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

  • Can AI Help Build Stronger Communities in Student Housing?

    Student housing success is shifting from operational performance to student experience, with belonging now at the center. A recent 2025 report underscores a growing emphasis on student well-being, community, and engagement, signaling that expectations now extend beyond logistics to ensure students feel supported in their living environments. AI is enabling that shift by reducing administrative workload and giving teams more time to focus on meaningful student engagement.

  • Homewood-Flossmoor High School NetZero Addition

    Homewood-Flossmoor High School NetZero Addition

    Established in 1999, the Education Design Showcase is a vehicle for showing off innovative — yet practical — solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction. The Homewood-Flossmoor High School NetZero Addition has been recognized with an EDS 2026 Project of Distinction award in the category of New Construction.

  • Spaces4Learning Launches 2026 Facilities and Construction Brief Survey

    Spaces4Learning recently launched the 2026 Facilities and Construction Brief Survey, which collects data on the previous year’s K–12 and higher education construction projects nationwide.

  • Wold Architects & Engineers Announces Acquisition of JJCA

    Wold Architects & Engineers, based in Minneapolis, Minn., recently announced that it has acquired JJCA, an architecture firm based in Nashville, Tenn., according to a press release. JJCA specializes in healthcare and education design; the partnership allows both firms to expand their presence across the country while building on existing strengths.