Brand-new toys from Disney, Marvel and more!

Open menu

  • Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2023 ABC News
  • Living

School celebrates beloved custodian with 'Mr. Ricky Day,' surprise pep rally

VIDEO: School celebrates beloved custodian in special way
0:46
School celebrates beloved custodian in special way
ABCNews.com
ByKatie Kindelan
February 15, 2019, 3:07 pm

A school custodian who was called to the gym to clean up a “big mess” was instead surprised with an honor from the entire student body.

The idea to declare Feb. 14 "Mr. Ricky Day" came from two students at Tamarack Elementary School in Owensboro, Kentucky. The day honors the school's beloved custodian Ricky Young.

“We were waiting in the car ride line and we saw Mr. Ricky wiping water and blowing leaves off the playground,” said Addilyn Simpson, a fifth-grade student, about why she wanted to honor Young. “We just thought teachers get appreciation a lot but Mr. Ricky doesn’t.”

PHOTO: From left, Tamarack Elementary School head custodian Ricky Young poses with Superintendent Matt Robbins, Layliana Calmese and Addilyn Simpson.
From left, Tamarack Elementary School head custodian Ricky Young poses with Superintendent Matt Robbins, Layliana Calmese and Addilyn Simpson.
Tamarack Elementary School

Editor’s Picks

This 58-year-old mom of 8 going back to school is the inspiration we all need

  • Feb 12, 2019

After a month-long fast, church pays off $100,000 in debt for 34 college students

  • Feb 15, 2019

Mom hopes to spark change with video of daughter’s walker getting stuck in the sand at playground

  • Feb 14, 2019

“He always just goes above and beyond at his job to make our school as clean as it is,” added Layliana Calmese, Addilyn’s fifth-grade classmate, who also organized the surprise. “When people come in the school they always compliment on how clean and nice the school is and that’s thanks to Mr. Ricky.”

(MORE: After a month-long fast, church pays off $100,000 in debt for 34 college students)

When Young entered the school’s gymnasium on Feb. 14, the 500-strong student body yelled, “Surprise,” and broke into song, changing the lyrics of “Hey Mickey” to “Hey Ricky.”

“They sure got me,” Young said of the surprise. “I was just overwhelmed and shocked.”

Young has been a custodian at the elementary school for nine years. He is known for giving students fist bumps, talking to them any time they need and always fielding requests from students who want to help him clean, according to Tamarack Elementary principal Carrie Munsey.

PHOTO: Tamarack Elementary School head custodian Ricky Young and principal Carrie Munsey pose on "Mr. Ricky Day."
Tamarack Elementary School head custodian Ricky Young and principal Carrie Munsey pose on "Mr. Ricky Day."
Tamarack Elementary School

“He’s the first one here every morning to start our day and make it safe and ready for learning,” Munsey said. “He treats our students with respect and he builds relationships with students and staff and they’re meaningful and genuine.”

(MORE: This 58-year-old mom of 8 going back to school is the inspiration we all need)

Munsey said when Addilyn and Layliana approached her with the idea to honor Young, she asked them to come back to her with a full proposal.

The students developed a full plan for the day, engaged their fifth-grade classmates and went to each grade to ask them to contribute, too.

PHOTO: Layliana Calmese, far left, and Addilyn Simpson pose with Ricky Young at Tamarack Elementary School.
Layliana Calmese, far left, and Addilyn Simpson pose with Ricky Young at Tamarack Elementary School.
Tamarack Elementary School

On Mr. Ricky Day, each grade presented Young with some type of handmade sentiment. One grade, for example, gave him a bucket filled with Lifesavers candies because he is their "lifesaver." Another grade gave him a cape, which he wore all day, because he is their superhero.

The school staff gave Young Reese’s Pieces because the school would be in pieces without him, according to Munsey.

PHOTO: Tamarack Elementary School celebrates head custodian Ricky Young on "Mr. Ricky Day."
Tamarack Elementary School celebrates head custodian Ricky Young on "Mr. Ricky Day."
Tamarack Elementary School

A state senator was on hand at the school assembly with a letter declaring Feb. 14 as Mr. Ricky Day. The teachers and staff also pitched in to clean the confetti after the assembly so Young could take the day off his normal duties.

Young, a diehard Kentucky Wildcats fan, was also given two tickets to a University of Kentucky basketball game.

PHOTO: Tamarack Elementary School head custodian Ricky Young was surprised with University of Kentucky basketball tickets.
Tamarack Elementary School head custodian Ricky Young was surprised with University of Kentucky basketball tickets.
Tamarack Elementary School

“That was just icing on the cake,” he said. “I know the kids like me and I love all the kids, but I never dreamed of anything like this.”

Editor’s Picks

This 58-year-old mom of 8 going back to school is the inspiration we all need

  • Feb 12, 2019

After a month-long fast, church pays off $100,000 in debt for 34 college students

  • Feb 15, 2019

Mom hopes to spark change with video of daughter’s walker getting stuck in the sand at playground

  • Feb 14, 2019
Up Next in Living—

Lunar watchers treated to the sight of 2023's last supermoon

September 29, 2023

Gen Z is burdened by student loan debt, and now many are facing payments for 1st time

September 29, 2023

Michigan music teachers bring orchestra to life for middle schoolers

September 28, 2023

Candace Kanavel to become 1st law enforcement officer to compete in Miss USA

September 28, 2023

Up Next in Living—

Lunar watchers treated to the sight of 2023's last supermoon

September 29, 2023

Gen Z is burdened by student loan debt, and now many are facing payments for 1st time

September 29, 2023

Michigan music teachers bring orchestra to life for middle schoolers

September 28, 2023

Candace Kanavel to become 1st law enforcement officer to compete in Miss USA

September 28, 2023

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2023 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2023 ABC News