Janitorial Staff Continues To Thrive

Our custodial staff are the unsung heroes of our school! The Barron Perspective sat down with lead custodian TJ Bresnan to get a glimpse of the day in the life of our custodial staff.

Emily Bourdin, Reporter

March 31, 2026

Brian O’Halloran

Photo of Woodbridge High School.

The Unsung Hero

This is about a day in the life of a janitor of Woodbridge High School and the importance of their job in the school and out. It puts the perspective of the janitor’s work role and to give an opportunity to share their importance of being a janitor. On March 25, we emailed one of the Woodbridge High School janitors Taylor Jolene (TJ) Bresnan.

Bresnan started working as a janitor as a summer job while she was in high school. She went to college for a few years but realized it wasn’t for her. She then started working for Woodbridge full-time in 2016. She role in the job is the Lead Custodian, the action the lead takes is coordinating all the janitors that work in the school including managing all of the school janitors in Woodbridge Township, helping with job issues.

Bresnan’s favorite role is being a lead custodian at Woodbridge high school. Being a janitor to TJ is that it’s a lot of cleaning and running around.

“I see it as my way to help the school run,” said Bresnan.

In addition to Bresnan’s job, she helps set up and break down all school and sports events, including fixing lights and replacing dispensers.

There are many important qualities Bresnan says are useful to be a good janitor.

“A janitor needs to be able to pay attention to small details and have good time management,” said Bresnan. “Being able to walk a lot helps. I usually have to walk 6 miles a day.”

Sticking Together

Bresnan has been working a lot with the janitors over the years, and says that many of them have become her good friends, but they all understand that working together is the most important thing.

“Some of them I would consider really good friends and others are coworkers,” said Bresnan.

Bresnan, while on the job awhile, has found a home in Woodbridge High School. She enjoys coming to work every day and enjoys all of the staff and students at WHS.

“This has been the place where I’ve felt the most respected and valued for my work, and also as a person,” said Bresnan.

At the end of the day, Bresnan stated that it is important to remain yourself no matter the situation and to surround yourself with people who make you better.

“Be yourself and find a place where you feel at home,” said Bresnan.

About the Contributor

Emily Bourdin, Reporter

Emily Bourdin started journalism as a senior in Woodbridge High School. She is involved in school activities such as Art Club, Diversity Council, Heroes and Cool Kids and National Honor Society. In her freshman year she was a team manager for the Barron’s Softball team and plans to play softball all 4 years. Other outside activities include Coaching for a fitness and mental health program healthybodyhealthymind, she is also involved in volunteer work servicing her community such as face painting for events. She hopes in The Barron Perspective, she will improve on her writing to understand views and experiences.