After 25 years at Morris Hills, Mr. Suarez is saying goodbye to a place he doesn’t just consider work – but home. As a custodian and recently recognized as Support Staff Member of the Year, Mr. Suarez has spent decades doing far more than maintaining the building. Through small daily interactions, kindness, and genuine care, he has built lasting connections with generations of students.

When asked what he hopes students remember most about him, his answer reflects the heart behind everything he does. Mr. Suarez shared that he has always loved the students and tried to help them in any way he could. He has always treated the students as if they were his own kids and always with respect. Above all, he hopes students remember how much he truly cares. “I want them to remember how sensitive I am and how much I care about them,” he said.

Over the years, students have impacted him just as deeply. Mr. Suarez explained that many students treated him not just as a custodian, but as a coworker and equal, something that meant a lot to him. Those relationships made his job enjoyable rather than just feeling like work.Through his interactions with students, he found moments of laughter and connection that helped him appreciate life even more.

His advice to students comes from years of experience watching young people grow up. He encourages students to be respectful and to carry themselves well, even in the small things. He recalled moments of cleaning up after lunch and reminding students to be mindful, not just for the present, but because those habits carry into adulthood. “Be good now,” he would tell them, emphasizing that the way you act today shapes the person you become tomorrow.

As Mr. Suarez looks ahead to retirement, he is excited for a slower pace of life and the opportunity to spend more time with his family. With a large family in Colombia, he is especially looking forward to reconnecting and making up for lost time with loved ones.

While he may be leaving the halls of Morris Hills, it’s clear that the impact he’s made will remain. To many, Mr. Suarez was more than a familiar face. He was someone who cared deeply, showed respect to everyone, and helped make the school feel like a community. And to him, Morris Hills will always feel like home.