To those who keep our campus safe, seasoned, and sanitary

Everyday, you endure cleaning up food fights, breaking up angsty teen aggression and dealing with a non-stop stream of peckish students. Your significant efforts as Samo’s security, custodians and cafeteria staff go overlooked too often. With your consistency, students can easily forget that it’s hired hands, not magic, that keeps the campus so well tended to. It’s not absurd to think that without your management, much of Samo would fall into chaos. Bathrooms would soon turn into biochemical hazards and lunch lines would transform into a high school edition of “The Hunger Games”. The impact that you have made on our school is beyond comprehension.

On behalf of the student body, I send my gratitude to the several security guards who keep our campus safe, but also go out of their way to connect with Samo students. Thank you to those who endure the insulting eye rolls of grumpy teenagers who left their student ID at home and the packs of students at football games who push and shove their way into the student section. You do it all with patience, kindness and humor and somehow manage to keep our school safely running–even when we don’t always say thank you. 

Just a few weeks ago, I was asking Mr. D where the boys’ basketball game was, and informed him that as a staff writer for the school newspaper, it was my responsibility to cover it. In telling me that the basketball game ended an hour ago, he pulled in two boys who confirmed that there were only wrestling tournaments taking place at Samo at the time. Amidst my silent panic, giggles overtook my body when I noticed he had told the boys that I was a staff writer for the LA Times, and I realized that it had all been a gag. Shortly after, Mr. D waved me off to the game and I ran down to the North Gym in laughter. I give my thanks to Mr. D, because even though it was quite a rollercoaster ride, I did end up getting to the game, and it made my mundane day comical.

Sarena Gardea (’28) has become familiar with many of Samo's security guards and described her experience with them.

“I know a campus security guard named Terry. He’s always joking around and bringing positive energy,” Gardea said. “I really appreciate how security guards like Terry help create a supportive and a comfortable environment on campus.”

To those who manage the absurdly long lunch line every day, you have made a major impact on many students’ lunch experience. Due to the large class numbers at Samo, it can be difficult for students to manage it on their own. Whether it’s holding us accountable for cutting or putting us into a single-file line, you always find a way to help get the line under control. Although such measures can be susceptible to student criticisms, everyone appreciates when the lunch line actually resembles a line rather than a mosh pit. 

Thank you to the cafeteria workers who ensure we stay well-nourished by serving and cooking for us. The burgers and Mexican inspired cuisine have become staples in the diets of many Samo students, and being able to get breakfast from the cafeteria benefits the myriad of students who don’t have time to make breakfast themselves. Of course, the school cookies, and the mystery that is their recipe, have made their mark in the cafeteria hall of fame.  

It certainly can be annoying to hear “can I have pepperoni?” 50 times a day, but instead of letting this annoyance get to you, you serve students with courtesy and a smile on your face. Your duties require a level of patience that is commendable and unparalleled. Samo student Leo Manzur (’27), values cafeteria workers as someone who gets school lunch often.

“I really appreciate the work [cafeteria workers] do. It’s really important to use your manners, smile and say please and thank you, because it can go a long way. Being kind acknowledges the work they do to keep the campus alive,” Manzur said.

Thank you to the hardworking team of custodians who work during the school day and long hours after school to maintain the cleanliness of our campus. It is admirable how you turn our chaotic messes in the classrooms, lunch areas and especially the bathrooms into clean, polished, tidy spaces. As a student who frequently stays on campus after school, many custodians have kindly opened up the locked building doors or bathrooms for me. Students with AM classes, such as Anna Helgoe (’27), have become acquainted with custodians on campus. 

“Last year on my walk to A.M. I’d always see Eddie and we’d always have a conversation. Whenever I see him I try to go out of my way to say hello,” Helgoe said. “He’s very sweet and we always have a nice conversation.” 

Small actions of kindness, such as that, have been tremendously helpful to me, and I’m confident that this is not an experience that’s individual to me. 

It is my hope that the full weight of my gratitude, and that of the student body, has transmitted to you. There is ultimately no amount of recognition that will be level with the extent of your impact at Samo.