On Friday, August 29, the PHS student body, along with staff members and honored alumni, bid farewell to Head Janitor Kevin Moon as he completed his last day in the halls before retirement. Moon has been working within our building for the previous 42 years with a hat on his head and a smile on his face.
To recognize Moon, Principal Ed Wagner hosted a pep session where Moon was invited to receive an honor. As students filed into the gym, the Pride of Paoli drumline played to build excitement.
“He’s the most reliable person I know, and I never had to worry about getting a job done because of him,” said Wagner.
After Wagner spoke, he invited other speakers to come and pay tribute to Moon.
Other speakers who talked about their time working with Moon included former Athletic Director Darrell Newkirk, former PHS Principal Jerry Stroud, U.S. History teacher Chris Lindley, and current Athletic Director Darek Newkirk. Newkirk awarded Moon a lifetime pass to all future athletic events.
Stroud discussed the beginning of his career when Moon was a student at the school.
“He’s a very hard worker, and he’s very proud of the work that he does. You can learn as much from a guy like this as you can from anybody else in this building,” said Stroud.
“People would come to visit our school, and they would talk about how good it looked. Do you know why? It was because of guys like him,” said Newkirk.
Staff Member Chris Lindley shared his thoughts and appreciation as well.
As a surprise to Moon, Wagner brought Happy George from Happy George’s Singing Telegram to serenade him on the floor with two songs, the second being “You are my Sunshine.”
Moon reflected on his career by talking about being nervous when he first started, but growing into being a part of PHS.
“You know, 42 years is a long time, but really, I’ve been a part of this for much longer,” said Moon.
To celebrate his last day, the students and staff took part in an honorary hat day to recognize the time and hard work he has put in over the last four decades. With hats filling the halls and the clapping and cheering filling the gymnasium, it was clear that Kevin Moon’s hat would be hard to fill.
