The candidates of Cintas Corporation’s 2016 Janitor of the Year contest have been narrowed down to the nation’s top 10 janitors, with representatives from across the U.S. The polls close at midnight on Friday, April 15, so hurry to www.cintas.com/JOTY to vote for your favorite school janitor.

“This year’s janitors each have remarkable stories and endearing personal qualities,” said Jillian Bauer, Marketing Manager, Cintas. “To date, more than 230,000 votes have been received from communities across the U.S. We’re thrilled that so many students, parents, teachers and faculty members are showing their appreciation of school janitors whose work often goes unrecognized.”

The winner of the 2016 Janitor of the Year contest will receive a $5,000 cash prize and $5,000 in products and services from Cintas and Rubbermaid Commercial Products for their school.

The top 10 finalists (in alphabetical order) include:

1.      Saeed Amin – Robinson Elementary School (Beloit, Wis.)
After retiring from a career as a factory worker, Saeed Amin came to the education field to “make a difference.”  When asked why Saeed returns to Robinson Elementary School after work to attend special events and concerts, he says: “These kids have to know people care about and support them.”

2.      Charles “Chuck” Arvin – Monocacy Middle School (Frederick, Md.)
In an effort to achieve his district’s "superior" rating, Chuck Arvin spent his extra summer hours stripping 15 years of debris off the Monocacy Middle School floors and rewaxing them with the help of his crew. In addition to a floor restorer, he’s also considered a technical expert, and has been invited to give several presentations to students regarding his electronics knowledge.

3.      Elisa V. Bridges – Model Elementary School (Rome, Ga.)
While most students and staff are enjoying summer vacation, Elisa Bridges is busy preparing a welcoming environment, all while the air conditioning is turned off to save energy. During her 11 years at Model, Elisa has been known for her sweet, positive attitude and for always being willing to give an extra hand.

4.      Keith Ciesielczyk – Midview Middle School (Grafton, Ohio)
Keith Ciesielczyk arrives at Midview Middle School by 4 a.m. each day, even after working until 9 p.m. at his second job. He frequently goes the extra mile, making the school secretary a cup of coffee before she arrives each day and often donating time, money and goods to various school drives and charity events.
5.      Andre Hearn – Detroit Cristo Rey High School (Detroit)
For the past 7 years, Andre Hearn has served as lead custodian of Cristo Rey High School, as well as a mentor to students. During this past winter break, Andre volunteered to strip, wax and seal the school’s tile floors. But most impressively, several former students who were home from college break jumped at the chance to help him!

6.      Louis “Bo” James IV – duPont Manual High School (Louisville, Ky.)
Bo James’ joyful spirit and open heart light up the halls of duPont Manual High School. Whether he’s dressing up for spirit week, offering emotional support or maintaining the old high school building, Bo always has a smile on his face. He doesn't just do his job, he makes an effort to have a conversation with everyone he meets and is a confidant and friend to many of the students.

7.      Jerome Lewis – Crestline Elementary School (Mountain Brook, Ala.)
Described as the heart of Crestline Elementary School, Jerome Lewis has seen, smelled and cleaned it all – from bathrooms to locker rooms to the cafeteria – with a smile on his face. Two years ago, Jerome battled esophageal cancer; but never allowed it to slow him down at work or dampen his spirits. As one student puts it, “Jerome is a breath of fresh air even when the day stinks.”

8.      Enrique Mendez – J.L. Long Middle School (Dallas)
Enrique Mendez is the backbone of J.L. Long Middle School, often working 12-hour days and even some weekends due to a limited custodial staff. When Dallas experienced a large ice storm last year, Enrique maintained the heat in the building to keep pipes from breaking, and took care of the school’s two guinea pigs, turtle, four aquariums and plants.

9.      Jerry Ottosen – Liberty High School (Spangle, Wash.)
For the last 38.5 years, Jerry Ottosen has managed to create a clean and healthy environment at Liberty High School. It’s not always an easy task because the school is located in the middle of a wheat field, meaning that students and staff track in dust and mud. Described as a team player and relentless worker, Jerry is constantly trying to help students, staff and community members.

10.     Bill Sanders – Wright Brothers Elementary School (Huber Heights, Ohio)
Each Friday, Bill Sanders delivers over 100 “Love in a Bag” treat bags to the students of Wright Brothers Elementary School. In addition to keeping the school clean, he can often be seen walking teachers to their cars at night and after conferences. Bill also brings a lot of school spirit, dressing as a Leprechaun on St. Patrick’s Day and as a gingerbread man, in a homemade costume, each December.

To vote, visit www.cintas.com/JOTY.