Henry Sullivan may not be a name that rings a bell for everyone in Momence. He’s not a student-cited favorite teacher, nor is he a hall of fame coach. You won’t see him handing out diplomas from the graduation dais, and he’s not a common sight in the main office, but his work and presence are deeply felt throughout Momence High School. As a dedicated custodian for the past thirteen years, Henry has been an important part of the silent force ensuring the school runs smoothly, a role he embraces with an impressive blend of dedication, humility, and quiet pride.

Born in Batesville, Mississippi, Henry moved to the Momence area in the sixth grade. His journey from a small town in the Deep South to becoming an integral part of a Midwestern school district is marked by a series of hardworking roles that shaped his ethos. “I was born in Batesville, just south of Memphis,” he recalls with a nostalgic smile. “We moved up here when I was in about the sixth grade. Before that, I even worked at the casket company in Batesville for a while.”

Henry’s career path to Momence High School was winding but always rooted in a strong work ethic. After high school in nearby St. Anne, he served in the army for three years, “Working on tanks,” he tells us. His post-army career included stints in plastics manufacturing and as a lumberjack, a job he fondly remembers for its physical demands. “I loved it because it was physical,” Henry says. “I was staying in great shape and getting paid for it — no need for a gym membership.”

His connection to Momence High School began somewhat unexpectedly. Henry started picking up scrap metal from the school, which led to conversations about a more permanent role. “One day, I just happened to ask about a job,” Henry says. “And that was it. I’ve been here for about thirteen years now.”

In his role at the school, Henry wears lots of hats. He starts his day early, ensuring the school is ready for students and staff alike. “I come in, I open it up every morning, I get the lights on, I get everything ready for teachers to walk in,” he explains. “I do a little bit of everything – from handling messes to fixing things that break.”

While the job itself keeps Henry busy, it’s the students who bring him the most joy. Initially, Henry was a quiet worker who preferred the night shift to avoid interaction. But once he switched to days and started engaging with students, his outlook changed. “I used to be the quiet type, just wanted to do my job and stay away from everybody,” he admits. “But once I got to know a few of the kids, it changed everything. Now, I love it.”

Henry’s contributions to the Momence school community go well beyond his job description. He actively looks out for students who might be feeling isolated, remembering his own experiences as a quiet, shy student. “I used to see kids sitting alone at lunch, and I didn’t like that,” Henry says. “So I started sitting with them, talking to them, and it just opened up everything. It can be a game changer for a kid.”

Outside of work, Henry enjoys spending time with his wife, exploring nature, and riding motorcycles. The couple often spends vacations hiking in state parks, with trips to places like Shawnee National Forest and Starved Rock being highlights of their adventures. “My wife and I love hiking and the outdoors,” he says. “She’s the one who got me into it, and now we take our vacations to places where we can hike.”

Their shared passion for motorcycling adds another layer to their bond. “She has her own bike, and we sometimes ride with our church group,” Henry says. “This year, we’re planning to hit some roads in Indiana. It’s something we both enjoy.”

Henry’s dedication to his family is as strong as his commitment to the school. He makes it a point to visit his sister and other family members in Batesville every year. “She’s older now, and I want to spend that time with her,” Henry explains. “Family is important.”

Henry Sullivan’s story is one of quiet heroism, steadfast dedication, and a deep love for the community he serves. His contributions to Momence High School may often go unnoticed, but they are invaluable. As he reflects on his journey, it’s clear that Henry embodies the spirit of service and community that makes Momence a special place. “I like Momence,” he says simply. And Momence, we think, must like him back. One thing is for certain, our community is undoubtedly better for having him.