Here since the opening of Mill Valley, custodian Khamla Malathip has made an impact on both students and staff with his upbeat attitude and work ethic.

“I’ve worked with Khamla for about five years and I really like his attitude,” fellow custodian Mary Willhite said. “He’s really into being a team player and makes working with him really fun. He always has a good attitude.”

Malathip has been a custodian for 12 years. Since then, he has seen the school go under many changes.

“Sometimes it’s different. Mill Valley has grown a lot,” Malathip said.

Malathip moved to the U.S. from Laos in 1990 to be with his family. Before working as a custodian at Mill Valley, Malathip worked as a custodian cleaning a church and schools.

“It’s too hard to find a job with my English,” Malathip said. “But I have fun cleaning.”

Born and raised in Laos, Malathip’s native language is Lao. Malathip says that his language barrier doesn’t interfere with his work.

“I try to, you know, speak English really well. I want everybody to understand what I say,” Malathip said. “I try to work hard. I want everybody to appreciate what I do.”

In his free time, Malathip enjoys shopping.

“I like to shop at Kohl’s and Buckle,” Malathip said. “I like to go to the mall.”

Malathip’s coworkers enjoy working with him because of his hard work and dedication.

“I’ve worked with Khamla for about 8 years. He is just hilarious. He is just a good person, a hard worker, a team player,” fellow custodian Rhonda Johnson said. “I enjoy coming to work just to see him everyday, ‘cause he makes my day.”