He did it. The singing janitor has won the hearts of America, and now he’s won the $1 million grand prize.

Terre Haute native Richard Goodall may have won in California, but many think this a big win for the Terre Haute community.

“He is the epitome of everything Terre Haute is,” said Pacesetters Sports owner, Brent Compton. “The whole thing has been a fairytale not just for him, but for his whole community, and he shared it with us.”

While the Terre Haute community is thrilled for Richard, nothing beats the excitement of “Mr. Goodall’s” own students.

“The students go off the bus this morning and asking me all about if we watched, if the watched it,” said Christopher Tanner, Principal of West Vigo Middle School. “One girl even told me she cried during the final presentation last night. Our students have been very excited about it.”

Not only filled with excitement, but West Vigo Middle School students are excitedly waiting for Mr. Goodall’s return to school.

“It’s amazing to see somebody follow their dreams,” said Bailey Rodgers, 6th grader at West Vigo. “I love to see people get their goals, set their goals, and I am so excited for when he is going to be back at school.”

And the Terre Haute community is confident that Richard’s journey on America’s Got Talent will continue to inspire those for years to come.

“It makes me think if he can accomplish a goal, a lot of people can too,” said Darren Watts, a student at West Vigo Middle School. “And so can I.”