Mr. Henry W. Hamilton has worked as an educator for about 60 years. About 50 years of his career were spent as the principal of Whitney Houston Academy (formerly known as Franklin School) in Doddtown section of East Orange, New Jersey. He's worked for almost 20 years past retirement age because he simply loves the job. "They keep me up," Hamilton said about the K - 8th grade students. 

Mr. Hamilton is always there, having never missed a day during his first 33 years on the job. His iron man attendance didn't go unnoticed by the state Department of Education, which honored Mr. Hamilton with a distinguished service award in 2006. "I just take it one day at a time,'' Mr. Hamilton said.

It is almost impossible to estimate the lives he's touched in real numbers. He was my principal and my son's principal, too. In my almost 56 years of life, I've never heard a bad word said about Mr. Hamilton. In fact, the opposite is true. Former teachers, students and parents all recall him like family.

At 83 years old, Mr. Hamilton still goes to work every day where he taught and is still the principal. He could have retired years ago for more money than he makes working, but then he wouldn't be working.

Mr. Hamilton still enjoys time spent in the community and is a fixture throughout the area. I think it is high time to give him his flowers. Please sign this petition that I will forward to Mayor Ted Green of East Orange, New Jersey. (We went to high school together and worked at McDonald's together!)

Mr. Hamilton was a guiding force for enlightenment, education, safety, responsibility and preparedness. Let's make that last forever! SIGN TODAY!