LaRue County Schools Custodian Awarded for Kindness, Positivity

“If you love your job, you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” This common saying seems like a dream for many, but for Marty Smith, that saying guides his life. As a custodian for LaRue County Schools, Smith looks for opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others. For him, it’s not part of the job; it’s part of his DNA.

“If it’s something you love, it’s not work,” Smith said. “Each day, I love coming to work because of the great culture we have in the schools.

His passion for the students, the LaRue County schools community, and his “not work” is what made him the perfect candidate for the 2023 FRED Award. The FRED Award is inspired by well-known author Mark Sanborn and named in honor of Fred Shea, the subject of Sanborn's national bestseller, The Fred Factor.

FRED Award Recipients embody the four principles of The Fred Factor — an individual who chooses to make a positive difference each day, has a heart for people, changes ordinary moments into memorable ones, and leads by example.

According to LaRue County Schools Superintendent David Raleigh, Smith is the essence of the Fred Factor principles.

“When you consider the small moments Marty transforms into memorable moments - it is truly amazing. He goes above and beyond making sure that everyone who crosses his path is left having a better day than they would have otherwise,” Raleigh siad.

Smith said his habitual kindness comes from how he was raised.

“I learned how to be kind from my parents, they would always tell us, ‘be kind to everyone you meet’,” he said. “My dad, I can remember as clearly as yesterday, would always smile at everyone. So I try to be positive everyday when I see the preschoolers or high schoolers. I love this job and have a wonderful team I get to work with.”

Smith hopes that by doing unto others and showing positivity, he can help others have a brighter day.

“I want kids to have a nice, warm and clean place to come to school,” he said. “And when they remember me, I hope they reflect that I was a positive influence and someone who made their day just a little bit better. Each day I try hard to make a difference and now I’m going to try even harder after being awarded this honor.”

Smith and other FRED Award finalists were recognized at a dinner ceremony Monday March 6, 2023 sponsored by Magnolia Bank. Smith will now be nominated to the Kentucky Association of School Administrators for the Kentucky FRED Award. The State-wide winner will be announced at the KASA Annual Leadership Institute in July.