With tears of joy in his eyes, Richard Goodall returned to the very place where his journey as an inspirational gatekeeper began. The pep rally held in his honor left him utterly speechless, as the students of West Vigo County Schools came together to celebrate his incredible crowning achievement on *America’s Got Talent*. The emotional homecoming was a powerful moment, filled with pride and admiration for the janitor-turned-champion, whose story continues to inspire

“I love you,” Aria Williams, 4, said to Richard Goodall on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, after they posed for a group photo following a pep rally in Goodall’s honor. Goodall was crowned the America’s Got Talent champion on Tuesday. Teacher Michelle Cassagne says Williams and the rest of her classmates in the Vikes and Tikes Early Learning Center are big fans of Goodall and enjoyed watching his performances.

Middle and high school students from West Vigo County Schools celebrate Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, their school janitor Richard Goodall, who was crowned the America’s Got Talent champion on Tuesday, during a pep rally in the Green Dome, the school’s gym.

Richard Goodall accepts a key to the city of Terre Haute on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, during a pep rally in his honor inside the school’s Green Dome gymnasium. Goodall was crowned the America’s Got Talent champion on Tuesday.

Ahead of a pep rally in his honor Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, Richard Goodall, who was crowned the America’s Got Talent champion on Tuesday, sits and chats with a group of West Vigo County Schools cheerleaders.

Richard Goodall, who was crowned the America’s Got Talent champion on Tuesday, gets a hug Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, from Vigo County School Corporation Superintendent Dr. Chris Himsel as he makes his way to his seat on stage during a pep rally in Goodall’s honor.

Vigo County Commissioner Chris Switzer congratulates Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, school janitor Richard Goodall, who was crowned the America’s Got Talent champion on Tuesday, during a pep rally in Goodall’s honor held inside the Green Dome, the school’s gym.

Richard Goodall, who was crowned the America’s Got Talent champion on Tuesday, speaks Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, during a pep rally in his honor held inside the school’s gym.

Richard Goodall becomes emotional Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, during a pep rally in his honor after he was crowned the America’s Got Talent champion on Tuesday.

Richard Goodall shows a heart symbol with his hands towards the school children Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, during a pep rally in his honor inside the West Vigo High School’s Green Dome gymnasium. Goodall was crowned the America’s Got Talent champion on Tuesday.

Students from West Vigo County Schools celebrate Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, their school janitor Richard Goodall, who was crowned the America’s Got Talent champion on Tuesday, during a pep rally in the Green Dome, the school’s gym.

Middle and high school students from West Vigo County Schools celebrate and take photos with school janitor Richard Goodall on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, after a pep rally in the Green Dome, the school’s gym. Goodall was crowned the America’s Got Talent champion on Tuesday.

Katie Shane, Vigo County Schools’ chief communications officer, helps adjust a couple mics Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, after a pep rally in Goodall’s honor held inside the Green Dome, the school’s gym.

After a pep rally in his honor Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, Richard Goodall, who was crowned the America’s Got Talent champion on Tuesday, shows off some fun trinkets back into his office inside West Vigo County Schools.

After a pep rally in his honor Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, Richard Goodall, who was crowned the America’s Got Talent champion on Tuesday, points to a photo of his wife, Angie, back into his office inside West Vigo County Schools.