On Archer’s campus, there is always some activity going on. As soon as students step off the buses, they have places to be: whether they are learning in class, attending panels, grabbing lunch or rushing to meetings, it’s fair to say that Archer students are always on the go. But who keeps the campus running smoothly so the school days can proceed without incident?

Enrique Montoya, Archer’s Facilities Manager, has worked at the school for over 15 years. He originally came to Archer for a temporary side job but was soon offered a permanent position since they were looking to hire a new facilities worker.

One of Montoya’s everyday responsibilities is ensuring that events are set up at the proper time and place, with all items requested by a teacher, staff member or student. He guides the facility technician team on what roles and responsibilities they must fulfill daily. Director of Facilities Ari Horn said Montoya is known for his excellent communication skills, attention to detail and commitment to doing every task efficiently and effectively. Business Office Associate Beth Downing said that no matter how large the task at hand is, Montoya makes sure it’s completed to the highest standard. 

“There’s times when maybe someone forgets to put in a facilities request and they need a setup, and not only Mr. Montoya, but the rest of the facilities team, will pivot and stop what they’re doing. Maybe the setup needs to be done in the next half hour, and they will get it done,” Downing said. “And then when the assembly is over, they clean it up so fast, it’s like you never even knew it happened.”

Horn, who has worked at Archer since 2022, has known Montoya since he started. They work closely every day in some capacity to organize staff and event setups and update each other on the going-ons on school grounds.

“He’s literally indispensable,” Horn said. “Every single day he exceeds my expectations, he’s pivotal to almost everything that occurs on campus.” 

Montoya’s work day extends far beyond the schedule of a typical teacher or student. On any day he could have to arrive early to help fix an air conditioning unit, be ready to set up for last-minute events or prepare the backfield for different athletic activities. 

“Whatever you need done, he will go out of his way to help. I’ve seen him here in the morning, late at night, and on weekends,” Downing said. “He’s doing everything he can to make Archer a better place for everyone.”

Despite all the challenges that can come with running a school with over 400 students, in addition to faculty and staff, Downing said Montoya approaches his work with a calm and accommodating attitude.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen him ruffled,” Downing said. “I’ve never seen him get angry, he does it with a smile, he’s always positive.”

Librarian Denise Soto said she talks with Montoya everyday to organize events in the library or just to stop and chat.

“He’s really become one of the people on campus that I can go to, to ask questions, [or] to vent when I need support,” Soto said. “I would describe him as everybody’s favorite uncle.”

Outside of work, Montoya likes to stay active. He is a seasoned trail runner and backpacker. Over the years, he has completed hundreds of miles of trails throughout California and elsewhere, the most intense being the Pacific Crest Trail. One spring break, he made the trek from the Mexican border to Palm Springs— almost 180 miles in one week. As soon as he had more free time off of work, he went back and traveled from Palm Springs to San Bernardino, another 80 plus miles on foot.

“It was all snow, it was one of the craziest things I’ve done,” Montoya said. “I was like, when is this going to end?”

Montoya has also previously run the entire Backbone Trail. In total, it extends more than 67 miles across the Santa Monica mountains and is full of peak, canyons, and other difficult terrain. 

“I did the whole thing: 60 miles,” Montoya said. “I love to do it, you know, on my own time and I also do it alone, because I like to explore [by] myself. I go places where you cannot go using a car or a bicycle , so basically, I’m always on the move.”

In addition to his love for trail running, Montoya has an affinity for photography, often carrying a camera or his iPhone to take pictures along his routes.

Montoya’s continuous hard work both in and outside of the school community is motivating to many colleagues and students around him. 

“I’m always so inspired,” Soto said. “He’ll be like, ‘oh yeah we were off yesterday, so I went for a six-hour hike.’ Not my idea of fun but I’m super inspired by him. [He’s] one of the understated heroes at Archer.” 

Although much of his work is behind the scenes, Montoya’s impact is appreciated by many who interact with him. Staff and students alike give their thanks for his efforts, and recognize how important his role plays in keeping the school running. 

“There’s a lot of campus here, and it’s not just the building, it’s the fields, it’s the courtyard, it’s the sport court, it’s [everywhere]  in between,”  Downing said. “It’s incredible what that small team can do, for a campus this big.”

This story was originally published on The Oracle on February 10, 2025.