Christmas will be a bit brighter for ACS Facilities Custodian Mr. Juan Perez and family thanks to the efforts of students in Mrs. Laura McCarthy’s 2nd grade class.
This week, the students in Mrs. McCarthy’s class ended a month-long service project and presented “Mr. Juan,” as he is lovingly called by the students, with a monetary gift. The students also made handmade encouragement cards to give him.
“We were brainstorming in class about this time of year and how it is a time to bless others with kindness and gifts! After talking it over, the class decided to bless our janitor, Mr. Juan Perez. Juan works so hard and always has a smile on his face. His job can be a thankless one, and we want to help him feel appreciated this Christmas season.” Mrs. McCarthy wanted to instill in the class what a sacrifice is, what it means to put others before ourselves. “And for those two reasons we have a Savior and a Christmas!,” she added.
Mrs. McCarthy gave the students a service project where they were to “work” and earn money to give to Mr. Juan by doing chores for their parents.
“It is such a blessing! I was very surprised by Mrs. McCarthy’s class and it’s humbling that they picked me.” Mr. Juan shared.
Mr. Juan has been with ACS for almost two years. He lives in Absecon, NJ with his wife, Debora and their six children.