Do you know a janitor who works tirelessly to keep school grounds clean and safe for students, administration and staff? Want to show them some love? Starting immediately, Cintas Corporation will once again hold a nationwide Janitor of the Year contest to recognize the best-of-the-best amongst school janitors. Created to shine a spotlight on those who work behind the scenes year-round to make schools a clean, safe and positive place, the contest will award $2,500 to the winning janitor and $2,500 in Cintas and Rubbermaid products and services to the school.

“Janitors are as much a part of the school experience as are teachers and peers,” said Dave Mesko, Senior Director of Marketing and Strategy at Cintas. “With this contest, we hope to highlight the important work they do each day in keeping the school environment a clean and safe place for our children to learn.”

After receiving more than 30,000 votes during last year’s contest, Patrick Peterson of North Valleys High School (NVHS) in Reno, Nevada was crowned the winner. Peterson accepted his award during a special ceremony held in the NVHS auditorium – complete with student-made signs, a special cheer squad performance and an honor guard ceremony.

Cintas’ Janitor of the Year contest is open to all elementary, middle, high school and university janitors who have worked at their school for at least two years. Nominations must be 1,000 words or less on why the janitor is deserving of the award.

Nominations will be accepted online at www.cintas.com/janitoroftheyear and via e-mail at janitoroftheyear@cintas.com through March 9. The top 10 finalists will be announced on March 23, at which time public voting will be opened until May 1.