What is it: Vermilion Elementary custodian Angie Harwood recently was named a finalist for the 5th Annual Custodians Are Key contest. The competition honors and recognizes those who keep local schools clean and safe so kids can better focus on learning, according to a release from the Tennant Company, which sponsors the event.
Tennant Company is a leader in designing, manufacturing, and marketing solutions to reinvent how the world cleans, according to a Feb. 13 press release from the company.
Why is it important: The Custodians Are Key campaign recognizes the work that K-12 custodians do in schools around the country. This year’s finalists were chosen from a field of nearly 1,400 nominations from around the U.S. and Canada.
“At Tennant, we believe in creating a positive impact by recognizing and honoring those who go above and beyond,” says Brian Leland, Vice President, General Manager North America, via the press release. “These finalists are true leaders, aligning with our mission to create a cleaner, safer, and healthier world.”
About Harwood: Harwood, who works as facility manager at Vermilion Elementary, was nominated anonymously for not just her cleaning skills, but also for her impact on the community. Harwood “brings a calm presence to students, ensures well-equipped classrooms, and contributes her many creative talents–making her an indispensable figure to the school,” according to the release.
According to Jill Mize, the intervention specialist at Vermilion Elementary who nominated Harwood for the award, Harwood is a cheerleader for the students who need it the most. Her office is near the special needs classroom, and when she hears yelling, screaming or crying from the students, she immediately will be a presence to help soothe, walk a student or just be with them as they are trying to self-regulate.
“Miss Angie will always stop whatever she is doing to help with a student,” Mize wrote in the nomination form. “When a student accomplishes great milestones, they often ask to go tell her their great news. Whether a small or huge accomplishment, she makes them feel like they are the most important and most accomplished individual.”
Harwood, who is also a licensed cosmetologist, has provided students with autism the opportunity to practice getting haircuts by exposing them to the clippers, scissors and other materials students would encounter at the hair salon, according to Mize’s nomination.
“She gives of her time and resources to make sure they get a great introduction and an experience in this part of life,” Mize wrote. “With parent permission, she also donated several haircuts to the students.”
In honor of this recognition, Harwood and the other 11 finalists will receive $500. The grand prize winner will be announced in May, culminating with the winner receiving $5,000 and the winner’s school earning $10,000.
How to get involved: To learn more about Tennant Co.’s Custodians Are Key program, visit
Tennant’s website. Tennant’s products include equipment for maintaining surfaces in industrial, commercial, and outdoor environments; detergent-free and other sustainable cleaning technologies; and cleaning tools and supplies.