2016 Janitor of the Year Voting Closes in One Week
CINCINNATI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#JOTY–Take a break from the presidential race and cast your vote in Cintas
Corporation’s (NASDAQ: CTAS) 2016
Janitor of the Year contest. The candidates have been narrowed down to
the nation’s top 10 janitors, with representatives from across the U.S.
The polls close at midnight on Friday, April 15, so hurry to www.cintas.com/JOTY
to vote for your favorite school janitor!
“This year’s janitors each have remarkable stories and endearing
personal qualities,” said Jillian Bauer, Marketing Manager, Cintas. “To
date, more than 230,000 votes have been received from communities across
the U.S. We’re thrilled that so many students, parents, teachers and
faculty members are showing their appreciation of school janitors whose
work often goes unrecognized.”
The winner of the 2016 Janitor of the Year contest will receive a $5,000
cash prize and $5,000 in products and services from Cintas and
Rubbermaid Commercial Products for their school.
The top 10 finalists (in alphabetical order) include:
1. Saeed Amin – Robinson Elementary School (Beloit, Wis.)
After
retiring from a career as a factory worker, Saeed Amin came to the
education field to “make a difference.” When asked why Saeed returns to
Robinson Elementary School after work to attend special events and
concerts, he says: “These kids have to know people care about and
support them.”
2. Charles “Chuck” Arvin – Monocacy Middle School (Frederick,
Md.)
In an effort to achieve his district’s “superior” rating,
Chuck Arvin spent his extra summer hours stripping 15 years of debris
off the Monocacy Middle School floors and rewaxing them with the help of
his crew. In addition to a floor restorer, he’s also considered a
technical expert, and has been invited to give several presentations to
students regarding his electronics knowledge.
3. Elisa V. Bridges – Model Elementary School (Rome, Ga.)
While
most students and staff are enjoying summer vacation, Elisa Bridges is
busy preparing a welcoming environment, all while the air conditioning
is turned off to save energy. During her 11 years at Model, Elisa has
been known for her sweet, positive attitude and for always being willing
to give an extra hand.
4. Keith Ciesielczyk – Midview Middle School (Grafton, Ohio)
Keith
Ciesielczyk arrives at Midview Middle School by 4 a.m. each day, even
after working until 9 p.m. at his second job. He frequently goes the
extra mile, making the school secretary a cup of coffee before she
arrives each day and often donating time, money and goods to various
school drives and charity events.
5. Andre Hearn – Detroit Cristo Rey High School (Detroit)
For
the past 7 years, Andre Hearn has served as lead custodian of Cristo Rey
High School, as well as a mentor to students. During this past winter
break, Andre volunteered to strip, wax and seal the school’s tile
floors. But most impressively, several former students who were home
from college break jumped at the chance to help him!
6. Louis “Bo” James IV – duPont Manual High School
(Louisville, Ky.)
Bo James’ joyful spirit and open heart light
up the halls of duPont Manual High School. Whether he’s dressing up for
spirit week, offering emotional support or maintaining the old high
school building, Bo always has a smile on his face. He doesn’t just do
his job, he makes an effort to have a conversation with everyone he
meets and is a confidant and friend to many of the students.
7. Jerome Lewis – Crestline Elementary School (Mountain Brook,
Ala.)
Described as the heart of Crestline Elementary School,
Jerome Lewis has seen, smelled and cleaned it all – from bathrooms to
locker rooms to the cafeteria – with a smile on his face. Two years ago,
Jerome battled esophageal cancer; but never allowed it to slow him down
at work or dampen his spirits. As one student puts it, “Jerome is a
breath of fresh air even when the day stinks.”
8. Enrique Mendez – J.L. Long Middle School (Dallas)
Enrique
Mendez is the backbone of J.L. Long Middle School, often working 12-hour
days and even some weekends due to a limited custodial staff. When
Dallas experienced a large ice storm last year, Enrique maintained the
heat in the building to keep pipes from breaking, and took care of the
school’s two guinea pigs, turtle, four aquariums and plants.
9. Jerry Ottosen – Liberty High School (Spangle, Wash.)
For
the last 38.5 years, Jerry Ottosen has managed to create a clean and
healthy environment at Liberty High School. It’s not always an easy task
because the school is located in the middle of a wheat field, meaning
that students and staff track in dust and mud. Described as a team
player and relentless worker, Jerry is constantly trying to help
students, staff and community members.
10. Bill Sanders – Wright Brothers Elementary School (Huber
Heights, Ohio)
Each Friday, Bill Sanders delivers over 100
“Love in a Bag” treat bags to the students of Wright Brothers Elementary
School. In addition to keeping the school clean, he can often be seen
walking teachers to their cars at night and after conferences. Bill also
brings a lot of school spirit, dressing as a Leprechaun on St. Patrick’s
Day and as a gingerbread man, in a homemade costume, each December.
To vote, visit www.cintas.com/JOTY.
For more information, please contact Jess Messenger at 312-664-1532 or jmessenger@mulberrymc.com.
About Cintas Corporation:
Headquartered in Cincinnati, Cintas Corporation provides highly
specialized services to businesses of all types primarily throughout
North America. Cintas designs, manufactures and implements corporate
identity uniform programs, and provides entrance mats, restroom cleaning
and supplies, tile and carpet cleaning, promotional products, first aid,
safety, fire protection products and services. Cintas is a publicly held
company traded over the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol
CTAS and is a component of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index.
Contacts
Mulberry Marketing Communications
Jess Messenger, 312-664-1532
jmessenger@mulberrymc.com
