NATIONAL C.L.E.A.N.^® AWARD!

National C.L.E.A.N.^® Award

Custodial Leaders for Environmental Advocacy Nationwide

Rick Johnson is much more than the head custodian of Emmons Elementary School. 

He is a mentor, motivator, educator, field trip chaperon, and a role model to 420 students.  He also is a cherished friend and colleague to the staff and faculty at Emmons, where he has worked for the last 13 years.

His outstanding custodial and maintenance skills have earned the school the Gold Star award for building cleanliness, an award given only to schools that score the highest on the school district’s comprehensive rating scale.  To accomplish this, Johnson’s team cleans for health, removing germs as well as dirt.  This includes the use of antibacterial door knob and desk wipes to reduce germs and improve student health

Cleaning is what we expect of school custodians.  But Johnson uses innovative programs to involve students in maintaining clean surroundings, teaching them responsibility and instilling a sense of pride in their own school. 

His Custodial Cadet Program is a voluntary apprentice program that provides students with daily practical cleaning experience. The volunteer student helpers clean windows, take out trash, and operate the floor scrubbing machine (under supervision) during lunch and playground recesses.  The program is so popular it has a waiting list, and students must earn a spot through good behavior and teacher recommendations.

As a result of the program and the pride the students take in their school, Johnson believes, the school has no problems with vandalism such as broken windows and graffiti. Johnson also initiated the school’s recycling program.  Paper is recycled, and aluminum tabs are collected and sent to Riley’s Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis to benefit the hospital.  His green school program extends outdoors where he also works as grounds keeper.  In the spring he sometimes plants his own flowers to help beautify the grounds.  “

From the time you arrive at Emmons, from the beautifully landscaped lawn, to the shiny foyer floors, you sense that someone really cares about this school,” says Jeanine Reynolds, a teacher at Emmons.  That includes the perennial garden Johnson planted in the kindergarten play area.

Daniel Towner, executive director for curriculum and instruction for the school district, has only rave reviews for Johnson.  “Rick performs his work in an exemplary manner, but it is his strong interpersonal skills, sense of humor, and positive attitude that really set him apart.  He is a great role model for kids and a terrific asset to our school corporation.”  Others who work with him agree.

Former student Joshua Johnson, no relation to Rick Johnson, first met the custodian 13 years ago as a first grader at the school.  He was one of Johnson’s Custodial Cadets.  His admiration for his mentor influenced him to follow in his footsteps, and he credits Johnson with teaching him to take pride in everything he does.

Johnson gives more than time and attention to students.  With his own money, he has awarded $100 savings bonds to his best Cadets to use for college. 

His generosity extends outside the school to Little League baseball where he volunteered for many years as a coach, manager and fundraiser. 

Yes, Johnson is much more than the head custodian of Emmons Elementary.