Back in 2001, Alvin Randlett, a janitor at Sixth District Elementary School on Covington’s east side, retired after more than 30 years of working with the Covington Independent School District.
The man, who had attended school until 5th grade, and never got married, spent his days working and taking care of the people around him.
Randlett retired with over 300 days of sick leave, his friend Jeff Siska revealed, according to CNN.
He spent his free time as a field trip chaperone for the local school children, and he was always available to talk to and open his arms for a hug.
As Siska said, “people on the streets yelled out Alvin’s name and ran to him for a hug whether age 40 or age 10”.
After more than 30 years of dedication to his job as a school janitor, Randlett retired, but it seems he didn’t spend the money from his pension.
He didn’t own a car, so he walked around town, and he never wasted money on unnecessary expenses.
Why all that? Because he wanted to save it for the children. This would be his legacy.
After his death in 2015, it was revealed that his savings, which were more than $175k, would be donated to the victims of child abuse.
“It was Alvin’s last wish to help with those who can’t help themselves,” Siska told Cincinnati.com.
When the Kentucky Child Victims’ Trust Fund was notified of the donation, they were shocked.
They certainly didn’t expect to receive such a large amount of money, and, as Siska told CNN, the lady on the phone broke down into tears.
“The generous bequest from Mr. Randlett deserves never-ending remembrance and appreciation,” said Attorney General Andy Beshear.
“Mr. Randlett’s act allows the Child Victims’ Trust Fund to protect more Kentucky children from abuse and make a positive difference in the lives of thousands of Kentuckians for years to come.”
As Beshear said, thanks to such acts, it is made possible to train more and more responsible adults, who will follow his example in the future.
Sally Mills, a former 5th-grade teacher who used to know the janitor, explained, Alvin led by example. She told WCPO 9 News:
“Alvin has taught the children to open their arms and be a friend to all. Because he was.”
Indeed, Alvin was a friend to everybody who approached him, and this is what message he was trying to pass to the next generation.
His story is a reminder that it doesn’t matter what education level you’ve reached or how much money you make in your life, what only matters is being kind and caring for others.
And Alvin’s legacy is the best proof that he did exactly that. He made sacrifices in his life in order to help others after his passing.
“The man only had up to fifth grade education. This is a great example of how greatness does not have to come from material or intellectual success. Now the world will be able to know your name and learn from your character, Alvin,” someone commented about this story.
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