By MATTHEW MENDES, JUSTEN NGUYEN and JOSHUA ZARATAIN

This feature does not focus on one single person at Orangewood High School, but  three: Alfred Cabral, Mynel Shelton, and Cynthia Duran. Cabral and Shelton do the custodial work and Duran does the cafeteria work. They are staff workers who don’t get as much recognition due to the jobs they do around campus, but they deserve recognition because without them the Orangewood campus wouldn’t be what it is. All of three work hard to make Orangewood a positive place for everyone.

Mynel Shelton, custodian

“A lot of people say they want peace, but they don’t do the things to make peace. Just say you’re sorry and move on.”

Mynel Shelton, custodian at Orangewood High School

Matthew Mendes: What inspired you to become the person you are today?

Mynel Shelton: Initially I wanted to start working for the district. They had many departments. It was something I wanted to do. So, I applied and tested. A lot of the people that were working there were working as custodians. So naturally, I tried the position out. Working as a custodian started off as embarrassing, but it soon became very fulfilling for me. You get to know all kinds of people, students and staff. I am truly blessed working here.

Mendes: How long have you been working here and why did you choose Orangewood?

Shelton: In custodial work, the school typically chooses who they want to work there. I was selected by Orangewood to work, and accepted the position. I soon grew to love it here.

Mendes: What do you like to do in your spare time?

Shelton: Karaoke, racquetball, and chess are some of my passions in life.

Mendes: If you could have any car with money not being an issue, what car would you choose?

Shelton: I would go for an electric truck, from Rivian. Gas is too high nowadays.

Cynthia Duran, child nutrition services worker

“Just be kind.”

– Cynthia Duran, child nutrition services worker at Orangewood High School

Josh Zatarain: What inspired you to become the person you are today?

Cythnia Duran: My love for kids of all ages, as I used to be a daycare teacher for many years.

Zatarain: How long have you been working here and why did you choose Orangewood?

Duran: I was assigned to Orangewood and have been here for six years. When I was first assigned I didn’t want to come here but of course that changed and now I won’t leave Orangewood.

Zatarain: What do you like to do during your spare time?

Duran: I like to watch movies, read comedies. I like romance and my favorite movie is “Sleepless in Seattle.”

Zatarain: If you could have any car, with money not being an issue, what car would it be?

Duran: I would like a palisade SUV because I like SUVs.

Alfred Cabral, lead custodian

“Enjoy it like it is because time flies fast.”

– Alfred Cabral, lead custodian at Orangewood High School

Justen Nguyen:  What inspired you to become the person you are today?

Alfred Cabral: My dad and his work ethic

Nguyen: What do you like to do in your spare time?

Cabral: I play the drums, when I was younger I played basketball, and I am also a concrete contractor.

Nguyen: How long have you been working here and why did you choose Orangewood?

Cabral: 11 years at Orangewood, because I wanted to work days instead of nights at RHS.

Nguyen: If you could have any car with money not being an issue, what car would you have?

Cabral: A Ferrari because when I was younger I had a poster of a Ferrari in my room.

Orangewood High School custodian Mynel Shelton, nutrition worker Cynthia Duran and custodian Alfred Cabral stand at the entrance of Orangewood on Texas St. in Redlands. (Matthew Mendes/ Ethic News photo)