Celebrating Hispanic Heritage: Staff Spotlight

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. More than 34 percent of MCPS students are Hispanic or of Hispanic descent. This month brings an opportunity to highlight the contributions and rich diversity of the many Hispanic cultures across Montgomery County. It also gives us a chance to celebrate some of our wonderful staff members and leaders who are of Hispanic heritage.

This week, we are featuring Edgar Perez, security team leader at Northwood High School.  Perez has a clear mission—to build strong relationships with students and to help them succeed in school by keeping them safe and secure.

At school, Perez has proven to be a leader for the faculty and staff, and a support for the students. According to Assistant Principal Larissa Amador, Perez builds bonds with the students and his kindness makes him an example to follow.

You will often find him in the hallways chatting with students about their homework or families. He works hard to build strong and respectful relationships with the students. “Mr. Perez is kind and helps us whenever we need it,” said Welner, a Northwood student. 

Perez says that MCPS has always been an essential part of his life. His parents, Cuki and Gloria Perez, both worked for MCPS for 40 years. Cuki and Gloria Perez left their native countries of Panama and El Salvador to follow the American dream. Perez credits his dedication to them and to his Latin roots.

“I've been in MCPS schools since the 1980s, running around with my parents and that gave me my work ethic,” he said. 

Perez, who graduated from Springbrook High School, said that education was the foundation for his future. Perez has been working at MCPS for 10 years and, prior to that, he spent nine years in the U.S. Air Force as a mechanic.

Perez is most passionate about being able to help Latino students through high school. His work is appreciated by his colleagues and students. “Thank you for all the things you have done for us; we appreciate it,” said student Danyi. “You are the best!”