For Magnolia ISD maintenance worker John Zabala, service has always been at the heart of who he is.

Raised in a tough New York neighborhood, John learned early that hard work and perseverance were the keys to success. Guided by his grandmother’s advice to “work hard, do good, and you’ll progress,” he carried those values into every chapter of his life. 

John served as a firefighter in New York, joining the department just six months before the events of September 11, 2001. In the days following, he and his crew worked near Ground Zero, clearing paths and keeping crowds safe during a time when the nation was shaken but united. Two decades later, John still recalls the strength, sacrifice, and patriotism of that moment in history.

“Everybody was unified,” he said. “A week, two weeks, months later, flags were prevalent everywhere. Everybody had really come together.”

But John’s commitment to others didn’t stop at the firehouse. Before becoming a firefighter, he worked for the Board of Education, and while still in New York, he spent countless hours mentoring youth through a local little league football team. He used that opportunity to teach not only the game, but also discipline, teamwork, and resilience.

That same dedication to students continues today in Magnolia ISD, where he has served for the past 13 years, ensuring Bear Branch Junior High runs smoothly and safely. From managing maintenance projects to responding whenever a need arises, he plays a vital role behind the scenes, making sure students and staff have the spaces they need to learn and thrive. He is always focused on making life better for kids.

As the nation pauses to remember September 11, we honor John’s service — as a firefighter, a coach, and a mentor — and his enduring example of resilience, dedication, and selflessness.