As the building supervisor at Mississippi Elementary School, Gary Cocchiarella prides himself in his work to ensure that the building and grounds are kept clean and safe for students and staff to use, each and everyday. And, according to teacher Lori Onstad, he often completes jobs that he normally wouldn’t need to do that make a lasting impact.

Over the past three years spent in Anoka-Hennepin, Gary makes it a point to support teachers and students. “I always let (teachers) know that I am the support to what they do, and what they do is the most important part of our mission. I always tell our school staff that they are making a difference in the lives of the children, and that’s huge.”

Students know that they always have a friend and mentor to talk to, knowing that Gary will be there to listen, help them when they struggle with everyday challenges and learning opportunities, and show that he respects and cares for them.

Onstad describes how Gary “consistently provides a model of a strong and kind man, and that students are thrilled to see him each day, exclaiming ‘There’s Mr. Gary!’ They love him because they see him take the time out of his day to give them attention.”

Gary describes himself as a steward for Mississippi Elementary School, and an ambassador for the district. “It is my responsibility to take care of that which the community has given us to use.”