Twenty-six years ago, Charles Clark took a custodial job at Trinity High School in Euless, Texas, thinking it would be a temporary stop until he found something better.

But just weeks into the job, while pushing a mop through the halls and saying hello to the students, he changed his mind.

I learned right away that working here was a gift, says Clark, now 65 and head custodian at the school. Id found a place in life where I could make a real difference.

And he has.

Now, when Trinitys 2,400 students are asked to name the most influential person at their school, Clarks name is always at the top of the list.

The affable custodian has mentored hundreds of teens in need of a father figure; taken students into his home when family disputes left them with no place to stay; and purchased shoes, food and even prom outfits for kids in need.

Without Mr. Clark here at Trinity, I feel like a lot of kids hes helped may have dropped out, says Emilyn Stebbing, 16. Mr. Clark is more than just a janitor, hes an inspiration.