Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 13th February 2025 Issue no. 1149
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Nominations open for Cintas 12th Annual Custodian of the Year Contest
Cintas has launched its 12th annual Custodian of the Year contest, which honours exceptional school custodians from throughout the US. From now through February 7th, the public can submit their custodian nominations at www.custodianoftheyear.com
Cintas will award $10,000 to the winning custodian and $5,000 in Cintas and Rubbermaid products and services to the winner's school, which will also receive a complete facility assessment and Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) Advanced certification by GBAC from ISSA, valued at $20,000.
The other nine finalists will receive $1,000 each from Cintas, a cleaning supply package from Rubbermaid and complimentary tuition to one ISSA Cleaning Management Institute (CMI) virtual training event valued at $1,500. The top three finalists will also receive an all-expense-paid trip for two to the ISSA Show North America in Las Vegas in November, where they'll be celebrated for their accomplishments.
The contest is open to all elementary, middle, high school, college and university custodians who have worked at their school for at least two years. Nominations must be 500 words or less on why the nominee deserves the award and must be submitted by February 7th. Cintas will announce the top 10 finalists on March 4th. The public will then be able to vote for their favourite custodian through April 11th, and the finalist with the most votes will be crowned Custodian of the Year in the Spring.
Students and staff at Wabasha-Kellogg High School in Wabasha, Minnesota, which is looked after by last year’s winner, Bob Galewski, had this to say about him:
“You can always count on him. When they come back late from a track meet, for example, he will go out of his way to unlock the doors so students can gather their belongings before heading home. He views his job as not just about keeping the school clean. He works to make genuine, meaningful connections with each student and staff member. Every year, Bob even gives the dance team an incredible motivational speech to excite student athletes before competitions. He shows he cares about every single student.”
Emily Ramos, director of marketing at Cintas, has this to say about the custodians & Awards program: "Beyond cleaning and maintenance, school custodians often make our schools and universities feel like home," "For more than a decade, we've been inspired by countless incredible stories of custodians going above and beyond, and we're thrilled to continue honouring them as we celebrate the 12th year of this contest."
John Barrett, executive director of ISSA, says: "Creating healthy and inspiring learning environments wouldn't be possible without the dedication of custodians. ISSA is honoured to partner with Cintas to recognise and celebrate the dedication, hard work and essential contributions of custodians across the US."
Robert Posthauer, Rubbermaid Commercial’s senior vice president and general manager of commercial business says: "We're proud to partner with Cintas to honor the custodians who go above and beyond daily," said. "Custodians are true heroes, and we are committed to showing our gratitude and appreciation for all they do."
9th January 2025