Aristeo Flores Crowned 2019 School Custodian Of The Year

With over 278,600 votes, Cintas Corporation crowned Aristeo Flores of Scotts Valley (California) Middle School the 2019 Custodian of the Year. Aristeo will receive a $5,000 cash prize and his school will also receive $5,000 in products and services from Cintas and Rubbermaid Commercial Products.

Known for his warm, kind smile, Aristeo is an integral part of the Scotts Valley Middle School community. His gentle demeanor, sense of humor and hard work has left a positive impact on students past and present for the last 17 years. So when the opportunity came for his town of 12,000 to show him just how much he means to them, they swept the national contest and won with more than 30 percent of the vote.



During a surprise award presentation ceremony at the school, Aristeo was met with 530 overjoyed students who thought they were attending a pep rally. Complete with T-shirt cannons, giant balloons, a staff dance and an ice cream truck with treats for the whole school, it was clear why the 73-year-old isn’t ready to retire – his love of the students.

In an emotional speech from his son Miguel, Aristeo was described as someone who’s been an underdog his whole life. “My dad is an immigrant from Mexico who came here for the American Dream. Now I know why at 73-years-old he never talks about retiring. I get it – this is why he doesn’t retire. You guys are the reason he doesn’t retire.”

“The Custodian of the Year contest celebrates the many ways custodians make a difference in our schools,” said Jillian Bauer, Cintas Marketing Manager. “It’s clear from Aristeo’s win and the support that he’s received from day-one of this contest, that he is not only loved by his school, but by the community as well.”

“Aristeo represents the best-of-the-best with his attitude, spirit and commitment to maintaining a healthy school for each and every student,” said Michael Halak, President, Rubbermaid Commercial Products. We’re honored to recognize him today for his achievements and hope to bring a smile to his face like he’s done for so many others throughout the last 17 years.”

Nine contest runners-up will be awarded a $500 cash prize. They will also receive a $1,300 prize package from Rubbermaid consisting of cleaning tools and products.