Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 18th April 2024 Issue no. 1110
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Philadelphia janitor mops up 2017 Cintas Janitor of the Year Award
Make way for the newest custodial celebrity! After a record-breaking 898,220 votes in the US nationwide contest, Cintas Corporation has this week crowned Ted Qualli Jr. of Newtown Elementary in Philadelphia, the 2017 Janitor of the Year.
Ted captured more than 40% of the vote and will receive a $5,000 cash prize. His school will also receive $5,000 in products and services from Cintas and Rubbermaid Commercial Products.
Ted does everything from the heart, whether he's teaching students about his service to the country on Veteran's Day or handing out vegetable seedlings grown in his home garden to every student each Spring. It's clear Ted is a friend and an inspiration in addition to being an excellent janitor. In fact, students are said to spontaneously break into chant, yelling 'Qual-li! Qual-li!" any time Ted appears in a hallway or classroom.
"Ted is the glue that holds this school together and a role model to the entire community," says Kevin King, principal of Newtown Elementary. "Whether we have a student who's concerned about monsters in the restrooms, kick balls stuck on the roof or a staff member with a flat tiye, Ted is always there to help out."
Nine contest runners up will also be awarded a $500 cash prize. They will also receive a $1,300 prize package from Rubbermaid consisting of cleaning tools and products to keep their schools in top shape.
Jillian Bauer, assistant marketing manager, Cintas, says:"School janitors are the epitome of an everyday hero, going far beyond their requirements to provide students and staff with a clean and safe learning environment.
"This contest is a way of shining a much needed spotlight on these hardworking heroes and giving them the recognition they deserve."
Michael Halak, president, Rubbermaid Commercial Products, says: "With nearly one million votes, this year's outpouring of support shows the work of a janitor extends far beyond mopping and sweeping; reaching students, faculty and entire communities.
"We're excited to award Ted and the nine finalists with this outstanding achievement and look forward to honoring many more janitors as this contest grows."
4th May 2017