Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 24th April 2025 Issue no. 1159
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Finalists in Cintas 2025 Custodian of the Year Contest announced; public voting now open
Cintas Corporation has this week announced the top 10 finalists in its 12th annual Cintas Custodian of the Year contest.
This year's finalists from across the US, showcase tremendous dedication and commitment to their schools. From now through April 11th, you can vote for your favourite custodian.
"We received thousands of heartfelt nominations and inspiring stories showcasing exceptional custodians nationwide," says Emily Ramos, director of marketing at Cintas. "As always, narrowing it down to the top 10 is a challenge, but this year's finalists truly stood out for their unwavering dedication to both their schools and communities."
The greatest number of public votes determines the winner. Cintas will award $10,000 to the winning custodian and $5,000 in Cintas and Rubbermaid Commercial products and services. The winner's school will also receive a complete facility assessment valued at $20,000 from the ISSA, along with a pizza party for all staff and students.
The other nine finalists will receive $1,000 each and complimentary tuition to one ISSA Cleaning Management Institute virtual training event, valued at $1,500. The finalists' schools will also receive a cleaning supply package from Rubbermaid Commercial Products. Again, this year, the top three finalists will 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.
"We're truly inspired by each of the finalists who go above and beyond for their schools," says John Barrett, ISSA executive director. "School custodians play a vital role in their communities, serving as role models and leaders that students look up to every day."
The finalists (in alphabetical order) are:
• Brenda ‘Ms. Brenda’ Finkelstein - LSU Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool (Baton Rouge, La.)
• Carlos Aguirre - Quarry Trail Elementary (Rocklin, Calif.)
• Dan Davis - Deerfield Elementary School (Short Hills, N.J.)
• Jennifer Aitken - Arizona Western College (Yuma, Ariz.)
• Jenny Low - University of California, San Francisco (San Francisco, Calif.)
• Keith Wilson - Florida Autism Center of Excellence (Tampa, Fla.)
• Micaela ‘Mica’ Ortiz Arredondo - William G. Hibbard Elementary (Chicago, Ill)
• Robert ‘Bobbie’ Patterson IV - Juanita High School (Kirkland, Wash.)
• Roberto Valdez - Northeastern University (Nahant, Mass.)
• Rosalio ‘Lio’ Rodriguez - Sachse High School (Sachse, Texas)
"We're honoured to celebrate these outstanding custodians for their hard work, talent and dedication," says Robert Posthauer, sr. vice president and general manager of Rubbermaid Commercial Products.
3rd April 2025