I’m sure at this point everyone has seen the “new guy” around the school, always dressed up, always making sure kids are in class on time, and always saying “what’s up!?” when you pass by him in the halls. This is Johnny Velez.  

Mr. Velez is a parent volunteer who is here on his own accord to help Holyoke High feel like a safer and more secure place for everyone, students and staff included.

The Herald got a chance to talk to Mr. Velez about his goals as a parent volunteer here at HHS, and what it means to him to hold this responsibility.

“My desire is to make sure everyone gets their time in the classroom, and that everything is secure, because that time is very important,” said Velez.

Mr. Velez thinks it is of utmost importance for kids to see parents that are involved and who want to be a part of student life to show just how much they care; so that is what he is here to do.  

He has a daughter and two nephews here at Holyoke High, and he values their education greatly as well as the rest of the student body.

“Being part of this school is my passion,” said Velez. “And so is letting students know that someone else is here for them.”

Mr. Velez is here as yet another resource to the students of Holyoke High, but what makes him different is that he volunteers his own time to be here every day.

Make sure to say hello to Mr. Velez in the halls if you see him, he would greatly appreciate it!