Hibbard Elementary custodian a finalist for national award
CHICAGO - Micaela "Mica" Ortiz Arredondo, described as "the heart of Hibbard Elementary School" in Albany Park, is a finalist for Custodian of the Year.
What we know
The contest, run by Cintas, honors top school custodians nationwide.
If Arredondo wins, she'll receive $10,000, $5,000 in prizes, a pizza party for her school and a trip to Las Vegas.
According to her profile on Cintas' website, Arredondo is more than a custodian—she's a cornerstone of Hibbard Elementary, known for her kindness and dedication.
"Mica is the heart of William G. Hibbard Elementary, bringing kindness to everything she does. More than just a custodian, she creates a welcoming and supportive environment for students, staff and visitors alike. Mica's hard work ensures the school remains clean and organized, but it's her uplifting spirit and genuine care for others that truly set her apart. She greets everyone with a smile, supports her colleagues like family and goes above and beyond to make the school feel like home. Whether offering a helping hand or organizing supplies, Mica's presence has a lasting impact on all."
How to Vote
Arredondo is up against nine other finalists from places like Tampa, San Francisco and New Jersey.
Voting is open until April 11. Supporters can vote once per day. Cast your vote here.
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'When we see custodians or people working in the kitchen, we think of our brown people; that is their job, but no, we need to find a way how to elevate the strengths they bring to our school and help them grow. How do we grow Mica?' León said. Ortiz was born and raised in Guanajuato, Mexico. She loved going to school and learning new things, she recalled. After getting a degree in accounting, the extreme poverty and family turmoil spurred her to move to the United States in 1995. She became a mom of two. Ortiz went to school to learn English and eventually got a medical assistant certificate. After leaving her abusive partner, she raised her two children mostly alone and worked long hours, she said. She started working at Hibbard after leaving a job as a nannie and senior caretaker. The children at Hibbard immediately gave her a sense of purpose, she said. That's because they remind her of her own children and the time she couldn't spend with them growing up. 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