Mario Velez embodies the Dude, Be Nice motto

Students drew inspiration from the “Dude, Be Nice” project, a video series that highlights communities around the nation as they bring attention to the amazing people in their midst who do great things. The project aims to inspire people to treat themselves and others better (dudebenice.com).

Leadership teacher Krystal Koontz said Velez “just oozes love, kindness, fun and support.” 

The Leadership students wanted to recognize him for the way he goes “above and beyond” in everything he does and the way he makes people feel, and Koontz said they organized the entire March 22 surprise assembly, from planning to implementation, by themselves.

This event committee consisted of students Miley Gomes, Brianna Gonzalez, Trent Ipsen, Hailee Koontz, and Mylie Magante, and the celebration included participation from students across all grade levels at the school.

The committee worked collaboratively to compose a speech and record a video of school staff and students sharing what they appreciate and admire about Velez. Observations included the way Velez connects with people and shows love to everyone; his great jokes and contagious smile; a heart that’s “bigger than most;” his spirited serenades of “Happy Birthday” to students and staff on their special day (often with ample encouragement for anyone in close enough proximity to join in with the singing); and his frequent attendance and enthusiastic cheering at sporting events, both near and far, of current and former PWL students.

On the big day, Head Custodian Jason Berry called Velez in to work early, saying Vice Principal Guy Olguin needed to speak with him.

“I thought I was in trouble,” Velez said, his eyes wide.

After posing a few questions, Olguin asked Velez to follow him to the school’s outdoor quad area. There, Velez was greeted by the entire student body, who had formed a “human tunnel” across the quad. Escorted by the Panther mascot, Velez made his way through the tunnel toward the gym while giving many high-fives and hugs. Students held personalized signs and posters in honor of Velez, many of which included handwritten sentiments on the back.

The cheers for Velez only amplified once everyone was inside the gym. The assembly included a speech by Leadership students Hailee Koontz and Charlee Park along with a screening of the students’ video compilation, and Velez found himself overwhelmed by the outpouring of appreciation.

“I did my best not to break down; I’m a big, emotional person,” he said. “I love this school… It’s part of my life, for sure…I got to go through those (signs and posters) and read them all, which was nice! It was a special day, a day I’ll never forget, that’s for sure. It was really sweet.”

A Facebook page post documenting the event reads, “Mario makes us all feel special, so our thoughtful students wanted to give some of that back. We are so lucky to have incredible staff like Mario and students who are kind enough to understand how important people like Mario are to our school and community.”

Velez moved to the Carson Valley two decades ago to be near family. He started as a substitute custodian with Douglas County School District and was hired full-time in 2004. This June marks his 19th year at the Ranchos middle school, and he says he has no plans to retire.

“As long as they’ll have me, I’ll probably stay on,” he said, his trademark grin spreading across his face.

Velez noted his many blessings and expressed gratitude for his partner, Kim Ojeda; his family, friends, and co-workers; his life in the Carson Valley; and the enduring connections he’s forged with students throughout the years. He said he’s always looked up to teachers and admired their ability to change lives, and that it feels good to be recognized as someone who has a positive impact on others.

“If I wake up and I’m alive, it’s a good day,” he said. “That’s why I’m always smiling. I love all the kids here (at PWL) … sometimes I come in early just to say hi and make sure I see as many of them as I can … don’t be afraid to say hi or tell someone that you care about them; I do that every day to kids.”

Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com.