Janitor Proudly Watches Daughter Teach at Same Worcester School

For over twenty years, James Corrao has dedicated himself to his role as a custodian at Worcester Public Schools, where he has opened doors before dawn and maintained a welcoming environment for students. In November 2025, he experienced a poignant milestone: watching his daughter, Annabelle Corrao, teach in the very school where he worked tirelessly to secure a brighter future for her.

The journey of James Corrao, a lifelong resident of Boston, is marked by personal transformation and resilience. At just 19, he chose to embrace sobriety after losing his father to an overdose when he was nine years old. His life took a significant turn upon learning that his girlfriend was expecting their daughter. “I knew if I didn’t stop then, I wasn’t going to make it,” he recalled in an interview with TODAY.com. “I wanted to be someone my daughter could count on.”

In 2004, Corrao began working as a custodian, and when a position opened at the school his daughter attended in fourth grade, he eagerly accepted. The opportunity to see Annabelle throughout the day felt like a blessing to him.

In a heartwarming twist, Annabelle returned to that same school in November 2025, this time as a teacher. The moment was captured in a video that quickly gained popularity on social media.

“Watching her in there with those kids… I was in awe,”

Corrao expressed, describing the experience as surreal. In the video, he can be seen playfully raising his hand from the back of the classroom, jokingly asking, “Can you eat the flowers?”

This moment represented a full-circle achievement for James Corrao, illustrating the profound impact of his choices over the years. His commitment to sobriety and to providing for his family has not only shaped his life but has also inspired his daughter to follow in his footsteps.

Annabelle’s return to the classroom, where her own father has worked diligently, serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance and dedication. It highlights the emotional and familial ties that schools can foster, creating a legacy that can span generations.

As stories like these resonate within communities, they remind us of the vital role education plays in shaping futures, both for students and their families. For James Corrao, witnessing his daughter thrive in the same environment he has dedicated his life to enrich is a testament to the strength of family bonds and the transformative power of education.