Blurry view of elementary class room no kid or teacher with chairs and tables in campus

Loving what you do and making the most of your position is an understatement when referring to many workers in the cleaning industry. For example, Frank Hernandez, a janitor at Kalmiopsis Elementary School in Brookings, Oregon, does far more than cleaning within the four walls of his school. Hernandez works daily to inspire the students to have strong work ethics and positive attitudes.

For that, and many other reasons, Hernandez has been named one of the 10 finalists for the Janitor of the Year Award, sponsored by Cintas Corporation.

Starting the school day off right, Hernandez welcomes students to school with a smile and a wave as he proudly sports his yellow crossing guard vest and makes sure each child and their school projects make it inside safely, according to Hernandez bio on the Cintas website.

Upon entering the school, students are greeted with brightly colored columns that look like crayons, painted by "Mr. Frank" himself. After ensuring Kalmiopsis, one of the largest schools in the state, is the cleanest school on the West Coast, Hernandez spends the day encouraging students to take part in the recycling program and offers a helping hand to those with special needs. And at the close of the school day, Mr. Frank is there to wave goodbye to students.

The principal at Kalmiopsis commented to CBS News 10 that Hernandez is "a fantastic, energetic force in our building." And the district superintendent added that he cant think of anyone more deserving of this recognition.

In its fifth year, the Janitor of the Year Contest was created to draw attention to the everyday heroes that go above and beyond their job description to make schools a clean, healthy and fun learning environment.

The 2018 Janitor of the Year winner will be determined by the number of votes and will receive a $5,000 cash prize along with $5,000 in products and services for his or her school from Cintas and Rubbermaid Commercial Products – not to mention bragging rights. A $500 cash prize will be awarded to each of the remaining nine finalists.

Voting for the contest began March 19 and will end on April 20. The janitor with the most votes will win. Those interested in voting can do so once a day, every day, until the April 20 deadline here.