Position: Head Custodian
School: Cypress Lakes High School
School District: Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District
City, State: Katy, TX
Music that Describes Malren
Marlen Oliva de Sandoval was nominated by a colleague, Matt Wells.
"Marlen's love for this campus is infectious," said Wells. "She treats the building like her home and the students and faculty like her family. Always ready with a smile, Marlen tackles the most mundane and unpleasant tasks with grace and happy willingness. Are toilets blocked by students cramming milk cartons down there? No problem. Dodgy lightbulbs in the back hallway? She'll fix them in minutes. Marlen's cheerful demeanor and hardworking attitude are a model for students and faculty alike. Students see her mopping up their messes with a smile and see someone who loves their job despite the crazy hours and thankless nature of her tasks. Teachers see her tireless dedication to our community and environment as a reminder that 'it takes a village' to make a school building look and feel great. They are inspired to follow her example."
"Many of our students come from homes that may not have a lot of structure, but Marlen is quick to remind them, like a favorite aunt, how to clean up after themselves and take care of their school," said Wells. "She models responsibility and ownership for everyone, and our students follow suit, taking pride in the school. Her efforts are why our campus looks like it was built yesterday, despite it being our 15th year, and Marlene deserves recognition for her inspirational leadership."