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Eduardo Vargas named Eliot Support Employee of the Year

Building and grounds site supervisor Eduardo Vargas has been selected as the 2022-2023 Eliot Elementary Support Employee of the Year!

Eduardo has worked at Eliot for almost 14 years. 

"It is home to me now," he said.

Eduardo's job is to ensure the school grounds are clean and safe by responding to urgent maintenance issues, repairing equipment, shoveling ice and snow, and much more.

"These are just job requirements to meet what is needed for my job and this certainly doesn’t include everything I do in a day. My other jobs at school are not required but are most rewarding," he said. 

Eduardo said he once helped a girl locked in a room by climbing through the ceiling tiles. 

"I had to break the lock to rescue her," he explained. "I even earned a Spiderman sweater for my actions."

Another time he helped the fire department get a girls finger unstuck from a wooden ring.

"Her mom was there and was so pleased and appreciated my efforts. She wrote a thank you note and took a picture to give to me. I still have them," he said. "My duties go far beyond what a custodian is required to do, but I love it!"

Eduardo said he has had many jobs throughout his life, including making pastries for celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Michael Douglas, but he eventually realized working with kids is his passion.

"This job at Eliot requires my attention in so many other ways and is more rewarding than making pies that are quickly eaten with no regard of who put that time and energy into making them. There are many things about my job that I enjoy and bring a smile to my face," he said.

"Here, I am seen as a role model for the 300 plus students in my building. Many of these children see me working hard every day. I take the time to stop and talk with the children, and I know them by name. Our world needs kind and educated children. I try to help them."

He is also able to share his culture with students by celebrating Mexican holidays, making piñatas, and reading Spanish books to them. He connects with families and helps translate as needed. 

"We are all going to be remembered for something. So, we might as well be remembered for being a good person who helps others when needed.  This is probably my favorite part, knowing I am making an impact on the lives of young people who may just grow up to be famous in their own way."

Eduardo's wife, Claudia Vargas, is the 22-23 Support Employee of the Year at Zarrow International School. They have been married for 28 years and have three kids. The youngest currently attends Edison Preparatory.