Sanders, McArtor honored for decades of service at Huntington

Henry Sanders and Gerald McArtor heard their names called over Huntington Elementary School’s intercom on Dec. 12 requesting them to move tables in the library.
 
They walked through the library doors stunned to see a room full of smiling faces.
 
The two custodians are retiring at the end of December after serving the Huntington community for multiple decades. Sanders has worked with Lincoln Public Schools for 39 years, nine months, and has been at Huntington for 38 of those years. McArtor has been employed by LPS for 27 years and has walked Huntington’s halls since 2002.
 
Sanders and McArtor both said they were deeply appreciative of the surprise retirement party. Huntington teachers, administrators and staff members lined one end of the library, and members of the district’s custodial services administrative team stood on the other end. Roland Sanders greeted his younger brother with a hug as applause rained down from everyone in the room.
 
“It made me numb,” McArtor said. “This was just awesome. It makes you feel good that people truly care.”
 
“I love everybody here,” Sanders said. “It’s a big family. Everybody’s truly my family. They’re my brothers and sisters.”
 
Huntington Executive Secretary Terese Anderson said Sanders and McArtor have made a major impact on many lives. She said their upbeat attitudes have inspired students, staff and parents at school.
 
“These two men are part of the Huntington family and will truly be missed,” Anderson said. “They are loved by all! They are known for being so positive and never complaining. They deserve all the recognition they can get.”
 
John Salisbury is the supervisor of custodial services at LPS. He graduated in the same Northeast High School class as Sanders in 1981 and began working as a custodian for the district on Aug. 22, 1994. His first assignment was at Huntington and Sanders was his first boss.
 
“Henry’s encouragement 30 years ago is the reason I’m here in my current job today,” Salisbury told the audience. “His dedication to this building is unrivaled, and I’m proud to call him a friend.”
 
Sanders grew up in Lincoln and attended elementary classes at both Huntington and the former Mary O’Connor Elementary School at 40th and Adams streets. He was grateful for the support he received from neighbors and teachers during his childhood, and he wanted to show his appreciation for their kind actions as an adult. Working as a custodian at Huntington was the perfect way to do that.
 
“I went to kindergarten here,” Sanders said. “This has always been a home for me. I’ve always enjoyed being here.”
 
Several generations of Huntington students have watched Sanders handle a wide range of jobs at school. Cleaning the cafeteria, scooping snow and moving desks have all been part of his assignment list. Anderson said even though the tasks have been different every day, the smile on Sanders’ face has never changed.
 
“I refer to Henry as St. Henry of Huntington,” Anderson said. “He truly is!”
 
McArtor began working as a custodian at Randolph Elementary School in 1996. He spent time at Prescott Elementary School before moving to Huntington in 2002. He said he has appreciated every minute of his experience.
 
“I’ve loved everything,” McArtor said. “Literally everything. It’s been such a good time here. I’ve enjoyed being around everyone and getting to see the kids grow up. I’ve just enjoyed working here and getting to talk with the people in the building.”
 
Tari Cox works as a custodian at Zeman Elementary School and has known McArtor for many years. She smiled as she watched him talk with many well-wishers in the library. She was proud of the way he has helped hundreds of others in his profession.
 
“He’s the nicest man,” Cox said. “He’s done such a good job.”
 
McArtor and Sanders said they are both planning to remain busy during retirement. McArtor said one of his top goals will be to watch and attend NASCAR events. He said he has been a lifelong racing fan and would like to travel to many of the sport’s top tracks.
 
Sanders will spend time on several hobbies around the house. He is planning to complete some home maintenance projects in his free time, and he is looking forward to painting pictures. He is also an avid gardener and will be growing marigolds, tiger lilies and other plants.
 
Salisbury told Sanders and McArtor they would be missed at Huntington and would always be part of the LPS family. He hoped the surprise reception provided them with a glimpse of how big of an impact they have made on people.
 
And, happily, they did not have to move any tables in the library during or after their retirement party.
 
“Thank you on behalf of LPS,” Salisbury said. “Thank you for everything.”
 
Do you have a story idea? Share it with the LPS Communications Team by filling out this form!

---