Custodial workers operate behind the scenes and are often under-appreciated for the hard work they do day after day keeping schools, hospitals, office buildings, museums, churches, and other building cleans and well maintained. Custodians are in charge of cleaning, maintenance, and security in a building. Typical cleaning duties of a Custodian include: sweeping, dusting, vacuuming, mopping, cleaning restrooms, and completing special cleaning projects. Other responsibilities of these employees are making inspections, handling maintenance, identifying needs for repairs, collaborating with other departments, replenishing cleaning supplies, and adhering to health and safety regulations. 

Christopher is a hardworking custodian at Central Kitsap High School. He, along with the other custodians of Central Kitsap High School, are the superheroes of the school. They fix our lights, plow our snowy sidewalks during the winter, and mop up vomit. Without their dedication and hard work, our school system would surely be in shambles. The floor tiles would be broken and unwaxed, our windows would be cracked, and our doors would be forever locked. Not very many people are willing to do what Mr. Pevovar does, but he still gets up early and stays late, even though some students may take him for granted.

Christopher Pevovar has been a custodian at CKHS for four years, “our school is always clean and meticulous,” says Hanna Inoue, Sophomore at CKHS, so that goes to show he’s amazing at his job. “Mr. Pevovar is a hard worker,” says Aaron Espinosa, “The school is often clean and well maintained and I believe he plays a big role in that,” he continues.

There’s more to Mr. Pevovar than that though, “I am a fan of hiking. I enjoy listening to music all the time. One of my hobbies is collecting video games even though I don’t play as much as I use too.” When asked to name three words that describe him, he said he is respectful, sarcastic,

and kind. “If I were to choose three words to describe Mr. Pevovar I would choose diligent, careful, and quiet,” Hanna Inoue continues. “I agree, I think he is conscientious, studious, and mindful as well. I haven’t had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Pevovar, however, I am sure that he is a wonderful person,” Aaron continues.

Mr. Pevovar is easy to approach and talk to, even if he may not look like it at times. If you ever see him in the halls, say hi or have a conversation with him. He is a hard worker and makes sure that our school remains in tip-top shape. We should all be thankful for Mr. Pevovar, along with all the other custodians at Central Kitsap High School. Without them, our school wouldn’t be as perfect as it is. “Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in other belong to us as well.” -Voltaire National Custodial Workers Recognition Day is on October second, this is a day dedicated to recognizing the hard work that it takes to keep our school in tip-top shape. Without custodians, there’s a good chance our school would look like a hot mess. Custodians have the most difficult task of making sure that our school is properly maintained and cleaned- which is no small endeavor! On National Custodian Day, make it a point to show your appreciation to Mr. Pevovar and all the other custodians for all the hard work they do on a daily basis. Help out by cleaning up after yourself after lunch and try to avoid making large spills or leaving trash on the ground. 

Every workplace needs custodians. Custodial workers are ubiquitous, yet they’re often the least seen or recognized employees of a company. So, take the time to learn the names of your Custodial staff and use them, publicly recognize them while at school, write a thank you note if you have the time, or give a small gift they can enjoy. Thank you to our wonderful custodians who do an amazing job taking care of our school!

Dear Mr. Pevovar, we do not appreciate you enough. Thank you for turning up. Thank you for rolling up your sleeves. And thank you for working hard, even when some of us turn up our noses. The next time you walk down the hall, listen to the familiar jangle of your keys. Your keys sing a song of duty, honor, and dedication. They symbolize so much more than your ability to open doors.