Beloved Avon Schools Custodian Gets Big Sendoff

AVON LAKE, OH — Phil White has been a fixture in the Avon Schools since 2004.

White, 65, has been a custodian in the district for nearly 15 years. His run in the school system is coming to a close in 2020 though, with White set to retire on Dec. 30.

“I love what I do,” said White. "I love seeing the kids and the staff. I take pride in my work. Seeing the kids and making them smile, makes me smile.”

White also brought plenty of joy to the students and staff. He was well-known for his "magic tricks." He said his magic is closer to a balancing act.

“The kids think I can do magic, but that’s OK,” he said. “The kids love it when I do things for them. I am going to miss that. The kids are all so polite and when they say ‘hi’ to me, well that just makes my day. You never know what someone might be going through and even something as simple as someone saying ‘hi’ can really make a person’s day.”

But White's departure didn't go unnoticed.

Last week, the district celebrated "Mr. White Day." Students and staff wore purple and gold to honor the custodian, while staff at the Avon Early Learning Center, where White works, wore custom T-shirts that read "We Heart Mr. White."

At the end of the day, kindergartners and preschool students lined up outside the building. A Tesla SUV was waiting for White and drove him around the parking lot while students and staff cheered. White was then driven around Avon in the SUV, one of his favorite vehicles.

Ultimately, White and his wife plan to move to Alabama to be with family. The couple have three daughters and seven grandchildren.

When he's gone, White hopes some of the children and staff remember him as "A smiling face, kindness and caring.”