"Custodians are unsung heroes of any campus community. They keep the campus clean and create a safe and healthy environment for students, faculty and staff. This fact became most apparent during the COVID pandemic, when disinfecting surfaces became an important part of protecting people from the virus.
At the University of Washington, custodians continued to report to work while other members of the campus community stayed home. At a time when their work was more important than ever, they had to face the fear and anxiety that went along with the inability to isolate, with so much unknown.
This story covers an art exhibit of photographs taken by UW custodians. Like the exhibit it's covering, the story highlights the multifaceted experiences of custodians during the COVID pandemic, including the anxiety they feel, ways they find peace and resiliency, the pride they take in their work, and their connection with students, faculty and everyone on campus.
Acknowledging the power imbalance that exists between the custodians and me, I did everything I could to create a process prioritizing the needs of the custodians I interviewed. The end result is a story that centers their voices and experiences, telling the human stories of these overlooked members of the campus community. It shows how the pandemic laid bare dynamics that were intensified, but weren't new. Custodians have always been a critical part of the university, and the story calls on readers to give them the thanks and recognition they deserve."
From the Judges
The judges were impressed by the great piece, which shone a spotlight on the unsung heroes of the pandemic, uplifting their remarkable stories and contributions. The narrative celebrated their resilience, dedication, and selflessness, capturing the hearts of readers. The judges recognized the nominator’s ability to shed light on these often overlooked individuals.
