Before the sun even considers stretching over the horizon, Tascha Kopko is already bundled up against the bitter cold, her breath visible in the pre-dawn air. She moves with quiet purpose, pushing salt across slick sidewalks, clearing covered parking lots, and chipping away at stubborn ice patches leading to our building entrances. Her gloves are thick, but the cold still seeps in, numbing her fingers. Yet, she presses on—because she knows that soon, teachers will arrive, arms full of books and coffee cups, and students will rush past, half-awake and unaware of the danger that had been there just hours before.
They might not see her in those early hours, but her work speaks for itself—each safe step, each cleared path, a silent assurance that someone cares.
When winter loosens its grip and spring breathes warmth back into the air, Kopko trades her salt spreader for a mower. The steady rumble of the engine carries her through the day as she cuts the grass, trims the edges, and pulls weeds from the flower beds. By the time track season arrives, the infield grass is neatly trimmed and ready for athletes to gather for high jumps, shot puts, and relay handoffs.
Kopko’s work is often unnoticed, but it is deeply felt. Every student who celebrates with friends at the outdoor graduation ceremony, every athlete who sprints down a clear track, and every teacher who walks to and from their car without slipping on ice owes a quiet thanks to her dedication.
Though much of her work happens in the background, Kopko’s presence on campus is always a bright spot. Whether she’s waving from her truck or pausing to chat with a student or teacher, she greets everyone with a warm smile and a kind word. Her positive attitude is as steady as her work—proof that caring for a place is also about caring for the people in it.
Her long hours may leave her tired, but her work leaves an imprint on every season—steady, reliable, and always done with pride. The F.O.R. Club extends its deepest appreciation to Kopko for her dedication and care towards everyone who enters Trinity High School!
