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

  • Miami University Approves New $242M Multipurpose Arena

    Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, recently announced that its Board of Trustees has approved construction of a new multipurpose arena at Cook Field, according to university news. The $242-million project will serve as a new centralized hub for student life and create space for economic development on campus.

  • UT System Approves First Funds for New Campus

    The University of Texas System Board of Regents recently approved funds to build the first facility of a new campus in far west Fort Worth, Texas, according to university news. UTA West will serve as a branch of the University of Texas at Arlington and is scheduled to open in fall 2028.

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

    We asked, you answered, and the results are in! Last year, we put out a call for submissions to collect our readership’s opinion on trends and predictions for K–12 and higher education facilities in 2026.

  • Tennessee Middle School Completes Health, Life Safety Renovations

    The Giles County Board of Education in Pulaski, Tenn., recently announced that a series of renovation projects has been completed at Bridgeforth Middle School, according to a news release. The district partnered with Wold Architects & Engineers and Brindley Construction to modernize building systems at one of the district’s oldest schools.