But, nonetheless, when he heard his name during the Apple Awards Ceremony on Jan. 22, he accepted the award with shock, surrounded by his peers and 10 other finalists. 

“It was a big surprise. Proud moment of course,” Pereda said. 

Pereda has been with Clay County District Schools for three years now. Spending years with fighter jets in the Navy, Pereda was stationed in Jacksonville in 2021. After getting here, he said he fell in love with the Clay County community. It was the perfect place to call home permanently. 

“When they said, ‘Hey, you’re going to move again,’ I’m like, ‘Sorry, I’m not. Here’s my retirement paperwork.’” 

Pereda retired after 24 years of service. After his daughter joined the ROTC program at Fleming Island High, Pereda began looking to become an ROTC instructor. It was the perfect job for Pereda, who was a father figure and big brother mentor during his time in service. 

When a job at Fleming Island High opened, he arrived prepared. But life had other plans. 

“I gave my resume and [they said] you would be a perfect fit for behavioral health. So, I’m like, ‘OK, what’s behavioral health?’” 

Little did Pereda know it would become a newfound passion. A purpose beyond retirement. He began working at Ridgeview High in 2023. His son, Gabriel, works as a behavioral health assistant at the school also.  

In his role, Pereda has been credited with creating a structured, emotionally safe environment for students with behavioral needs—helping them to build confidence and develop real world skills beyond the halls of high school. 

In between math and literature lessons, Pereda helps to oversee the student-run More Mocha Café. The students provide a polished delivery service of hot chocolate and delicious frappes from the comfort of a portable, Pereda said. At the end of each week, students earn classroom cash, which they can use towards purchasing snacks. 

Pereda said each are taught professionalism, teamwork and financial literacy.  

“Every day, we earn money by doing our work. That’s what we’re teaching them.” 

The program is something that he hopes other schools will take part in. 

Under his guidance, students also helped raise $939.50 for the American Cancer Society during Pink Week. As a cornerstone of the school’s Transition Program, and volunteer coach for the school’s varsity football and junior varsity baseball teams, Pereda prides himself in building meaningful connections with his students.  

“It makes me feel good. It’s just like when I go back to my military days where you see my young sailors, and now they’re going up the ranks. It’s the same thing,” he said. 

Pereda found a passion that continues to bring joy to his life. The smiles on his students’ faces remind him why he does what he does every day. So much so that he wants to potentially earn his teaching certificate and become an ESE teacher. 

“I’m proud to hold the title. And I’m proud to represent Ridgeview. Mrs. Murphy has set me up for success. She’s seen something in me. And here I am three school years later as Clay County School-Related Employee of the Year.”