After years of being a familiar and steady presence in the halls of Tenafly High School, custodian Aaron Smith has officially moved on to work at Smith Elementary School. Known by many students and staff not just as a custodian but as a dependable and friendly face in the building, Smith has played an important behind-the-scenes role from daily school life to after-school sports and productions. Whether during late afternoons or late nights, his work has helped keep the school running smoothly and feeling welcoming. Smith was a consistent part of the THS environment for years, helping maintain the building and supporting daily operations in ways that often go unnoticed but are essential. Students say his presence stood out because of the way he treated people and carried himself throughout the school day. As he continues to work hard at Smith, members of the THS community reflect on the small moments, everyday interactions, and lasting impressions that made him someone many will remember and appreciate. 

Students’ response to his transfer serves as a reflection of the reputation he built through daily interactions rather than big moments. 

“Super talkative, but always has good, insightful conversations,” Alexandra Rosensweet (’27) said when describing Smith. “He knows me because I play softball, and I always see him at our home games. He’s always genuinely interested about you and every student individually.”

Many students shared specific memories that show how even small interactions matter.

”I’ve known Aaron for over three years now,” Henry Soo (’26) said. “From the first day I met him in One Acts, he just always had a smile on his face and he was just always so supportive.”

“Well, I am in the tech crew, and any time we ever needed something, he would go out of his way to get whatever we needed,” Zephyranthes Valek (’26) said. 

“Every single day for cheer practice, he would always put away the tables and clean our mats,” Sivan Hanuna (’28) said. “He never had to do those things for us, but he just did. That really just showed how much he cared.”

These moments highlight how school culture is shaped not only by teachers and administrators but also by staff members students see in hallways every day.  

What set Smith apart, according to staff and students, was the way he connected with people across grade levels.

“One thing that was special about Aaron was that he always knew what we were doing, and he was always able to make things happen,” Mr. Stephen Moger said. “Like, for example, for the Olympics he always knew we were gonna make a mess, but he was cool with it and happy to help us out.”

”He talked to us like we mattered,” Ryan Liles (’27) said. “Not just like students passing by. He’d say hi, joke around a little, and check in on how our day was going. It made the school feel more personal.”

“He was always friendly and respectful,” Harianna Fontanilla (’26) said. “He’d greet people in the hallway, make small talk, and joke with students. He didn’t just walk by; he actually acknowledged you.” 

Teachers and staff also emphasized that his contributions went beyond his formal job description.

“He will drop everything that he needs to do to help someone else,” Mrs. Roux said. “He will make sure he gets what he needs to get done, but he puts everyone else before himself.”

These perspectives reinforce the idea that his role supported both their physical space and the overall atmosphere of the school. 

Smith’s departure will be noticeable to many in the building.

”I will miss how he was always there,” Alexandria Poverenny (’29) said. “In the halls, at the doors, just being a consistent, friendly presence. Even a quick hello from him went a long way.”

His move to Smith School marks a new chapter, but his influence at THS will remain in the memories and routines he helped shape.

“Aaron was just so supportive and friendly,” J’lyn DeJesus (’27) said. “He knew everyone and always made conversations. Aside from in school, outside of school, he supported everyone by attending sports games. Thank you for everything you do and all your support and just being a kind friendly face to talk to.”

“Even though I didn’t talk to him a lot, he always made sure to help out in the community events, show his bubbly personality, and bring a smile to everyone’s faces,” Cristina Goiria (’27) said.

Custodial staff are often the people who keep a school functioning smoothly behind the scenes, and Smith’s time at THS shows how meaningful that role can be.

Mrs. Veronica Capone put it thus: “They are essential and absolutely necessary for school culture. Not only do they keep our building safe and clean, but they become our friends and kind of like our security, and they are just responsible for so much.”

Through consistent work and everyday kindness, Smith made a lasting impression on THS, one that will continue even as he goes on to spread his positivity at Smith School. 

Roux also shared in a final message to him: “Thank you for always making sure that you brightened our day and supported us. I hope that you know it’s not a thankless job and that we appreciate all the support and things you do for us.”