Hawthorne Elementary head custodian empowers WNHS Young Feminist Club with lessons on automotive maintenance

Nikki Edwards, head custodian at Hawthorne Elementary, demonstrated multiple how-to’s in automotive maintenance for members of Westerville North High School’s Young Feminists Club on Monday: how to change a tire, check the radiator, add window fluid and replace a light bulb in their car.

She provided students with a flier to keep in their cars with instructions in case they needed a reminder on how to maintain their cars. Then, she passed on advice from her mother.

“It’s good to have a bag, blanket, first-aid kit in your car in case of an emergency,” she said. “You never know what’s going to happen.” 

Club advisor and Spanish teacher Beth Henman invited Edwards to lead a hands-on workshop to empower members and help them learn practical life skills that can keep them safe. 

For senior Hailey Tessman, most of Edwards’ lessons were new — and so needed. 
 
“I’ll be driving back and forth from home to college,” she said. “If I have a two-hour drive, knowing how to change a tire is nice.”