Moody Elementary School students surprise custodian Eugene Hinton (center) with cards and banners for Custodian’s Day. Photo courtesy of MES

What started out as a small gesture of appreciation has turned into a worldwide phenomenon. 

Moody Elementary School’s Counselor, Ainsley Fraser, sent an email to the staff reminding them that October 2 was “Custodian’s Day”.  She told them that it would be a great opportunity for all of the classes to show Eugene “Mr. Eugene” Hinton, the custodian, their appreciation. 

“Mr. Eugene” has been the custodian at MES for around four years. He has five children between the ages of 15 and 23.  One of his children attends Alabama    A & M.

From there the teachers each came up with their own unique gift.  The third grade teachers decided to surprise Mr. Eugene with a grade level presentation of cards and banners. 

They called Mr. Eugene to the annex gym to clean up what they called “a big mess”.  When he arrived he came with his usual smile and quiet manner and said simply “Is it really bad?” to determine what cleaning items he would need to complete his job. 

When he entered the gym the entire grade cheered and chanted his name.  Mr. Eugene was overwhelmed to the point of tears.  He placed his hand on his heart and smiled.  After their presentations he moved between the rows of students giving high fives and handshakes.

From that moment the video has become a viral sensation shared by millions, including Ludacris and Jada Pinkett Smith.  The story has been shared by David Muir on ABC World News Tonight, and again on the Rachel Ray Show, Right This Minute, and Good Morning America.  

The school has been contacted by The Steve Harvey Show, The Ellen Show, People Magazine, and several others. 

“In a world with so many bad things going on, a story like Eugene’s touches people’s hearts,” said Moody Elementary School Principal Kathy Tice.