When we walk through the halls of our school, we often do not notice how clean the floors are, how shiny the windows have become, or how fresh and polished the classrooms are when we are welcomed in the morning.
Compared to years prior, UACHS is the cleanest it has ever been. Leaving many to wonder who the people are who are making sure our school is clean and running smoothly. The crew behind the scenes of UACHS is our four person maintenance staff. They play an important role in keeping our school clean, safe, and steady so that we, as students, can focus on performing well.
Each member has an important role they fulfill throughout the day. David Sanchez, our facilities manager, is the head of maintenance and oversees other operations/renovations in the building. Sanchez has worked at the school for 21 years, working as a hall monitor for the majority of his time here. As of the 2024 school year, he’s acquired the role of facility manager.
A new face to UACHS, Angelo Bonilla is our on site repair man/ HVAC operator. He is Sanchez’s right hand man. Having been a contractor for a decade he is the right man for the job.
“Some people think that we are janitors, but we are the repairmen,” said Bonilla. “Our work is crucial; If we don’t do our job, someone might get hurt.”
The work that the maintenance crew does goes beyond just merely cleaning up. They are the first responders to any task or emergency.
Frankie Matias is one of the porter’s at UACHS. She enjoys the challenge of cleaning and turning a chaotic space into one that brings you to a moment of zen.
“Maintenance is a lot of work that if it’s not done properly then it can cause some chaos,” said Matias. “Being able to make something that looks or feels chaotic into something organized can give you a sense of peace; I strongly believe that when you are in a clean and fixed environment, you thrive.”
Julia Acosta is another porter here at UACHS, who focuses on the second floor and is always ready and willing to assist in anything that is needed.
“I love my job because I know the most important part is having a safe, healthy, and clean environment,“ said Acosta.
Despite the obstacles, Acosta believes the maintenance team’s work is vital to the overall environment of the school.
“We work collaboratively and it’s important for all of us to maintain a healthy relationship because we all need each other.” said Acosta.
Sanchez, Bonilla, Matias, and Acosta form a dedicated team that’s always ready to step in when something needs their attention.
Their hard work keeps our school looking bright, smelling great and running smoothly. They contribute to our school day in obvious ways and are an important part of the overall school experience.
Make sure that when you pass them in the halls, take a moment to stop, say hello, ask them how they are and say thank you.
