The bell rings. Students stream out of their classrooms—off to sports, speech and debate, band, home. Teachers lock up. It’s the end of the day. However, for one Ever Guzman, the day is just beginning.
Guzman, the school’s head night custodian, was awarded “SHS Employee of the Year” on Aug. 20. The recipient of the award is chosen by the SHS staff for his or her excellent work and attitude. Guzman is the first recipient of this award.
“It was nice,” Guzman said. “There were more deserving people [than I]. But I couldn’t say no. It would be impolite.”
Guzman did not, however, administer a speech when given the award. He received it at the annual gathering of district employees before school started.
“I chickened out,” Guzman joked. “I couldn’t do any speech. I was telling my boss, I should take Mr. Rector’s class on speech and debate.”
Guzman did not expect for a moment he would win the award.
“I got a little plaque,” Guzman said. “Very simple. Simple, yet beautiful.”
Guzman works from 2:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. five days per week.
“Every bathroom, every day,” Guzman said. “Every trash can, every day. We have to check all the doors, make sure everything is secure, make sure all the alarms are working, make sure nothing’s going wrong. So it’s not only cleaning.”
There are five members of the evening custodial staff, which Guzman affectionately labels the “Night Crew.”
“Let me give you an example of one person’s job (for one night),” Guzman said. “The entire science building, the MAP building, the music wing, woodshop, the weight room, the main office, and the H1 room. It takes about 15 to 17 minutes per room.”
Guzman said that one of the toughest areas to clean are the locker rooms.
“When we have football games,” Guzman said, “when either [team] loses, they trash the place. But we understand,” Guzman said with a smile. “It’s frustrating for the kids, because they want to win, you know. But you have to learn to how to lose too.”
Guzman, 57, grew up in El Salvador, but the civil war there forced Guzman and his family to flee to the U.S. Guzman, then 24, caught a plane that took him to the U.S.
He first got his G.E.D. from Independence High School in East San Jose. Guzman then worked different jobs: custodial, maintenance, electrician and plumbing. He came to Saratoga in 1991.
“I heard about [the Head Custodian position] in the paper,” Guzman said. “And they picked me from a lot of applicants. I was very lucky.”
Guzman does not start work until 2:30 p.m., and therefore he has a lot of time to himself in the morning and early afternoon.
“I like to watch soccer,” Guzman said. “When I was a kid I used to play a lot. I never miss a game with Manchester United or Barcelona.”
Guzman also enjoys fishing.
“I go fishing in Santa Cruz. I’m not good, but I love it. It feels really good when I catch one. I fish maybe about once a month.”
In addition to fishing, Guzman makes sure to take care of his health.
“I like to work out and bike in the morning. I bike 23 miles over the course of three days, every week.”
Guzman said that he always looks forward to coming in to work.
“When you guys come, you find it nice and clean, and when you leave, you know it’s not the same. The next day, it’ll be nice and clean,” Guzman said. “And, you know, that’s the way it should be. We work hard to deliver good classrooms for you guys, because without the students, none of us would have a job. You guys make us work, and we’re thankful. That’s the way I think about it.”
Principal Jeff Anderson said that Guzman was the obvious choice for the award.
“When I went around, I asked about 15 teachers who should win the award,” Anderson said. “And I’m not exaggerating; every single one of them said Ever Guzman. It’s definitely his hard work (that won him the award). But what’s really above the cut is his attitude.”
