Authors: Alex Li, Karen Chen
Date: May 22, 2022
Mr. Padilla and Mr. Maldonado, two of the custodians on campus at EVHS
When it comes to the events and celebrations held on campus, the custodial staff are one of the key members to making sure EVHS school operations stay running smoothly. This year, with the return from distance learning and the ever looming presence of COVID, the custodians on campus have helped ensure the school year passes safely and successfully.
“They do everything. They’re the backbone. Right? They make sure that we have restrooms in function. They make sure we have equipment and that it’s there and working. They help us carry heavy things. They just, they do all the background work behind the stage that makes all the classrooms, the learning lounge, the gyms function and not fall apart,” said Ms. Y, the activities director at EVHS.
This year students have seen events such as BOTC, Homecoming, spirit days, and more on campus. During these events, different venues and areas on campus are used to host performances, activities, and even give out items. For example, the bleachers are often used for guests to sit on while watching sports and performances while the Cougar Grounds have been a popular locations for spirit day activities during lunch and dances. Special events are a constant theme throughout the school year that add liveliness and a sense of school pride to our campus.
During events such as BOTC, the custodial staff aid in making sure students have all the tools they need. This year during BOTC, Rafa was a part of the design team to help figure out how to install backdrops. He also stopped by during the weekends to make sure things were put away and the gym could be in top shape for other activities such as sporting events.
“They lend us their tools, they give us their ladders, they help us put stuff up and put backdrops, move things, and make them safe. I could never do it without them,” said Ms. Y.
Being able to be a part of these events and help students put together their performances has brought pride to the custodians on campus. Mr. Padilla and Mr. Maldonado Jr. both remarked on how large the crowd was at BOTC this year and on their pride to be able to help set up the gym for the students’ performances.
After these events, there is often trash left over from visitors. This can range from food wrappers to props left by the performers. The custodians on campus ensure these items are cleaned up and help make sure we have clean spaces to work in. Outside of making sure the campus is clean, they also aid in maintenance for things such as speakers and other systems in our buildings.
Our on campus custodians have worked within the Eastside Union District for countless years and have shown immense dedication towards their community.
“To me, it’s because I have worked here for 20 years. I like this organization, the students, staff, and everything else I see,” said Mr. Padilla and Mr. Maldonado Jr., some of EVHS’s custodians.
However, the responsibility of keeping the campus clean is also encouraged in students themselves. When possible, it’s encouraged that each individual picks up their own trash and reports any signs of vandalism.
“The custodians are here as maintenance crew, they are not here to clean up after us. That’s our own job. If we really wanted everything to be running super smoothly and have everything the best that it possibly could be, we would all pick up after ourselves and relieve them of that duty. That’s such a waste of their time and so unnecessary,” said Ms. Y.
As EVHS keeps growing, it’s important for students and staff to realize and honor the work our custodial staff put into maintaining the school’s pristine campus. As Mr. Padilla, one of EVHS’s custodians, says, “We’re looking forward to better things, better things in the future”. Without their presence, EVHS could not be what it is today.
Comments