Custodian Javier Diaz earned Pascack Valley High School’s 2025-2026 Support Staff Person of the Year recognition.
Pascack Valley High School Principal John Puccio explained the award and how Diaz was chosen for this recognition.
“Each year, we recognize different individuals in the building from different statuses who do a great job,” explained Puccio. “Every year we put out a [form], to staff and students, to nominate individuals, and he received an overwhelming response to [the form] because people see the person he is, but [also] the job he does here.”
Diaz has worked at PVHS for 19 years, and his hard work and dedication to PV have not gone unnoticed.
“Javier takes care of all our buildings and grounds,” said Puccio. “If he’s needed, he comes inside and helps, but spring sports don’t stop and even though the turf field is not the same upkeep as baseball [fields], softball [fields], and grass it’s still preparing for all the events and making sure our facilities look representable…and most importantly for our athletes, [he makes sure] they’re in a safe environment [on the fields and grounds].”
Besides his work for the school and the student athletes, Puccio was sure to highlight Diaz’s willingness to give a helping hand whenever he’s needed.
“He is someone that never says no, he really doesn’t. If there’s something going on in the building, and we need an extra hand, he’ll stop everything. If he needs to stay late or come in earlier, he does it,” said Puccio. ”He cares about kids. He cares about this place…his blood runs green and white… He takes pride in it and he deserves it.”
Puccio is only one of the many people who have recognized Diaz’s commitment. When Diaz was presented with the reward, many teachers and even students took time out of their busy schedules to come down and celebrate the honor.
Among the people who nominated him was English Teacher Deena Mahmoud who shared her reasons for putting down Diaz’s name to receive the recognition.
“I think Javier is a very reliable person. Whenever you need him, he’s there. He’s very hard-working,” explained Mahmoud. “He is very special and he brightens up many people’s day at PV and he’s very valuable to our community.”
In a time when our custodians are at risk of losing their jobs, it’s important now more than ever to recognize the hard work all of our custodians, especially Diaz, put into making PV the school and community it is.
“He’s irreplaceable as a person, most importantly, and [also for his] work ethic and his care for this place,” said Puccio. “Irreplaceable.”
.
Want to learn more about Diaz and another PV custodian? Read our article from 2022 about the stories of two PV custodians.
