You know the school doesn’t clean itself up. You know that every time some teacher with exceptional facial hair and an outstanding ponytail leaves the water running and floods the Marine Science room, someone has to deal with it. You know that somehow, over the weekend, something magical happens; when you return on Monday, everything is perfectly organized and spotless.

The shrine that is WHBHS has been meticulously cared for and upheld, and if you don’t know him already, it’s time to meet the man behind the entire operation. His name is Mr. Duke Loftin… and he’s the real deal.

Perhaps you’re wondering what makes Duke so special. Is it his stellar attitude? Is it his incredible sense of humor? The simple answer is: he’s just a great guy. If you are someone who has been deprived of witnessing his spectacular abilities and amazing personality, stop by the science wing after school and be experience Duke’s genuine altruism, spontaneous comedy, and electrifying dance moves.

Chances are, you’ve never seen a spirited man of the custodial arts boogie down to Tribe Called Quest while mopping the floor. It is, to say the least, life-changing.

When asked about their opinions of Duke, our beloved teachers shared nothing but positive comments and adulation. It appears that a man of such great ability and kindness is universally revered and appreciated. When asked to describe the jovial janitor, Mr. Czartosieski (an accomplished and very wise reward teacher) was passionate about the fact that “he’s my brother… from another mother, of another color.”

Wow; truly powerful stuff.

Mr. Ski, for those who are unaware, doesn’t teach just Placement Calculus or just Functions; he enlightens his students in Advanced Placement and Advanced Functions. He also likes how “Duke takes care of my room. It’s always immaculate when I walk in in the morning and he does it right.” Amen to that.

When asked for a few minutes of his time to give brief interview for this laudatory article, the man himself proved yet again how great of a human being he truly is. As if it wasn’t difficult enough to actually find this custodial prophet, getting him to talk was essentially impossible. He was fairly busy at the time and commented on how he would like to, but simply didn’t want to draw too much attention to such a minute aspect of the school. What’s more, he also discussed the fact that he didn’t want to comment on any teachers or expose any of their inabilities to clean up after themselves. That, folks, is humility at its finest.

Many are unaware of the modest and dedicated man that walks these halls every day, without enough time to even comment on his duties as a janitor, his history at WHB, who his favorite teacher is, or which teacher makes the biggest messes. Sadly, the answers to these questions will forever be a mystery, due to the overwhelming humility that Duke exudes and values. But that’s why we love him.

So, on behalf of the staff and students at WHB, here’s a grand thank you to Duke for his continued hard work and positive attitude. His services are greatly appreciated and he is most definitely an asset to the entire school.

To the students, faculty, and alumni of WHB, your challenge is self-improvement. You should aspire, day after day, to become more like Duke Loftin, no matter who you are. Practice humility- starting right now.

At your earliest convenience, try to live your life a little more like Duke does. Whether it’s how to do your job effectively, jam out to 90’s rap, or simply be a better person, everyone could learn a thing or two from the king of all, Sir Duke.