Denise Cervello has been working as a school secretary at Queens School of Inquiry (QSI) for eight years. In May, 2023 she received the United Federation of Teachers School Secretary of the Year award. Students and staff appreciate Cervello’s kindness and how she always tries to help. They describe her as “joyful,” “compassionate,” and as having a “positive outlook.”
“She’s very caring and she’s very nice and she always seems happy,” said Junior Amaya Hernandez.
School aide Susanne Ampuero agreed.
“She’s so kind, she has a great heart, she helps everyone,” said Ampuero. “She is the best.”
Cervello does a lot for the school community
“Ms. Cervello is very hardworking. She does a lot for the school,” said Marshall. “She’ll go out of her way to set up events, any kind of things, any events for the kids and everything.”
In addition to being kind and helpful, Cervello is also fun. On Fridays, she plays loud music in the hallway at the beginning and end of the day and in between periods. And more than one person told about how she got into the spirit of things for the Color Wars pep rally last spring.
“She came out to support the seniors wearing this big, pink blow-up costume and she came out dancing and it really helped bring school spirit and it was really funny,” said math teacher Lisa San Martin.
Freshman Edibelle Hiciano, who is one of the stars in the school musical, “Footloose,” summed it up well when she said that if you need something, Cervello is “always there.”
Below is an interview with Cervello.
Q: What is your job title?
A: I’m Miss Inbal’s secretary and payroll secretary.
Q: How would you describe a typical day at work?
A: Oh, it’s stressful. It’s kind of stressful, but it’s fun and it’s busy.
Q: What is your favorite thing about working at QSI?
A: My favorite thing is when John comes in and picks up the mail and helps us in the office. And everybody is very friendly.
Q: What do you like to do when you are not working?
A: I like to watch TV. I like to take my dogs for a walk. And I like to watch movies.
Q: Have you always lived in New York?
A: Yes, my whole life since I was born.
Q: If you could go on vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
A: I would go to Bermuda because I loved it there and it has nice beaches and beautiful weather.
Q: Is there anything else that you’d like to tell me about yourself?
A: I can tell you I’m a mom. I have three kids that are 26, 28 and 30. And I have two puppies who are one-year-old. And I’ve been married for 31 years.
