Retiring Custodian Surprised by Hillsborough High Students

How many school custodians have a surprise retirement party thrown for them by the students, or break into a dance the moment they walk in?

It was immediately obvious Friday morning that Jaime "Jimmy" Saavedra isn't just any school custodian, as 's first lunch period was converted into a send-off for the 64-year-old man. Saavedra busted out a few moves after entering the cafeteria as students hooted and clapped. Then students and staffers alike lined up to give hugs to the Puerto Rico native who's been working at the high school since 1978.

Behind him students taped up a giant banner that said, "Good Luck Jimmy. We will miss you." Other students walked up to a shiny new garbage can and dropped in money as a going away present for Saavedra. He was also presented with gold painted broom.

As the accolades for Saavedra piled up, everyone talked about his unflagging good humor and upbeat attitude.

"He's always friendly," said Hillsborough principal Bill Orr. "He's always helpful. He's as close to a perfect employee as you can find." Orr remarked that for such an event to be concocted by students for a custodian is "very unique. They came up with all this spontaneously. This was their idea."

"He's really funny," said Rachele Sullivan, student council executive vice president. "He's always in high spirits."

Saavedra demonstrated his high spirits by suddenly breaking into a salsa dance with senior class vice president Delani Carrington as a Luis Enrique song played over the PA.

Despite his frivolity, Saavedra admitted to feeling "Sad. It's my family that's in here. The children, they call me grandpa, uncle, you name it." Saavedra said he'll miss not getting after the students, telling them things like, "You better go to class. And do not smoke. Keep your head up, keep your dreams coming true. You don't want to be like me, emptying trash and cleaning up."

Saavedra, who lives in Seffner, is a native of Arecibo, Puerto Rico. He said one of the first things he wants to do in his retirement is travel there to visit family. He also mentioned taking his wife on a cruise, and fishing on Lake Thonotosassa.

"We want you to know we appreciate your dedication to Hillsborough through all these years," student council executive secretary Nicole Arias said to Saavedra in a speech. "No matter how big or small a task the custodian goes through, no one can pull it off with a daily smile on their face quite like you do. The person that takes your position will have some big shoes to fill."