If Mt. Hope High School were to conduct a popularity contest, there’s good reason to suspect that Verissimo Miranda would be at the top of the list.

Better known as “Vinnie” to those throughout the Bristol-Warren Regional School District (and beyond), this ever-smiling product of the Azores in Portugal found his niche when he was hired as a custodian nine years ago. Since then, he’s won more friends and respect than anyone could ever imagine.

“My first four years in the district were spent at Hugh Cole School in Warren,” he recalled. “I loved the school and kids there. And, of course, these past five years have been most enjoyable at Mt. Hope High School.”

The son of the late John and Maria Miranda, Vinnie is a product of the Escola Secondary Domingos Revelo (High School) in Sao Miguel. He immigrated to America in 1981, settling in Fall River, and then eventually moved to Bristol.

You ask this man how much he loves living in this country and working at Mt. Hope High School, and his eyes light up.

“I love the kids at this school,” he said point-blank. “Everyone here is like a second family for me. I love being around people. The high school is my second home.”

Like all of the athletic teams at the high school, Vinnie gets positive feedback from every coach.

“Vinnie is not only a big supporter, but a big motivator for our student athletes,” said varsity girls’ basketball coach Katie Kline. ”He knows the potential of all of our teams and is always there to remind our athletes of what they are capable of. Last year, when girls’ basketball was in a lull towards the end of our season, he came into our practice with our holiday tournament trophy and reminded our players that we are a good team. He told our players to play together and play like they did when they won the trophy.”

When it comes to attacking his everyday schedule, Vinnie Miranda pulls no punches.

“My father was my best teacher,” he said. “No matter what problem comes up or if something needs to be fixed, I’m pretty sure I can handle it. Everyone is so accommodating here. This has been a great job for me.”

As much as Vinnie gushes about being employed in the Bristol-Warren-Regional School District and all that it has to offer, he’s most proud of the extra time he spends as an altar server at his beloved St. Elizabeth’s Church.

“He’s done a wonderful job in that capacity,” said the Rev. Jose F. Rocha, currently filling in for Father Vander S. Martins, pastor. “I know he’s been a big help to Father Martins during the time he’s been pastor here at St. Elizabeth Church.”

“Father Martins has been like a brother to me,” said Vinnie. “I really enjoy helping him out at the church. If he needs me, I’m always there for him.”

Vinnie is also proud of his daughter, Dr. Patricia Miranda of Portugal, a woman of high character and intellect.

“She’s just amazing,” he said. “I can’t say enough good things about her.”

On Jan. 18, Vinnie will turn 62 years of age, but retiring is not in any foreseeable plans.

“Mt. Hope High School is my second home,” he said. ”I don’t think about retiring. You know what they say, ‘When you retire you die.’ I am forever grateful to be a part of this wonderful school and community. God has been good to me.”

The bottom line in Vinnie Miranda’s case is that a little hard work never hurt anyone, and he has led by example to prove it.