Every school has its quiet heroes—the people who make sure classrooms are ready, hallways shine, and learning can begin each morning without distraction. At Macomb High School, one of those heroes is Fred Nartey, whose journey from Cameroon to Western Illinois has been shaped by hard work, resilience, and an ever-present gift: the ability to make people smile.

Fred came to the United States from Cameroon in 1993, landing first in Chicago before heading to Burlington, Iowa, to study at community college on scholarship. He pursued automotive studies, worked in industry for several years, and later transferred to Western Illinois University to study engineering technology. When he arrived in Macomb in 2004, he took on part-time custodial work with the school district, eventually becoming a full-time custodian that same summer.

It’s a role he has embraced for more than two decades. While his work involves sweeping floors, cleaning classrooms, and the all-hands-on-deck job of stripping and rewaxing every floor each summer, Fred sees his real mission as something more: creating an environment where students feel cared for and where learning can happen. “You can’t learn effectively in a classroom that’s a mess,” he explains. His presence ensures that Macomb’s schools are ready for students to succeed.

But Fred’s impact goes far beyond clean floors. He is part of the heartbeat of the school, known by name in the hallways. “I hear kids call out, ‘What’s up, Fred?’ and it makes me feel good,” he says with a smile. He doesn’t just return their greetings—he offers encouragement, kindness, and a bit of humor. “I try as much as possible to at least get somebody to smile,” he says. “It makes me feel blessed”.

That simple philosophy—bringing joy to others—has become something of a superpower. Students and staff alike associate Fred with positivity, a reminder that dignity and kindness matter as much as academics in shaping the culture of a school.

Fred still carries with him memories of Cameroon, where community bonds are strong and people’s lives are more deeply intertwined. He reflects on the differences between cultures with wisdom and gentleness. “Here, there’s more individuality,” he notes, whereas in his hometown, neighbors and families remain closely connected. Yet he sees more similarities than differences. “People are people,” Fred says. “We have more in common than our differences. Way more”.

That perspective—gained across continents—has only deepened his appreciation for life in Macomb. For more than 20 years, Fred has been part of the foundation on which the district’s daily life is built. His work, often unnoticed in the busyness of the school day, is essential. His presence, however, is unforgettable.

Whether it’s the shine of a freshly waxed hallway or the lightness of a hallway smile, Fred’s contributions reflect a truth that resonates across classrooms and cultures alike: education is not only about teachers and students, but also about the people who make the environment safe, clean, and welcoming.

Fred Nartey’s story is a reminder that belonging is not always about where you’re from, but about where you choose to plant your life and share your gifts. For Macomb, those gifts include hard work, steady care, and above all, a smile that has brightened the hallways for more than two decades.