Top 10 Finalists in Nationwide Janitor of the Year Contest Announced

Cincinnati, Ohio — An elementary school janitor helps students study for their spelling tests by quizzing them on their weekly words. Another janitor hands out pencils bought with his own money on the first day of every month. These are only two of the 10 amazing individuals for whom the public can cast their ballot in Cintas Corporation’s (NASDAQ: CTAS) 2017 Janitor of the Year Contest.

The polls are open! Vote for your favorite in the 2017 Janitor of the Year contest at www.cintas.com/JOTY

The Janitor of the Year contest aims to shine a spotlight on those who work behind the scenes year-round to make schools a clean, safe and positive place. Voting will be open through April 14 at www.cintas.com/JOTY.

“With over 1,200 nominations, it was more difficult than ever to determine our top ten 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 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.

The top 10 finalists in the 2017 Janitor of the Year contest include:

  1. Wendy Boyden – Essex Elementary School (Baltimore)
  2. John Dawson – Pepin Academies (Tampa, Fla.)
  3. Michael Eldridge – Deer Crossing Elementary School (New Market, Md.)
  4. George Hoffman – Seymour Middle School (Seymour, Ind.)
  5. Sauveur Jean – Woodmere Elementary School (Eatontown, N.J.)
  6. Loy Lopez – Rio Rancho Middle School (Rio Rancho, N.M.)
  7. Cecil Lovett – North Calloway Elementary School (Murray, Ky.)
  8. Fred Nieves – Saint Bridget School (Framingham, Mass.)
  9. Ted Qualli Jr. – Newtown Elementary School (Newtown, Penn.)
  10. Andy Wegner – Big Bend Elementary School (Big Bend, Wisc.)

Featured

  • University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Launches New Emergency Communications System

    The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) recently deployed a new emergency notification and incident management system for its campus, according to a news release. The university partnered with 911Cellular to launch Safe@UTC, a smartphone app allowing university officials to communicate and respond during emergency situations.

  • CU-Lock Haven Receives $1.75M Gift for New Entrepreneurship, Media Center

    Commonwealth University-Lock Haven in Lock Haven, Penn., recently received a $1.75-million donation from entrepreneur and alumnus Nicholas Subich ’17, according to a university news release. The funds will go toward establishing the Nicholas Subich Center for Entrepreneurship and Media, a technology-driven hub for innovation and experiential learning.

  • Surging Demand for Student Housing Fuels Major Campus Investment Opportunities

    University leaders throughout the U.S. are accelerating plans to modernize and expand student housing as enrollment stabilizes and demand for on-campus living rebounds. Recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics indicates that total postsecondary enrollment is projected to grow through the end of the decade, with undergraduate enrollment alone expected to increase by more than 8 percent by 2030.

  • Spaces4Learning Trends & Predictions for Educational Facilities in 2026: Part II

    As education leaders look toward 2026, the design of K–12 and higher education facilities is being reshaped by powerful, converging forces. Survey respondents point to the rapid growth of Career and Technical Education, deeper alignment with workforce and industry needs, and the accelerating influence of AI and emerging technologies.