Meade County Schools is proud to announce that John Wayne Ditto has been named a 2025 Greenwave Classified Legacy Award honoree, recognizing more than 45 years of service and dedication to the students, staff, and community of Meade County.
A 1977 graduate of Meade County High School, John Wayne began his career with the district immediately after graduation when then-principal Vernon Wilson invited him to start work the following Monday. He had already spent his high school summers working for the district, and on August 1, 1977, he officially joined the staff full-time.
For the next 31 years, John Wayne served as a custodian, retiring on June 30, 2008. His commitment to Meade County Schools didn’t end there. He returned in December 2017 and served until June 2022, and once again came back in May 2024 as a substitute custodian — a role he continues today.
Over the past four decades, John Wayne has been a familiar face at countless MCHS football and basketball games, showing his unwavering support for Greenwave athletics. Known for his warm personality and community spirit, he remains connected with friends across the district, often visiting with cafeteria staff when they let him know one of his favorite meals is being served.
His work ethic and pride in his job have set a lasting example for others. Whether tackling a tough task or sharing a smile in the hallway, John Wayne embodies the values of service, dedication, and community.
When presented with the award, John Wayne humbly reflected, “I never dreamed there would be a custodian’s name on that plaque.” His name now stands alongside other honorees as a permanent reminder of the impact one person can make through a lifetime of service.
Superintendent Dr. Mark Martin praised Ditto’s contributions, saying, “John Wayne’s love for his work and his community is evident in everything he does. We are proud to honor him as a Greenwave Legacy Award recipient and grateful for his decades of commitment to Meade County Schools.”
Meade County Schools congratulates John Wayne Ditto on this well-deserved recognition and thanks him for his extraordinary dedication to the Greenwave family.