SWANNANOA, N.C. — Head custodian Raymond Bethea puts on his captain hat as he gets ready for another day at Community High School. He’s been a part of the school for a decade. 

What You Need To Know

  • Raymond Bethea hasn’t just helped make Community High School look impeccable, he’s also changed the way those who walk in it feel
  • Buncombe County Schools recently recognized him for his effort and encouragement toward the students’ academic experiences
  • Bethea encourages students when they're thinking about quitting

“I feel like a hero,” Bethea said with a smile. 

The halls of this Swannanoa school would certainly agree.

“Ray All Day, that's what they like to call me,” Bethea said. “But again, Captain Ray is the new thing now.”

Captains ensure that cargo and passengers are safe while en route to their destination. Bethea leaves no passenger behind while completing his duties as a faculty member. 

“They want attention, and I think we all do in life,” Bethea said. “So, I try to be the one to give them that attention, especially in the morning when they’re coming in.”“They want attention, and I think we all do in life,” Bethea said. “So, I try to be the one to give them that attention, especially in the morning when they’re coming in.”

“I always look forward to seeing him in the mornings,” student Sarah Curry said.

Conversations, high-fives and words of encouragement go a long way but sometimes even just a smile.

“He always has really meaningful conversations with people,” Curry said. “I don't talk a lot, so I don't get to know him a lot, but he's always nice to me anyway.”

“I go through the classrooms here, at one point I come out and I do the hall here with Leroy,” Bethea said, referring to his floor scrubber. “Take it and make a clean sweep.”

He hasn’t just made the school look impeccable, he’s also changed the way those who walk in it feel. 

“Some kids have been at spots in their life when they wanted to give up on their education, and I encouraged them … just stay,” Bethea said. “I too, in 11th grade wanted to drop out. Somewhere in there, I found a spark of hope that said ‘hey, don’t quit now. Just get it done.’ And I got it done, and I let them know they can do the same thing. There’s always hope.”

That hope is something he found, and he wants to lead the way for others. 

“I had people that believed in me, and so I try to believe in a lot of these kids and let them know that I believe in you, you can make it. There’s been some that have actually graduated because I encouraged them, and they were really ready to throw the towel in on graduating,” Bethea said.

Bethea said he can relate to some of the hardships he sees the students experience.

“Everyone needs a second chance in life,” Bethea said. “I was glad to have one.”

Every letter, visit and note from former students gives Bethea a glimpse into what he’s done for CHS. 

“It’s one thing to make an impression, but it’s another thing to impact somebody,” Bethea said.