John Kotsubka is one of the most popular people at Sunrise Elementary School in Ocala. He's not a student or a teacher. He's the library book filer, flower planter, raker, parking lot painter and popsicle-buyer, for starters.
Kotsubka retired from teaching in Milwaukee, Wis., and moved to Central Florida in 1990, but wasn't ready to leave school behind. He volunteered at Maplewood Elementary School for years and came to Sunrise about seven years ago.
"It was closest to me," Kotsubka said, "and it's something that I want to do. It sounds corny, but I feel I've been real lucky in my life. And so, it's just payback time, and I enjoy working with the kids and doing work outside."
Mr. K, as the students and teacher at Sunrise call him, is almost 70 years old. He's at the school almost every day. He comes in early and files books in the library, then does the same during his breaks. He's back every weekend, making the outside of the school pretty. So far this year, he figures he's volunteered for more than 500 hours.
Kotsubka has also donated thousands of dollars to the school. When the school couldn't afford a lawnmower, Kotsubka paid for half of it. He's also bought books and classroom supplies for the teachers. Sunrise isn't the only place to benefit from Kotsubka's good deeds. He has donated more than 21 gallons of blood to blood banks in Marion County and back in Milwaukee. He also helps out at St. Jude Church in Marion Oaks as well.
These days, many schools are having a tough time trying to get things done, but Kotsubka helps make sure it's always a sunny day at Sunrise Elementary School.
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