Behind every clean hallway, every freshly mopped floor, and every sparkling surface is
not a team of mythical creatures, but one man: John Hagman, our Senior Custodian and Maintenance Technician. While we’re busy going about our school day, John is quietly (and relentlessly) battling the daily buildup of clutter, spills, and chaos that a high school naturally generates.
This is Core Butte High School, and believe it or not, our entire campus is maintained by just one person. From early mornings to late afternoons, John is the force keeping our spaces clean, safe, and functional. He takes care of everything—from fixing broken fixtures to hauling out bags of trash—all with dedication and without complaint.
When asked what he enjoys most about the job, John shared:
“Honestly? The quiet in the early mornings before everyone shows up. And maybe the fact that no two days are ever exactly the same.”
That calm might be brief, though. The school day quickly kicks into gear—and so does the mess. Some parts of campus require more attention than others, and John didn’t hesitate when asked which area is the toughest:
“The bathrooms. Hands down. Especially when students forget they’re not the only ones using them.”
And like any job, there are those small, frustrating moments that add up.
“Leaving trash next to the trash can instead of in it. You were so close!” he laughed, shaking his head.
But despite the challenges, John shows up every day with a work ethic that hasn’t gone unnoticed. More and more students are beginning to realize just how much he does.
“That sounds exhausting. He deserves way more recognition,” said Emily, a junior.
“We should be helping out more. I’m gonna be more careful about leaving trash around,” added Jacob, a sophomore.
“Wow, I never really thought about how clean the school is until now,” said Lila, a senior.
“He deserves a raise. Like, seriously,” said Noah, nodding in agreement.
So next time you walk down a spotless hallway or use a restroom that isn’t a disaster zone, remember: It didn’t clean itself. John did that. Whether it’s tightening a loose doorknob, replacing lightbulbs, or staying late to handle a last-minute emergency, John is the steady, unseen force keeping CORE in top shape.
Let’s show some appreciation for the man who keeps Core Butte running smoothly (and smelling decent). Whether it’s a quick “thank you” in passing or simply cleaning up after ourselves, every little act of respect makes a difference.