CALABASAS : Custodian Is Honored at School Rally

Roberto Martinez, a custodian at Bay Laurel School in Calabasas, says he has learned that if you work hard enough, you can make your dreams come true.

The immigrant from El Salvador, who arrived here in 1979, said he was determined to become a U.S. citizen. But, he said, there was a lot of study involved--no easy task when you are working and trying to raise a family.

He said he was determined to succeed, however, and eventually did. And for a few glorious minutes Wednesday--on Flag Day--he was center stage at a Bay Laurel assembly honoring him as a newly naturalized citizen.

“You make me feel very special,” Martinez told the audience, which included Calabasas Mayor Dennis Washburn, and members of the Las Virgenes Unified School District Board of Education.

“God bless each one of you, and God bless America,” said Martinez, who was accompanied by his wife, Yolanda, and children, Brenda, 11, and Bryant, 7.

Martinez, who came to work at Bay Laurel about two years ago, has become popular with students and teachers, who noticed how hard he was working to obtain his citizenship.

“He had to study about one year to take the test,” said Mike Fedalen, a fifth-grader in teacher Vicki Wyant’s class. Mike was one of several students who spoke at the event.

The students decided to recognize Martinez for his efforts, said Krystal Lerner, another fifth-grader. They contacted the office of Rep. Anthony C. Beilenson (D-Woodland Hills), who arranged to have a U.S. flag flown over the Capitol in Washington, D.C., in Martinez’s honor. From now on, Krystal said, that same flag will be flown from the school’s flagpole.

Penny Candelori, a parent who leads a Brownie troop at the school, fought back tears during the ceremony.

“[Martinez] is always there to help” when the Brownie troop uses the school building in the afternoons, she said. “He takes care of any problems the kids have.”

Martinez said he loves his job.

“The people here are wonderful, very friendly,” he said. “I feel good here.”