In a busy school environment like Lake Forest, we often forget about the many people who are actively working behind the scenes to ensure that our school is running properly. Most notably, the cafeteria and custodial teams who have spent countless early mornings setting up and late nights cleaning up. On top of these duties, the impact becomes even deeper when staff members can create a personal connection with students. Among this group lies Norma Soto, a Grind Barista, who never fails to leave you without a smile at the register, and Custodian, Jesus Bran, who is known for his upbeat music that lingers through the cafeteria during lunch hours. It’s oftentimes the small interactions that make someone’s day- and these two largely contribute to it. While most of their hard work is done behind the scenes, their constant positivity and genuine care for others is hard to miss. The compassion they bring to our school is truly what creates such a warm and welcoming environment. 

Norma Soto

For four years now, Mrs. Norma Soto has been one of the first and last faces that students see throughout the course of the day. Each morning, you can find her behind the counter of the Grind at 7:30 on the dot, ready to go, with a smile on her face. Despite the early morning rushes of students making a pre-class Grind stop, she demonstrates great calmness and patience. You can find her throughout the Grind for the rest of the day making some of the LFHS fan favorites; Grind Pizzas, Iced Coffee’s, and Smoothies. At the end of the day, she waits for all students to make it through the line before closing just after 3:30. Whether you see her in the morning or afternoon, it’s hard to have a bad day after talking to her. 

Junior Alexandra Hirs explained how she looks forward to seeing Norma everyday.  

“She always has a new compliment for my outfit each day,” she said, “I really appreciate how she pays attention to the small details.”  

As if the impact that she makes on students wasn’t inspiring enough, she also spends her weekends working and giving back to the community. On Saturdays, she works at a restaurant, and on Sundays, she helps out and spends time at her church. Outside of helping others, she likes to cook and enjoys the outdoors. 

“When the weather is nice, I like to walk outside because nature is really pretty,” Soto explained. “And when it’s not nice enough to go outside, I love to cook. During the week I switch between a few dishes, but my favorites are always pasta and meatballs or shrimp and potatoes.”

Amid the chaos, her love for her job is clear. From noticing students’ outfits, to showing up to the school’s homecoming dance- she goes out of her way to establish real relationships with the members of our school. She cares about others and makes it known.

“I like working here because everyone is so nice and always stops by to say hi,” said Soto. “I also recognize that you guys don’t have a ton of time, so I try to respect that by keeping things moving quickly.”

That respect, though, goes both ways. According to Norma, it’s one of her favorite parts about the job. 

“It makes me really happy when students show us respect, and I am lucky to say that almost everyone does,” she added, “Good manners go a long way!”

Jesus Bran 

There’s a high probability that you have heard music playing throughout the cafeteria and commons during your lunch or study hall. Some days it’s pop, some days it’s rap, and sometimes it even switches up to an old fashioned salsa. However, the genre isn’t what matters to students. It’s the positive energy and feeling that’s left behind. This music has become a part of custodian Jesus Bran’s daily routine and has made itself a highly respected reputation at LFHS.  

Jesus, known as Zeus to most, carries an uplifting mood that stretches far beyond the school community. Whether it be a quick hello in the hallway, or a debate about UFC fights, talking with him is a privilege and something that everyone should take advantage of. The conversations you have with him are the kind that make you walk away feeling better about yourself. He’s easy to talk to and leaves you with insightful information about how to get through life. 

Senior Kayden Prieto shared how Zeus’s music always puts her in a good mood. 

“He is such a joy to be around,” she said. “I talk to him every single day and I hope LFHS knows how lucky we are to have someone so hardworking like him.”

The constant bustle is no worry to him, as he leans on this simple philosophy to take him through the day: You can control what you can control.

“I like to live by this saying, and I think it’s a good reminder for everyone,” Bran explained. “You really can only control what you can control. Do your part, but everything outside of that- you just need to let it be.” 

Playing music is something that allows him to enforce this philosophy into his life. It’s a way to relax and let go of things you can’t change. Depending on the weather outside and what’s going on in school that day, he picks a genre that he feels is a best fit. More importantly, he continues to play music because of the student engagement and reactions. 

He described one of his favorite parts about working here being the recognition that he gets from the students. 

“You know I love music, and as long as you guys are having fun with it, I’ll keep playing it,” he added. 

Outside of school, he can be found spending time with his three sons who are ages five to one and a half. When he’s not taking on the role of being a dad, he also likes to get his hair braided. 

“Being a dad is something that I wouldn’t trade for the world,” said Bran. “It’s not easy, and it’s not a job you get paid for, but it’s the job you love the most.”

While their days may look a bit different, the impact they create is the same. It’s not the music or coffee that people remember about Zeus and Norma. It’s the way they were left feeling after interacting with them. These connections are ones that you truly cannot get anywhere else and are what represents the heart of our school. The work that these two do for our school is underestimated, and it’s important that they receive recognition for all that they do. If you get the chance to interact with either Zeus or Norma, don’t pass up the opportunity and be sure to show gratitude.