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Norm Highter has served the Norfolk Academy community for more than half a century, loving every minute. Highter, who works in the Maintenance Department, completed 50 years at NA in June. He is embarking on his 51st year this school year. That makes him the longest-tenured member of the Academy family, faculty or staff. When Head of School Travis Larrabee recognized Highter at Opening Meetings, he received a rousing standing ovation.

Highter is much more than a talented fix-it man for technical problems. He is a friend who always moves around campus with a smile on his face. He grew up in Philadelphia, then moved to the Hampton Roads area with his grandmother. He learned the building maintenance trade as a young man, and when a job opened up under then-Headmaster J.B. Massey in 1974, he jumped at the opportunity. He has now worked for four heads of school - Massey, John Tucker, Dennis Manning, and Larrabee - and is quick to offer appreciation to each. That appreciation extends to his Maintenance team, which includes Manager Joe Robinson, who has been at NA for 35 years, and Director of Buildings and Grounds Jason Watson '01, who was a student when he first met Highter.

Please learn more about Norm!

Do you remember why you wanted to be at Norfolk Academy?
“It was always a good place to work. The kids have always been great. They always treat me with respect."

What do you enjoy most about working here?
“The people. The kids are great, the teachers and staff are great, and the heads of the school are great."

You're a big Dallas Cowboys fan. How'd that happen living around Philadelphia and Norfolk?
“I liked Bob Hayes (a gold medal sprinter and pro football Hall of Famer who was a Cowboys receiver in the 1960s and 1970s). And Too Tall Jones (a Cowboys great in the '70s and '80s). 

You're always full of energy, even after 50 years on the job. Any secrets to staying young?
“I don't know, there's no secret. God looks out for me. I'm also with a great team." (He also has 10 grandchildren and five great grandchildren who help keep him busy).