A Commitment to Kindness: Mullen-Hall Head Custodian C.C. Costa
CLIPPER CORNER: UNSUNG HERO SPOTLIGHT
The Unsung Hero is designated by Superintendent of Schools Lori S. Duerr to shine a well-deserved spotlight on individuals in the Falmouth Public Schools who make invaluable contributions to the district.
A Commitment to Kindness: Mullen-Hall Head Custodian C.C. Costa
By Sarah E. Murphy
When Cecil “C.C.” Costa started working as a custodian at North Falmouth Elementary School in 1990, he had no idea where the position would lead.
“My dad was the one who got me the interview. I was just looking for a night job. I had no intention of staying permanently,” he recalled.
Thirty-two years later, he has built a rewarding career as head custodian at Mullen-Hall School, after nearly a decade at NFE. He is also the second longest running employee in the FPS custodial department.
While initially, his job was primarily a source of income, today, it is a source of pride.
For Mr. Costa, a 1989 Falmouth High School graduate, who began his education at Teaticket Elementary School, his favorite aspect of his position is the people, particularly the students.
“I love interacting with the children and the staff, and helping in any way I can,” he said.
To that end, “Mr. C.C.” is a friendly face at Mullen-Hall - greeting students in the hallway, visiting their classrooms, and eating lunch with them in the cafeteria on a daily basis.
“I’m constantly overwhelmed by their intelligence,” he said.
But when school’s out for summer, or inclement weather means a day off for most, “Mr. CC’s” work is just beginning. He arrives on snow days at approximately five a.m. to begin shoveling sidewalks, snow blowing school grounds, and laying ice melt. A delayed school opening requires him to arrive an hour earlier at four.
Mr. Costa is also tasked with performing building checks and overseeing the school’s heating system utilizing a software program he operates remotely from his home. However, he is quick to emphasize the behind-the-scenes contributions of his fellow custodians at Mullen-Hall.
“I couldn’t do anything without the help of my guys. Everything we do here is a team effort,” he said.
Mr. Costa also credited Mullen-Hall Principal Rose Moran for her leadership.
“Rose sets the tone. I consider her a trusted friend, and I’d go to bat for her anytime,” he said.
The respect is mutual.
“C. C. is the most dependable, most responsible head custodian you could imagine,” Mrs. Moran said.
“He treats this building like it’s his own home, and all of us like we’re his family. He will do anything for anyone. He answers his phone immediately, no matter what time, and you can always count on him. He’s the best.”
Mullen-Hall attendance secretary Jo-Ann Brown has worked with Mr. Costa for the past 14 years.
“C. C. has become a close friend. He’s so helpful to all of us in the main office. He does whatever we need, as soon as we need it,” she said.
“He’s also extremely generous. He buys us coffee about once a week and leaves it on our desks in the morning. I just love him.”
Although he is not a “junior,” Mr. Costa shares the same first name as his late father, Cecil, who passed away in 2018. They also shared the same career, with several parallels.
“My dad started working as a custodian at Mullen-Hall in 1971, the year I was born, and became head custodian. He transferred to Teaticket in 1975, when I started school. He later worked at Lawrence School, when I was a student there,” he said.
“I can’t help but think of him whenever I walk through these halls.”
Mr. Costa is grateful he followed the path from a temporary job in youth to a fulfilling career in adulthood.
“It’s a joy to come to work every day,” he said.
“I love everything about this place, from the administration, to the staff, to the children, especially. My job is always about the children first,” he said.