Singing elementary school custodian spreads cheer in the hallways with voice

— -- Wilbert Knight, a custodian at Pugliese West Elementary School in Steubenville, Ohio, brings joy to the staff and students with his lovely singing voice.

“He’s an inspiration to all of us. Not only to the kids, but to our staff,” Principal Lynnett Gorman told ABC News. “In a world where kids are sometimes lacking a positive male role model, Mr. Knight has really shown to be that for them. The kids love him. They give him hugs, he greets them with songs and they greet him with smiles. We’re pretty lucky to have him.”

Knight has been working in the school system for more than 22 years. His favorite part of the job?

“I love the kids. I love seeing them smile and seeing them happy,” he told ABC News.

And he sure is good at it. They are greeted each morning with the smooth sounds of his voice rolling through the hallways.

“When I first get here in the morning I can hear it echoing through the halls and it always brightens our day,” said Jared Robinson, a second-grade teacher at the school.

Robinson posted a video of Knight singing “Happy Birthday” to a fellow coworker as part of their “staff spotlight,” in which they highlight an employee on the school’s Facebook page “so the community gets to know everyone that works in our building," said Robinson.

The video went viral with more than 4,000 views, so the school continued to post more.

“That’s just Mr. Knight spreading his positive message,” said Robinson.

Knight, 61, can’t believe the attention his talent is bringing.

“I just want to touch people’s hearts,” he said. “I’m going to keep on singing. I’m not going to stop. That’s my gift from God.”

He said his favorite artist to sing is Luther Vandross, but on Sundays you can catch him singing gospel with his church choir.

“I’m a gospel singer. That’s what I do,” said a proud Knight.