OCSA’s Technology Technician, Daniel Alvarez, has earned the title of OCSA’s School Related Employee of the Year!
Following his win in 2022, this is Mr. Alvarez’s second time winning. Of the entire staff roster, he was preselected by coworkers to be a candidate and made it to a final round of voting along with three others. While there are usually two or three finalists, this year presented a tough choice between four of OCSA’s amazing staff members. “I knew that I was close to be a candidate, but honestly because of the other candidates, I wasn’t one hundred percent sure, however I knew that many people mentioned my name,” said Mr. Alvarez.
As soon as he found out that he won, he wasted no time celebrating. He notes, “Mr. Neal was the first one that I reached out to for a hug.” Mr. Alvarez attributes a lot of his progress as a staff member to Mr. Neal along with former Assistant Principle, Mark Connors, and his mentor. “I have more people here of course, but maybe that’s the top of the mountain,” Mr. Alvarez says.
When asked what he thinks lead to him winning, he answers, “From my perspective, I think that I did my work. Even when the situation was overwhelming or overcomplicated, I never took, and I never take, issues, problems, complaints, personally… I can’t please everybody, it’s impossible, but I think it’s more about giving a solution with a smile.” He emphasizes how much he uses facial expressions to connect with anyone he’s working with and mentions, “I know that communication between humans is only eight percent or something verbal, the rest, the ninety-something percent, it’s more about the tone of your voice, the expression, it’s more about body language.”
Just this year, the district opened five positions between supervisors and techs. The position is called Tech 2, and one of those five positions went to Mr. Alvarez. Occasionally, he will step out help other schools in the area and work on projects to help other techs. Mr. Alvarez notes that it is important to look for opportunities of growth, “I try to do my best because I like what I am doing… and if, at some point, the position is open, boom, go for it. But in the meantime, keep your school in the best shape possible, computers in the best shape possible, try to keep your students’ parents happy and the staff as well. It’s really hard, let me tell you, but if the future shows another opportunity to continue growing, who knows?”
Congratulations on winning, Mr. Alvarez, and thank you for all of the hard work you do!
