Since opening its doors nearly three years ago, Steve Glenn has been the quiet yet essential backbone of Harrisburg's Bulldog Early Learning Academy (BELA). You won’t find him front and center at school events, nor will you see him sitting criss-cross apple-sauce on the brightly colored carpets mingling with young learners. But rest assured, every morning before 7:30 a.m., when the first pint-sized feet shuffle into the building, Steve has already set the stage for another productive day at BELA.

From ensuring the floors gleam like a mirror to making sure the lunchroom's warmer is ready for action, Steve’s presence is as reliable as the sunrise. Officially, his title is ""Day Shift Custodian,"" but his unofficial roles include mentor, listener, and BELA’s very own jack-of-all-trades. When something goes wrong, like a wobbly cafeteria table or a loose door hinge, Steve is there, often with a quick fix and always with a smile.

“I get here around 6:30 each morning, and by the time the doors open, everything is ready,” Steve explains. “But the best part of the day is when the kids start arriving. They come in, all excited, and it just sets the tone.”

And “Mr. Steve” is a beloved figure among BELA’s youngest learners. They call him by name, giving him waves and high-fives as they march through the hallways. There’s a reason why the kids love him: Steve always makes time for them, whether it’s a quick chat in the lunchroom or helping with a task around the school. For Steve, the little moments matter, and that shows.

Hailing from Creal Springs, Steve wasn’t originally from Harrisburg, but you’d never know it. He’s spent so many years helping the town's schools that it feels like he’s always been part of the community. In fact, Steve has been with the district full-time since 1998, but his connection goes back further—subbing as a custodian in the years before, handling everything from second shifts to covering school events.

The work is often quiet, rarely glamorous, but Steve finds joy in every small task. He even brings a bit of creative flair to BELA’s hallways. For example, during a recent themed event, Steve was the mastermind behind the school’s custom-built “blue truck” display—a playful, eye-catching piece inspired by the children’s book, which had the students grinning from ear to ear.

Ask him what keeps him going after all these years, and Steve’s answer is simple: “The kids.” It’s not just the satisfaction of a job well done, but the relationships he’s built along the way. From the students to the staff, everyone knows “Mr. Steve” as the guy who’s always there—whether it’s to get the job done or to share a laugh.

With a career spanning over 25 years and no plans of slowing down, Steve Glenn embodies the spirit of service and care that makes Harrisburg’s BELA a special place for its littlest learners. And while he’ll humbly insist that his role isn’t much, the truth is this: BELA wouldn’t be quite the same without him.