say. He asked students and teachers and relatives to help.
SMITH: I said to my wife during dinner several nights ago, whatever I say, I want to deliver a message that will linger in their minds for years to come. All of a sudden, my youngest daughter piped up: "Dad, just tell them you love them, smile and sit down." Always remember, your teachers have given you a solid foundation. It is your responsibility as young adults to maximize your fullest potential.
STEVENS: Smith, a Tunica, Mississippi (ph) native, told the 32 graduates to be honest and respectful, then he asked them to stand and take a pledge; a pledge written by George Smith.
SMITH: I will maintain a positive attitude and stay real strong.
STEVENS: When it was over, grads and guests cheered, and Smith was proud and relieved that his first commencement speech was behind him. Graduate Anne Daum summed it up this way:
ANNE DAUM, GRADUATE: Everybody can finally realize, given the honor he's due, he's been so much more than just janitor. He's hope. He'll talk to you if you have a problem. He knows everybody by name. You know, every morning, how are you doing? And he's just such a wonderful person.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KAGAN: And it turns out we have that wonderful person with live right now. Mr. George Smith, joining us live from St. Louis. Mr. Smith, good morning. Thanks for joining us.
SMITH: Good morning. Thank you for having me.
KAGAN: Can you tell us more about this pledge of being positive that you asked the kids to take?
SMITH: Well, I try to be positive role model for the kids, and I to ask the kids to have a positive attitude in what they do because they actually have to be responsible for their actions.
KAGAN: You look like a great example of someone who takes his job and makes the most of it. I would imagine there's a lot of janitors, school janitors out there who think, it's my job to keep this place clean and the job ends there. That's all they pay me for. Why do you take it to the next step of really caring about these kids?
SMITH: Well, actually, first of all, you know, Fern Ridge High School is an alternative school for students that wouldn't have -- that really couldn't make it in the big, traditional schools. So, they need a positive role model, and Fern Ridge gives them a second chance at graduating.
KAGAN: It sounds like this goes both ways, that you teach the kids but you also learn from them as well.
SMITH: Oh, I do. I teach the kids, and just take a little from them and learn from them also.
KAGAN: Tell us a little bit more about doing the speech? Were you nervous up there? Most people list public speaking as one of their top fears in life; it's the worst thing they can think about doing.
SMITH: I was pretty nervous about speech. It was first time that I had done a speech and I was pretty nervous about it. But I had made a pledge I was going to do it, so I had to deliver for the kids.
KAGAN: And that you did. Your first but perhaps not your last. Might there be a public speaking career out there waiting for you, George?
SMITH: I don't know, but if there's someone out there that wants to hear me, then I'm willing to do it. KAGAN: All right, you got the word out here on CNN, a lots of folks watching. George Smith, congratulations on a great commencement speech in St. Louis and thanks for joining us here this morning.
SMITH: Thank you for having me.
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