Before the sun rises over Queens, Hector Benítez is already at work, unlocking the front gates of Townsend Harris High School and setting the tone for the day. As the school’s head custodian, Mr. Benítez isn’t just responsible for maintaining the building—he’s a cornerstone of the school community, known as much for his reliability as for his signature laugh echoing down the halls.
“I try to be here before everyone else,” he said. “That way, when the first person walks in, everything’s ready for them: lights on, floors clean, no surprises.”
For over 28 years, Mr. Benítez has worked behind the scenes to keep Townsend Harris running smoothly, managing a team of custodians and handling daily maintenance. Yet those who know him say his real influence goes far beyond his job description.
“I don’t think there’s a person in this building who hasn’t smiled because of Hector,” said Principal Brian Condon. “Whether it’s fixing a leaky pipe or cracking a joke with a student, he makes the school feel like home.”
Junior Emaan Qureshi fondly recalls Mr. Benítez: “One time he started singing a salsa song while changing a ceiling tile. I don’t even know how he reached that high note, but it completely made my day.”
In fact, his influence extends beyond his infectious spirit. Students like Sophomore Safir Azad have noticed how Mr. Benítez’s efforts shape the overall atmosphere of the school. “Whenever I see him, I know I am probably going to smile. It’s like a sense of calm, and even if things are stressful, his presence makes a huge difference. Mr. Benítez ensures positivity no matter what mess there may be,” Safir said.
Mr. Benítez began working at Townsend Harris just as the building was finishing construction in the mid-90s. Since then, he’s taken on countless roles—electrician, plumber, painter, occasional counselor, and unofficial school morale booster. But perhaps his most significant role is the way he’s shaped the custodial team, including his longtime partner, Mario Vasquez.
Custodian Mario Vasquez, who has worked at THHS for over 20 years, said his partnership with Mr. Benítez has shaped his entire career. “Hector was the one who showed me the ropes when I first got here,” Mr. Vasquez said. “He doesn’t just fix problems, he teaches you how to solve them. He’s patient, honest, and he’s always looking out for the team. I wouldn’t be half the custodian I am today without him.”
Beyond his mentorship, Mr. Benítez also has a knack for connecting with students in a meaningful way. Senior Meshva Patel, who’s spent four years at the school, believes that Mr. Benítez is a big part of the school’s character. “He’s not just a custodian; he’s a part of the family. When you’re here so much, it feels good to see him around. He’s always making sure everyone is taken care of,” Meshva said.
Despite the warmth he brings to the school, Mr. Benítez doesn’t shy away from the challenges custodians face—especially when it comes to student behavior. “Most kids are respectful, but there are times when the bathrooms get wrecked for no reason. You wonder, why would anyone do this to their own school?” he said.
Recently, one of the girls’ bathrooms on the fourth floor had to be closed temporarily after soap dispensers were ripped from the walls and garbage was stuffed into the toilets. Sophomore Leslie Lindsany noticed the repercussions of this behavior, saying, “When the bathrooms get wrecked like that, it’s frustrating. You can see the custodians putting in so much effort, and it feels disrespectful when their work is undone.” Senior Ellie Teytelman shares similar frustration, emphasizing how this behavior reflects poorly on the student body as a whole. “It’s disappointing that this keeps happening, especially when the custodians are doing everything they can to keep the school clean,” she said.
In addition to these challenges, custodians face the constant battle of maintaining sanitation in the face of wear and tear. Mr. Benítez takes this responsibility seriously. “We’re constantly disinfecting to keep the school safe for everyone,” he said. “It’s not just about cleanliness, but about making sure the environment is healthy. When students respect that, it makes a huge difference.”
Principal Condon echoed the sentiment: “Hector and his team work miracles every day, but they shouldn’t have to undo preventable damage. It’s a partnership. We need students to meet them halfway.”
For all the frustration, Mr. Benítez chooses to focus on the positives: “I’ve seen kids grow up here, come back after college, and tell me they remember the songs I used to sing. That’s what keeps me going.”
Junior Akida Chowdhury reflects on how Mr. Benítez’s influence has shaped the student experience: “I think what stands out about him is how consistent he is. No matter what kind of day it is, he’s always there, and he always makes it better. That’s what makes him special to this school.”
Freshman Mathew Chen said he also appreciates Mr. Benítez’s presence, saying, “He always greets you in the morning. It’s little things like that that really make a difference and make this school feel like a welcoming place.”
Through every light turned on, every hallway cleaned, and every laugh shared, Mr. Benítez continues to remind everyone at Townsend Harris that the heart of a school isn’t just found in its classrooms—but in the people who care for it every day.
