WESLEY CHAPEL, N.C. — Luis Barrera, affectionately known as “Mr. B,” is a school custodian making a difference at New Town Elementary in Wesley Chapel.
Barrera has been a custodian at the school for three years and he’s become a beloved figure among the students and faculty.
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“I teach my sons, you know, (that) you need to do everything excellent, everything with integrity, everything with respect,” he said. “Whatever you do. Whatever is the job you need to do with excellence.”
It’s principles that he lives and works by.
“He works hard every single day to do his job,” said principal Elizabeth Allen. “But he goes out of his way to make a connection with the people in this building and I think that’s the thing that really makes him stand out the most.”
In addition to keeping the school clean, Barrera dresses up on spirit days and runs in the yearly fun run alongside the kids.
He was also recently recognized as a district influencer, a monthly award given to staff who go above and beyond.
“They ask me, ‘why you smile all the time?’, and I say, because I am happy,” he said.
Barrera says he plans to retire in about three years. He hopes to spend his time helping children through a mission trip then.
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