BARTOW COUNTY, Ga. (WTHR) — An 81-year-old custodian in Georgia is finally getting a promotion after his efforts to meet a necessary requirement.
Herbert Perkinson never received a high school diploma. After five years as a custodian at Woodland Middle School, he was being considered for the position of head janitor, but he needed a high school diploma or GED to qualify.
"It broke my heart and his that we couldn't offer him the position at the time," principal Michael Blankenship told WXIA.
All that changed after Blankenship encouraged him to take classes to earn his GED. His daughter helped him study. He got the GED and the new job.
"I never would have tried to get it, but he wanted me to take this position," Perkinson said of Blankenship.
The school honored Perkinson for his accomplishments, and he received a standing ovation as the principal announced his new position.