Meet the 5th Annual Custodians are Key Winner

May 23, 2024 10:49 AM by Tennant Company

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For the past five years, Tennant Company has honored custodians who play an essential role in their school and communities. It’s easy to overlook the quiet heroes who work diligently behind the scenes, making shared spaces clean, safe, and a welcoming environment to facilitate to learn.

With over 1,700 nominations and 12 finalists, Izet S., a custodian at Saint Ambrose on the Hill Catholic School in Missouri, won the top prize.

“Izet’s dedication and service to the school in his care show exactly why Custodians Are Key,” said Dave Huml, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tennant. “At Tennant, we are proud to support individuals like Izet in their dedication to ensure a positive learning environment for students, faculty, and staff.”

Izet was nominated by fourth-grade teacher Emily Elmore.

Izet's story exemplifies the very essence of the program — going above and beyond to create a welcoming and supportive environment for students and staff.

Ms. Elmore's Custodians Are Key submission paints a heartwarming picture of Izet's dedication that extends far beyond keeping the school clean.

Elmore noted that Izet is originally from Bosnia and worked hard to learn English, often with the help of the school’s students. He was “beaming ear to ear” when he passed the U.S. citizenship test and voted in his first election — proudly wearing his “I Voted” sticker throughout the halls of St. Ambrose.

Every year, Elmore invites Izet to her classroom as a guest speaker to share his story of immigration and hardship to teach students what freedom in the U.S. truly means. He connects with students on a personal level, too, playing soccer with them at recess, engaging in friendly arm-wrestling matches, and receiving countless hugs from younger students. He's even the assistant coach for one of the eighth-grade soccer teams.

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“Izet is more than a custodian to us. He is our friend and a significant part of our community. He willingly lends a hand to students, staff, and even community members who need help. He greets the students every morning and even challenges them to games of chess and soccer. He makes sure everyone is comfortable and safe during times of extreme heat or cold. Izet can fix anything! This year, he also served as the assistant coach of the school’s eighth-grade soccer team. Our school would never be the same without him,” said Michele Grellner, St. Ambrose principal. “We’re very grateful for this recognition of someone who has a great impact on our school and for the grand prize from Tennant. This will help us continue our mission to provide the best education for our students.”

Izet was personally awarded a $5,000 value prize as part of a surprise recognition celebration at St. Ambrose on May 10th.The school received $10,000.

Tennant’s Custodians Are Key recognition program, now in its fifth year, honors and rewards the great work of K-12 custodians in schools around the U.S. and Canada. The 2023-2024 program started with a call for submissions on Sept. 12, 2023. Nominations officially closed on Oct. 31, 2023, and 12 finalists were selected.

Honoring the Custodians are Key nominees

In addition to our sincere congratulations to Izet, we’d also like to honor the other 11 finalists for the 2023 – 2024 Custodians are Key contest:

DeVante Q. of Paxinosa Elementary in Pennsylvania
Crystal I. of Birney Tech Academy in California
Chris D. of Stringfellow Elementary School in Georgia
Austin S. of Berryton Elementary School in Kansas
Dan B. of Kellogg High School in Idaho
John C. of Slater Middle School in Rhode Island
Rodger C. of St. Anne’s Catholic Elementary School in Ontario
Angie H. of Vermilion Elementary school in Ohio
Danny A. of Frank Kohn Elementary School in California
Eric D. of Millville Elementary in Utah
Scott S. of Mauston High School in Wisconsin

To learn more about Tennant Company's Custodians Are Key program and join us in celebrating these unsung heroes, visit tennantco.com/custodian.

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