INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK: SRO Karla Gonzalez Reynoso, Ocoee Middle School

Karla Gonzalez Reynoso is the school resource officer at Ocoee Middle. Her duties include law-enforcement officer, law-related counselor and law-related educator. Her main goal is maintaining a safe and secure environment while also providing customer service and her office has become a safe place for students to express their frustrations and take a break when needed. She also has resources available for students including snacks, shoes and clothing; and she helps in the front office, cafeteria and pick-up/drop-off line.

“Officer Gonzalez is Ocoee Middle School,” principal Cheri Leavitt said. “She is the definition of excellence. She is always willing to go above and beyond for the betterment of our school and school community. She has extremely high expectations for all students and holds them to this standard.

“She is a great role model for our students and always approaches every challenge and situation with poise and determination and shows our students that a calm head always prevails,” Leavitt said. “She is always encouraging students and serves as a strong, confident, driven role-model for our students. She knows the students and their situations, she knows the parents, and she makes an effort to make connections on a daily basis. She is always willing to assist and shows up when you need her most.

“Ocoee Middle is fortunate to have such a strong community leader on campus, and we are grateful for all she does for us,” Leavitt said. “Ocoee Middle School would not be the same without her!”

What brought you to your school?

I became a School Resource Officer (SRO) at the beginning of school year 2022-2023. Initially, I was a floater, and when I was not covering other schools, I was an additional SRO at Ocoee Middle School. Eventually, students started asking why I was not there all the time. The next year, I had the opportunity to become the permanent SRO at Ocoee Middle. I took the position because I realized this is where I can have the biggest positive impact on young teenagers.

What do you love most about your school?

I love how Ocoee Middle is welcoming, supportive and accepting of everybody. It might take some time breaking the ice with students — but nothing that a simple smile cannot speed up.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is building the bridge between youth and law-enforcement officers. I love seeing former and current students out in the community who take the time to approach me and initiate a conversation. I also enjoy how the students become more comfortable speaking and interacting with law-enforcement officers.

What would you be if you weren’t in this profession? 

If I did not have a career in law enforcement, I would be a social worker. The most rewarding part of my job is making a difference in someone's life.

Who influences you? 

Students influence me to do better every day. Listening to their concerns, stories and compliments push me to be the best SRO I could possibly ever be.

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

My favorite teacher in high school was Ms. Rivera, my English language arts teacher. I was an English as a Second Language (ESL) student who was not confident because of my thick accent and would belittle myself because of it. Ms. Rivera took the time to listen to my fears and concerns about her class and showed me that even though I was freshly out of the ESL program I was above average in her class. Little by little, Ms. Rivera built my confidence, and I’m so grateful for her because my thick accent never went away.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

I cannot remember what was my favorite children’s book – but I know my favorite teenager’s book was “The Great Gatsby.” This book was my favorite because every time I read it, I lost track of time and found myself empty when I was done with the novel.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my free time I love to ride my motorcycle and do CrossFit. Riding my cruiser and working out allow me to focus on myself.

If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?

I would love to have dinner with Ryan Reynolds for two reasons: his sense of humor and the movie “Deadpool.” If I ever get the chance to dine with someone famous, I am definitely making it fun.

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

If I could have any superpower, it would be teleportation. Let’s be honest, traffic is terrible.

If you could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be and why?

The three bands or artists I could listen to forever are Sia, Fleetwood Mac and Heroes del Silencio. I have chosen those three because they are different genres and language, so I can have some variety based on the mood and/or activity.

What was your go-to lunch and favorite snack as an elementary student?

I attended elementary school in Dominican Republic, so my meals were completely different from the meals here. As a student, my go-to lunch was pastelitos (empanadas) accompanied by jugo (juice), and my favorite snack was hojuelitas (chips).

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) will always be special to me because when I was a kid, I helped my grandmother put up the outdoor lights and with decorating the tree inside the house. Decorating for Noche Buena with her is still one of my favorite childhood memories. Now, as an adult, looking at Christmas lights and décor make me feel warm and fuzzy inside.

Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?

My best friend in middle and high school was Lori. Lori and I became best friends because of our similar backgrounds of two immigrants from Dominican Republic now living in New York City. At first, Lori and I did not get along, but we had no other choice than figuring it out since we were in an extremely small middle school. Once in high school, we grew closer because we only knew each other in a huge school. During our high school years, our mothers made us travel buddies and we flew together back to Dominican Republic to visit our fathers almost every summer. Lori and I went on vacation together to DR in 2023.

What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors?

The only extracurricular activity as a student in middle school was dance, but I was barely average, so that did not last long. In high school, I was in National Honor Society and, surprisingly, I stayed in it until graduation.

How long have you been at your school and with OCPS?

This is my third school year as a school resource officer at Ocoee Middle School and with OCPS. I started as a floater during my first year, took the permanent position during my second year and decided to stay for a third year.