Since the moment a student steps into the school, the ground has no leaves, the grass is completely mowed, and the scent of flowers is filling the air. This is all thanks to groundskeeper William Hamilton who has been a Titan family for almost 10 years. He is retiring this month.
Over the years, Hamilton’s hard work, dedication, and passion has provided a clean and organized environment for students, tirelessly waking up at 4:40 a.m. every morning to arrive on campus at 5:30 a.m. to mow all 5 fields, use the leaf blower to collect leaves off the ground as well as doing maintenance around the campus like trimming any overgrown plants.
Although Hamilton is very happy with his position, in June he will be turning 70 years old, and his new house in Washington has influenced his decision to retire.
Hamilton’s entire career has been filled with hard work.Before working here, he received a degree in ornamental horticulture which focuses on growing and using plants for decorative and environmental purposes.
After earning his degree, he rana landscaping business for 20 years, William Hamilton Landscaping located in Rancho Penasquitos.
Once assigned to Poway High, Hamilton got to know head custodian Pete Cypher, and they have become friends.
“We are going to miss him, the campus will not be the same without him,” Cypher said.
One of Hamilton’s favorite memories was when Principa Richard Nash invited him to a staff meeting on April 9, to congratulate him on his retirement and say thank you and a final goodbye. When Hamilton arrived he was asked to speak, where he was able to talk about his experience at Poway High School and received a standing ovation.
“I have never worked with a groundskeeper who takes so much pride in the way that the campus looks, he is irreplaceable,” Assistant Principal, Michael Gizzo said.
Hamilton is looking forward to is the free time he will have in retirement, as well as building his collection of coins and stamps. He is excited to pursue new hobbies like public speaking in church, hiking, reading, and writing.
