For over two decades, Curtis Kent has been a hero behind the scenes at Central. Since 2004, Kent has served as a custodian, ensuring that the halls where he once walked as a student remain clean and welcoming for today’s students. 

Kent’s journey into custodial work began before he joined the staff at Central with a five-year job as a full-time custodian at Springville Elementary School. 

 A day in the life of Kent starts long before the sun rises. He wakes up at 3 a.m. and arrives at school between 5 and 5:30 a.m. every day. Kent begins by turning on all the lights, brewing the morning coffee, and completing other tasks that may pop up as he scans the building. His main responsibility is taking care of the laundry. He cleans, dries, and folds it. Whether it’s moving furniture, dusting, or assisting with lunch, Kent is always on the move and ensuring that the school runs smoothly behind the scenes. 

 Despite the early mornings and demanding tasks, he takes pride in his work. “It takes a lot out of you,” Kent said. His dedication to Central is strong. A proud graduate of Central’s class of 1973, he sees his role as a custodian not just as a job but as a labor of love. “I like working at Central,” Kent said. “When I first had the chance to work here, I knew this is where I’m going to retire.”  

For him, the highlight of the job is the people he works with. From fellow employees to teachers, he cherishes the sense of community that Central brings. “I like working with all the employees and teachers here,” Kent said. 

 After two decades of service, Kent acknowledges that retirement is on the horizon.  Once thing is certain- Central will always hold a special place in his heart. “This is the only place I really want to work,” Kent said.