Cintas Recognizes Excellence Among School and University Janitors
Often the first to arrive and the last to leave, school janitors work behind the scenes year-round to create clean, safe and welcoming learning environments. Cintas Corporation (NASDAQ: CTAS) is accepting nominations for its annual Janitor of the Year contest to honor outstanding janitorial professionals serving U.S. schools and universities. Nominations are being accepted online through March 1.
Janitors and custodial staff play a vital role in daily school operations. Their work supports student health and safety, fosters a positive atmosphere for learning, and contributes to overall campus pride. The Cintas Janitor of the Year contest shines a spotlight on those who consistently go above and beyond to keep classrooms, corridors and facilities safe, hygienic and inviting.
Prize and recognition
The contest recognizes both individual dedication and the broader impact on school communities. The winning janitor will receive a $5,000 cash award, and their school will receive $5,000 in products and services provided by Cintas and Rubbermaid. In addition, nine other top finalists will each receive a $500 cash award. Winners and finalists gain public recognition for their service and an opportunity to highlight the importance of custodial work in education.
Last year’s contest drew strong community engagement: after nearly 100,000 votes were tabulated, Sherry Albright of Trine University in Angola, Ind. was crowned the 2015 Janitor of the Year. Her campus celebrated with a parade featuring a marching band, police cars, cheerleaders, a housekeeping drill cart line and an ice cream social that brought the community together to honor her contributions.
Who is eligible and how to nominate
The Janitor of the Year contest is open to custodial staff at elementary, middle, high schools and universities who have been employed at their school for at least two years. Nominations should be concise and compelling: submissions must be 500 words or less explaining why the nominee deserves the award. Nomination submissions must be completed by the March 1 deadline.
When nominating, focus on specific examples that demonstrate the nominee’s dedication, innovation, impact on student and staff well‑being, and any ways they have improved facility safety or cleanliness. Clear, genuine anecdotes and testimonials from students, teachers or administrators strengthen a nomination and help the selection committee and public voters understand the custodial professional’s contributions.
Selection process and public voting
Cintas will select the top 10 finalists from the pool of nominees and announce them on March 15. Once finalists are announced, the public will be invited to vote for their favorite janitor. The nominee who receives the most votes will be named Janitor of the Year. Public voting will be open through April 15, giving communities time to rally support for their nominees.
Partner perspective
Rubbermaid Commercial Products, a premier sponsor for the contest, supports this recognition program as part of its commitment to improving conditions for custodial staff. Neil Eibeler, President of Rubbermaid Commercial Products, said, “Rubbermaid Commercial Products is proud to partner with Cintas to showcase the Janitor of the Year. We understand how important their hard work is to our communities and we are committed to providing solutions that make their jobs easier and safer.”
Why this matters
Recognizing janitors raises awareness of the essential role they play in K‑12 and higher education settings. Celebrations like the Janitor of the Year contest highlight the professionalism, pride and skill that custodial teams bring to their work. Public recognition can boost morale, build community appreciation and inspire investments in better tools, training and support for facility teams.
About Cintas Corporation:
Headquartered in Cincinnati, Cintas Corporation provides specialized services to businesses across North America. Cintas designs, manufactures and implements uniform programs, and offers entrance mats, restroom cleaning and supplies, tile and carpet cleaning, promotional products, first aid and safety services, and fire protection products and services. Cintas is publicly traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol CTAS and is a component of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index.
About Rubbermaid Commercial Products:
Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP), headquartered in Huntersville, North Carolina, manufactures solution-based products for commercial and institutional markets worldwide. Since 1968, RCP has developed technologies and systems for food services, sanitary maintenance, waste handling, material transport, away-from-home washrooms and safety products. RCP is part of Newell Rubbermaid’s portfolio and continues to innovate for the custodial and facilities market.