Last year, a runaway cat, who slipped out of the car earlier that day, had brought my family back to WS.

Our gloved hands, tightly wrapped around flashlights, searched fruitlessly through the woods next to the school.

Despite the late hour, one woman still maneuvered around the perimeter of the school, clad in her light blue custodial uniform, taking out the trash. We asked if she had seen an orange cat. She had not, but she promised to keep a look out while we returned home to get some dinner and an extra layer of clothing. She even jotted down my mom’s cell number to call if she saw the missing kitty.

She probably wanted nothing more than to finish her work and escape home to her family and a warm fire. Yet she offered to help despite the cold and despite the fact that I was a random stranger. She may not remember this instance, but I always will.

The janitorial staff has a presence that transcends just their custodial work.

Not that their cleaning does not have a significant impact. Every morning, the windows are clean enough to be in a Windex commercial, the desks still glistening from disinfectant.

We can touch the railings, the keyboards without fear of disease. We can enjoy a clear lunch table, despite many students’ inability to throw away their trash.

For that, we thank you.

More prominent in our minds, however, is the personability of the staff.

The relationship between the students and the custodial staff is one of respect.

Becky Mullins, the head of the staff, has spoken to Oraclites of how she watches the students grow each year, and appreciates the way we behave.

We appreciate all that they do, and want to show that gratitude, but are not always sure how.

We recognize different staff members, especially those who we see consistently at lunch. A considerable amount of people report of having pleasant conversations with Mr. Ma, or Ms. Debbie happily surprised at their interest in our college pursuits, or how we are doing.

Personally, every time I have wandered to my locker after practice, I have always received a small greeting when I see a janitor in the hallway. Little things such as a smile can truly lighten an environment.

Additionally, they provide great role models for us during these pivotal, coming-of-age years. Daily we see them work hard without complaint, which is what our teachers and parents have been asking us to please do since kindergarten.

We may not know their mannerisms, aspirations or opinions in the way we do our teachers and administers, but there is a comfort in seeing friendly faces in the hallways, cafeterias and yards of our school.