CAMPUS CUSTODIAN GIVES KIDS SOMETHING EXTRA TO CHEER ABOUT.

Byline: Karen Maeshiro Staff Writer

PALMDALE - To motivate Cimarron School pupils to do well on state tests, custodian John Arisohn organized a test pep rally and promised rewards.

To everyone's surprise, Arisohn handed out to youngsters thousands of dollars in prizes, including a pair of courtside Lakers-Clippers tickets.

``I wanted to give back to the community,'' said Arisohn, 41, a Clippers season ticket-holder who works full-time at a supermarket as well as at the school. ``I think it's a big deal. I really do. I thinks the kids are our only real asset. If we don't nurture them, we are not going to be very successful.''

For his work, the Children's Center of the Antelope Valley on Monday gave Arisohn its first-ever ``My Buddy Award'' as part of its kickoff of National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

The award is given to a person who makes a significant and meaningful difference in the lives of children.

``I was totally shocked,'' Arisohn said. ``I didn't do any of this stuff for awards or recognition, but to be recognized is a really good feeling.''

Fourth-grade teacher Ryan Beardsley said Arisohn goes above and beyond his daily custodial duties and dispenses ``John-ology'' to students, inspiring them to do their best and make a difference.

``He really takes an interest in children, whether they be high-achieving or kids that struggle. It doesn't make a difference to him. He just wants to see everyone improve. It's something you don't often see with a custodian or someone who is not directly involved with kids,'' Beardsley said.

``John-ology,'' Arisohn explained, is time he spends with errant students who are sent his way during recess. They get a glimpse of what he does in his job.

``When a kid misbehaves, then they spend a little time with me. I just show them the other side. I give them a talk. They help me clean,'' Arisohn said.

Arisohn, a Lancaster resident, held the pep rally in March 2004 to get the youngsters excited about taking the state tests. Everyone at the school was worried about the tests, he said.

``I thought, what can I do? That was my part,'' Arisohn said.

In January, he held a surprise assembly and handed out through random drawing the basketball tickets and $1,000 in gift certificates from the Antelope Valley Mall, all paid for with his own money.

The Lakers-Clippers game tickets, for seats five rows above the floor, went to a fourth-grader, who took his brother, also a Cimarron student. Their parents bought seats for themselves online and sat 14 rows above their children.

Another pair of Clippers tickets was won by a teacher, Elyse Venetz, a curriculum resource instructor.

``It was just to say thanks for helping the kids,'' Arisohn said.

Arisohn has worked in the Palmdale School District for 17 years, and also 15 years for Vons. He stocks groceries at night at the Vons store at Avenue L and 40th Street West.

Karen Maeshiro, [phone]

karen.maeshiro(at)dailynews.com

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(color) John Arisohn, a custodian at Cimarron School, received the ``My Buddy Award'' from the Children's Center of the Antelope Valley for helping to motivate students.

Jeff Goldwater/Staff Photographer