A respected resident custodian received district recognition for her work in bettering her school environment. To celebrate 24 years of commitment to the school district and surrounding community, the Orange County Public School (OCPS) Board, Orlando, Florida, spotlighted Head Custodian Kenys Rodriguez Peluffa. Her work at East Lake Elementary School since its inception in 2005 has led to lasting impacts on the student and staff, leading to this recent honor.

Rodriguez is described by staff as going above and beyond her job duties. According to Spectrum News 13, Principal Elizabeth Bounds shares she is not engaging positively with students, she is in the front office translating on behalf of the school and the families they serve. Outside of work, Rodriguez is often recognized by present and past students, a community celebrity.

Custodians like Rodriguez perform essential work that often goes without praise. However, frontline employees don’t do the job for appreciation but because they care about people. Rodriguez doesn’t just maintain a safe and healthy school environment, but she also pauses to listen to the daily desires and dismays of the students. These contributions and more are why OCPS celebrated Rodriguez.