“As a school custodian, I feel that the C.L.E.A.N.^® Award is important because it enhances the images of custodians in communities all across the country and brings to the forefront the importance of cleaning for health. Cleaning for health and not just for appearance has the power to impact how students learn and staff performs. Keeping students and staff safe and healthy can have a direct impact on student achievement and is a major step forward in the educational process.”

Patrick Lortie

During his 22 years as head custodian at Woodlan Junior-Senior High School in Woodburn, Indiana, Pat Lortie has changed every door lock, locker combination, ceiling tile and floor tile more times than he can count. 

Famous for his neon pink suspenders and his cheerful demeanor, Pat contributes much more to the school than supervising the custodial team.  He actively participates in school and student activities. He has dressed as Santa, Abe Lincoln, a clown, and a Woodlan Warrior to show the students that it is okay to have fun at school while getting the work done.

When times were hard and spirits were low in the 1990s, Pat decided to lift morale by single-handedly painting the school’s interior in bright, fresh colors. It took him two years to complete, but he never thought of quitting. As a result, the school newsletter affectionately referred to him as Leonardo De Lortie.

“Pat goes way beyond his job description.  He spends more than a day painting the art decorations on the football field for homecoming.  His art has been featured in the Sherwin-Williams calendar for the last three years.” Denny Miesle,Woodlan Athletic Director

To achieve that goal, innovation is one of his greatest tools.  An unused, clean weed sprayer becomes a mixing unit for disinfectant cleaner to quickly spray locker rooms, wrestling mats and restrooms, minimizing the likelihood of contamination. During the installation of hand sanitizing units throughout the building, he improvised a “mobile sanitizing cart” by mounting a hand sanitizing dispenser on a rolling cart. 

This gave students and staff ready access to a cleaning station wherever they were, especially important while waiting in the lunch line. His innovations also benefit the custodial crew. To reduce back and knee problems, he attached a putty knife to a long handle for use in scraping gum off the floors and bleachers. He also constructed a ceiling tile remover, so a ladder is no longer necessary for tile replacement.

Pat’s involvement and leadership do not stop at the school’s doors. He is president of the East Allen County Schools Custodial Association.   Two years ago the Teachers’ Association and the Education Support Professional (ESP) organizations helped elect two new school board members. 

To enhance the image of custodians and ESPs, he stays involved with decision-makers, the school board, and the local political action committee (PAC). He attends every local school board meeting, and served on the district’s interview team for prospective school board members.

He initiated a meeting with the new superintendent last year to share with her the importance and essential contributions made by the custodial staff. A team of architects and engineers recently toured each of the district’s schools to develop future maintenance priorities. One of them commented to a teacher that in spite of the building’s age, Woodlan is extremely well maintained. More kudos for Pat. 

Pat Lortie has earned the title of top recipient because of his professionalism, dedication, leadership, innovation, and his friendship with the entire community.