WOODBURY — When the halls are silent, the rooms are empty, and he’s clocked out for the day, he sometimes makes his way to the agriscience building and into the large animal lab where he checks in on the pregnant pigs at Nonnewaug.
That’s not at all part of custodian Clayton Hilpertshauser’s job title, but that’s the type of person he is.
“There’s so many words that I could use to describe him,” says Kathleen Gorman, the agricultural production teacher. “Clayton is reliable, kind, and efficient.”
Working at Nonnewaug for the last four years, Hilpertshauser has developed many trusting relationships with staff and students, including those in the agriscience department.
“When we had sows that were about to give birth, he’d be the last one in the building, so he’d check on them every single time before he left the building,” said Gorman. “He would text us, ‘Everything’s good,’ or ‘She’s in labor, time to go,’ and if an animal was in labor, he would not leave the building even if he was already done with his shift.”
Hilpertshauser is eager to help when it comes to the needs of staff and students. In the ag department, there are many responsibilities, and he’s always offering his time, even when it comes to moving heavy items, setting up for alumni meetings, and taking pressure off the staff when they have things piling up.
“He’s been so reliable,” said Gorman. “He’s always had our back and he’s always that friendly face.”
There is a reason for his constant positivity and ever-present smile.
“The kids make it that way,” Hilpertshauser said. “It’s fun working with all the kids.”
“He’s always positive, and that’s the best part,” said David Green, Nonnewaug wellness instructor. “He never seems like he’s had a bad day; he’s always willing to just jump in and help. He really can get along with everybody, and not a lot of people can do that.”
Hilpertshauser didn’t always work as a custodian, though the Bethlehem native knew all along he wanted to help in his community one way or another.
“I wanted to come inside and get out of the weather,” said Hilpertshauser, after years of working in construction and town service prior to coming to Nonnewaug as one of NHS’ most well-known custodians. “I enjoy being inside and working with people.”
Thanks to Nonnewaug’s custodians, the main building and the agriscience building are kept clean and tidy on a daily basis — with approximately 660 students attending Nonnewaug this year and making a mess all day long.
“There’s plenty of work to be done,” said Hilpertshauser, who’s responsible for not only maintaining multiple sections of campus, but he’s also a daytime custodian, assisting with lunch waves and other high-traffic areas of the building.
“He’s dedicated; he comes to work every day,” said Brian Boccio, head custodian at NHS. “He enjoys what he does, which I think is very good. He does whatever is asked of him, and that’s a good man.”
Hilpertshauser is known for his thoroughness in cleaning the school. He goes to lengths as far as hand scrubbing students’ desks and even watering teachers’ classroom plants during winter break.
“His ability to do whatever is asked and he doesn’t question it,” said Boccio, regarding Hilpertshauser’s understanding disposition. “That makes him different. He’s able to let things go a little easier, whereas I like everything just right.”
“He goes above and beyond,” said Green. “He’s constantly asking me what we need or what he can do to help.”
Usually on lunch duty for each of the three waves, Hilpertshauser ensures the cafeteria is prepared for students, washes tables, and keeps everything in check, a big responsibility and a blessing for students and cafeteria saff.
“He’s one of the most helpful people around here,” said Pam Wendt, one of Nonnewaug’s kitchen staff members. “I think he’s good at what he does because he knows this school the best.”
“He’s just kind. He goes out of his way to take care of the staff here. It’s heartwarming,” said Gorman. “I would do anything for Clayton.”
