Mr. Clean (and a nice guy, too): School custodian in running for major award

For five years, Rodger Colmar has been the custodian at St. Anne’s elementary school in St. Thomas.

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Now, the 56-year-old is being recognized for going above and beyond the job description, and is a finalist in a North America-wide competition recognizing custodians for their work. The top prize is a personal $5,600 prize package choice, as well as a $13,000 check to the winner’s school.

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“I’m just helping people, a common, human-nature thing,” Colmar said. “So, when I’ve got the time, of course, I’m going to help with whatever (is needed).”

Colmar is one of 12 finalists chosen from a field of about 1,400 nominees, and the only Canadian remaining in Tennant’s – a floor cleaning equipment manufacturer – fifth annual Custodians are Key contest.

“The competition honors and recognizes an often-overlooked group,” the company said in a news release. “Custodians don’t just have an impact on the cleanliness of the buildings, but a direct impact in our communities.”

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Teachers at St. Anne’s nominated Colmar for the prize.

When he found out about the nomination, he discovered there were 18 letters submitted on his behalf to Tennant, praising his hard work and impacts at the elementary school.

“He creates a positive and inclusive school community, and his impact is immeasurable,” wrote Ally Payler, a Grade 7 teacher at the school.

“Rodger is your guy for this award. If someone like him can’t be recognized for greatness, I don’t know who can,” Grade 8 teacher, Chris Carron, wrote.

Colmar previously worked as a manager at SilverCity movie theater in CF Masonville Place. He left five years ago to work as a custodian at St. Anne’s.

“I thought I’d take a little bit of an easier job, which didn’t turn out that way, but here I am, and I honestly love it,” Colmar said. “It’s just a joy to go to work every day and do something for (the kids).”

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Colmar said he’s seen changes in the attitude of pupils since he started.

“There’ll be 10 or 15 kids in at a crisis and say, ‘Hey, can we help?’ a lot of times, and it’s just nice to see them have pride in their school,” he said.

Although custodial work tends to go unnoticed, the contribution isn’t invisible to London District Catholic school board chair Gabe Pizzuti.

“School custodians play an indispensable role in our school communities,” he said. “Their positive interactions with both staff and students exemplify their excellent teamwork, (and) help keep our schools safe.”

As a finalist in the competition, Colmar already has earned $650.

If he wins, he’s unsure which prize package he’d select for himself, but he has an idea for how the school could spend its $13,000.

“(Maybe) we put that into sort of like a fund that would generate a couple of hundred bucks a year to possibly one student that we pick as a helpful hero or something like that, you know, that helps out around the school. Yeah, so that would be my choice. Like, put the money back into the kids.”

The winner of Custodians are Key will be announced in May and decided by a panel of judges who work at Tennant.

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@BrianWatLFPress

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