We walk into school every day to a clean environment, oblivious to the hard work behind every unmarked surface. Have you ever wondered how yesterday’s trash has all magically disappeared? Well, the truth is, it’s not magic. The missing wrappers from the night before are the work of the dedicated after-school cleaners we take for granted every day. One cleaner in particular, Ms. Maritza Garcia, is a great example of what it means to take pride in one’s work and be a part of our lively community.
From working as a teacher in the Dominican Republic to joining the lively community here at Stuart, Maritza Garcia is full of exciting stories and a refreshing love for people. Garcia moved here to the United States in 2014, welcoming a world of new opportunities and adventures. Originally, she never pictured herself working here at Stuart as part of the cleaning crew, but as she learns more and more about the community every day, she feels as if she’s part of our family.
Garcia often visits the Dominican Republic and feels very connected to her culture. Having family over there, she makes a point to stay in touch with both them and her culture. Many people have described her as bubbly, approachable, responsible, and always ready for a laugh. She’s full of fun stories from her past, both in the Dominican Republic and here in the United States.
Working at Stuart, she’s learned lots about community and the connections throughout our school. She enjoys the responsibility of being head of the cleaning crew at Stuart and appreciates our sense of community she’s gained since she first started in 2022. Originally, she never pictured herself working here, but she’s grateful for where she’s ended up.
Maritza Garcia is a vital part of everyday life at Stuart. The hallways are clear because she and her team make it a point to have a clean and easy learning environment for all students and faculty. Without Garcia and her team, school would be much harder for many of us. As a community, it’s important to recognize those who dedicate their time to making sure our school experience is both enjoyable and safe. It’s important to recognize amazing people like Maritza Garcia, a woman always willing to lend a helping hand, share a laugh, or just enjoy the satisfaction of a clean environment.
