Influencers of the Week: Sherry Garas, Marilyn Perez of UCP

Two influencers at UCP West Orange Charter School are being recognized for their hard work in the office: Sherry Garas and Marilyn Perez.

SHERRY GARAS

Garas is the campus business manager, and she oversees every aspect of the school’s efficiency — from enrolling new students and assisting teachers to handling email correspondence and payroll, and preparing summer contracts. She has been called the hub of the school and is the go-to person when anyone has a question.

What brought you to your school? 

There was a job opening, and I thought I was applying for a job. Come to find out, it was much more than a job at UCP; it’s so rewarding.

What do you love most about your school?

I love the students and parents so much; they are like family.  

What is your motivation? 

I love how parents and students feel about coming to school. They are happy, they feel safe. They make my day, especially in the mornings at drop-off. 

What is the most rewarding part of your job? 

Too many to say, but the most rewarding would have to be when you see a parent come in and feel like they have no hope, scared, and as time goes by you see them happy, full of life for their kids. Hope being restored!    

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

In my spare time, I like to watch Hallmark shows, especially the holiday ones.

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why? 

Mrs. Ducklinger, my kindergarten teacher. She was funny and made all of us laugh.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why? 

I wanted to be a flight attendant. I never became the flight attendant, but I did marry a man who works for the airlines.

What is your favorite children’s book and why? 

“The Giving Tree” was my favorite book as a child.

What are your hobbies? 

My hobbies are skating and reading.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?  

My superpower would be to help others.

If you could only listen to three bands or artists for the rest of your life, what would they be and why? 

Country artists Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan, and Bob Garas, my husband, when he plays his guitar.

MARILYN PEREZ

Perez recently changed roles from front-desk clerk, where she assisted Garas throughout the day, and is now therapy manager. She handles therapy schedules, as well as customer service and billing, She is eager to lend a hand to anyone who needs assistance, including parents in the car-rider line and the PTO with its various projects.

What brought you to your school?  

My family member worked here and said it was a great company.

What do you love most about your school?  

I like helping others.

What is your motivation?  

My motivation is seeing how students are so happy to come to school.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? 

Working with my co-workers and families is the most rewarding part.

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

I like to spend time with my family and dogs.

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why 

All of them. I loved school.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why?  

I wanted to be a social workers to help others.

What is your favorite children’s book and why? 

The Bible is my favorite children’s book.

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies are watching movies and playing with my dogs.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?  

My superpower would be to help others.

If you could only listen to three bands or artists for the rest of your life, what would they be and why? 

I would listen to Christian bands.