After a long fifteen years, the beloved head custodian Cristina Compierchio is choosing to retire this year and spend her time in Italy.
Over the past couple of years, she has made several connections with students and faculty that she will cherish forever.
“What I will miss most about SPFHS are the kids and the special bonds I’ve built with so many of them over the years,” Comperchio told The Fanscotian. “The sense of community and family here made me feel at home every single day.”
Oftentimes, custodians may be overlooked and underappreciated despite playing an important role in maintaining a clean and safe environment for students and faculty. They work long hours to ensure the school is prepped and ready for the next day.
“Behind the scenes, [the custodians], as a team, work really hard to guarantee the school is always clean and ready for the next day,” Comperchio said. “We fix what is broken, change lights and set up/take down for all the activities/events in the building on a daily basis.”
With that being said, Comperchio hopes that students will focus on recognizing how much effort custodians put into their job, and make sure that they clean up their own messes.
“Most people have no idea how much is involved, and sometimes I think they should think before they act while walking in those hallways and throwing garbage on the floor instead of in the garbage bin, or writing nonsense words on the bathroom walls,” Comperchio said. “It’s your building, so I think it should be treated with care and respect.”
While Comperchio begins this new journey of retirement, she is very eager to find out what the future holds for her.
“I look forward to new opportunities—but most of all, I’m excited to spend more time with my family and create new memories together,” Comperchio said.
To her successor, she offers a few words of advice:
“Always be yourself, keep up the great teamwork, and please don’t forget to feed my kids every day after school!”
As she reflects on her time at SPFHS, she wants to leave students with a message that they can use beyond their high school years.
“Keep following your dreams, study hard, work hard. The sky is the limit.”
