NATIONAL C.L.E.A.N.® AWARD!
National C.L.E.A.N.® Award
Custodial Leaders for Environmental Advocacy Nationwide
| Pat Nicholson, head custodian at Brownsville Elementary in Bremerton, Washington, is a school custodian on a mission. After 24 years of cleaning classrooms, his goal is to improve indoor environmental quality (IEQ) at schools throughout the state. The result will be healthier students, staff and faculty.
Nicholson has written much of the custodial training material for Central Kitsap School District and has trained other custodians for more than 20 years. His “cleaning for health” practices contributed to lower absentee rates at Brownsville than at neighboring schools, especially during the flu season. His enthusiasm for “cleaning for health” is contagious. He has educated fellow staff members about removing asthma triggers in the classroom. But his efforts don’t end there. He is the only custodian to serve on the Washington Education Association IEQ Work Team where he authored the “Ten Best IEQ Practices” for the association’s Web site. Nicholson testified before the Washington State Board of Health on school health issues, and last year spoke at the annual Environmental Protection Administration’s Indoor Air Quality “Tools for Schools” national symposium in Washington, D.C. |
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| “Pat takes any opportunity to talk with staff and leaders about the importance of healthy cleaning and the relationship between academic success and clean classrooms,” says Cheri Mlodzik, president of Central Kitsap Educational Support Professionals.
Students also are involved in Nicholson’s mission. Eight years ago he decided to paint his floor scrubber to resemble a tiger in an attempt to connect with students. He named the scrubber “Fang.” Last year on National Healthy Schools Day, “Fang” participated in a school skit where he was interviewed by students (Nicholson with a microphone off-stage). “Fang” is a huge hit with students and a novel tool for teaching them about the importance of cleanliness. |
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Nicholson also recruited sixth grade students to the school’s recycling program and is teaching them about IEQ as well. He’s been known to take at-risk students under his wing, and his mentorship helps students connect with school.
One of Nicholson’s biggest fans is fellow IEQ Work Team member Jill Van Glubt. “Pat is an amazing advocate and has been a powerful leader involved in making his school, community, and our profession more aware of the importance of school cleanliness, health, and safety,” she says. A graduate of Central Kitsap High School, Nicholson played trombone and other instruments as a U.S. Air Force Bandsman. He attended Olympic College, Western Washington State University, and the University of Puget Sound. With more than 180 college credits, he continues his education through the school district and professional conferences. Outside of school, Nicholson and his wife own and operate Central Valley Lavender Farm in Poulsbo. |
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