As Carl the janitor said in the 1985 movie classic, The Breakfast Club, “I am the eyes and ears of this institution, my friends.”
It’s a school janitor’s job to keep the facility clean and safe for students. But some go above and beyond their basic job descriptions to make their schools special places for kids to spend their days learning. Indeed, many school janitors are not only the eyes and ears of the institutions they work in, but often, the heart and soul.
Whether it’s the elementary school janitor who helps students study for their spelling tests by quizzing them on their weekly words, or one who hands out pencils bought with his own money on the first day of every month, outstanding janitors use generosity and encouragement along with their cleaning and maintenance equipment to make schools feel more like home.
Those are just a few examples of amazing things the 10 candidates for Cintas Corporation’s 2017 Janitor of the Year have done. The annual contest shines a spotlight on those who work behind the scenes year-round to make their schools clean, safe, and positive places.
Here’s where you come in: Voting is open to the public now through April 14! You can read all about the candidates and vote for your favorite here.
“With over 1,200 nominations, it was more difficult than ever to determine our top 10 finalists,” said Jillian Bauer, Assistant Marketing Manager, Cintas. “These janitors are the hearts and souls of their schools. From saving the school play to teaching children new languages, each one exudes positivity and acts as a role model. Now it’s up to the schools and communities to rally behind their custodians.”
The top 10 finalists in the 2017 Janitor of the Year contest are:
- Wendy Boyden: Essex Elementary School, Baltimore, MD
- John Dawson: Pepin Academies, Tampa, FL
- Michael Eldridge: Deer Crossing Elementary School, New Market, MD
- George Hoffman: Seymour Middle School, Seymour, IN
- Sauveur Jean: Woodmere Elementary School, Eatontown, NJ
- Loy Lopez: Rio Rancho Middle School, Rio Rancho, NM
- Cecil Lovett: North Calloway Elementary School, Murray, KY
- Fred Nieves: Saint Bridget School, Framingham, MA
- Ted Qualli Jr.: Newtown Elementary School, Newtown, PA
- Andy Wegner: Big Bend Elementary School, Big Bend, WI
The 2017 Janitor of the Year will receive a $5,000 cash prize along with $5,000 in products and services for his or her school from Cintas and Rubbermaid Commercial Products – not to mention bragging rights. A $500 cash prize will be awarded to each of the remaining nine finalists.
Don’t forget to vote, and keep an eye out for the announcement of the winner in April!
