Ms. Alejandrina Sanchez-Martinez is a familiar and beloved face to many Meridian students, and one of the two nominees for the FCCPS Operations Support Staff Employee of the Year award. Also nominated is extended day care employee Annette Folks.
Born and raised in San Antonio in the Department of Intibuca, Honduras, Ms. Sanchez-Martinez has seen a lot of change at Meridian over her 25 years working on the campus. The custodian ended up at the school because of the recommendation of a friend, retired manager Claira Alonsa, who worked at the school. She began working as a lunch lady while the school was still known as George Mason. Working at the old campus was an experience that has not faded away with time.
“In my head, the old building is still there,” she said. “I sometimes completely forget that it’s gone and will tell myself to make sure to do this, and this, and this… and then boom, I remember that I no longer need to do that because we’re in a whole new different building.” The amount of space at our campus now is not something all schools have, and it is a massive positive change.
Even though the last set of students that studied at the old high school have long since graduated, she still recognizes the faces of the former students at this campus.
“I may not remember all the names, but I’m always watching over them.” Ms. Sanchez-Martinez said.
Working at Meridian is a special experience for her, and the students are what makes it so important. “Cleaning this school isn’t a job to me, because I see it as cleaning the house for my kids.”
Her favorite part of this job is connecting with the many students who walk through the school doors.
“Any new student who steps foot in this school is now forever welcomed!” she said.
Ms. Sanchez-Martinez’s care for the students of Meridian is deeply felt. “She’s always checking up on me and my loved ones… She’s just overall a very positive person; her smile brings a lot of joy to my day,” junior Sofia Braverman said.
“I’ve never seen her down, she’s always full of energy,” junior John Ayala said.
“I adore the interactions that I have with the students, I like being able to communicate with them,” Ms. Sanchez-Martinez explained.
While Ms. Sanchez-Martinez wasn’t expecting to get nominated for any award, she is still very thankful for the honor; especially since she genuinely enjoys her job. The first people she told when she learned about the nomination were her three daughters, who were proud of her but not surprised that their mother earned the distinction.
