Cintas Corp. recently recognized the two runners-up in its 2024 Cintas Custodian of the Year Contest.

The 11th annual competition called for elementary, middle, high-school, and college students, in addition to staff, to submit a short essay describing why their school’s custodian deserves the award. Ten finalists were selected from a pool of hundreds of submissions. Last week, Cintas revealed that Bob Galewski, a custodian from Wabasha-Kellogg High School in Wabasha, Minnesota, was the top vote getter.

In addition to recognizing Galewski, Cintas honored the two runners-up—William “Mr. Billy” Krajewski from Quaker Hill Elementary School in Waterford, Connecticut, and David Smith from Loveland Intermediate School in Loveland, Ohio. Krajewski and Smith were each surprised with a ceremony at their respective schools by teachers, their families, and Cintas representatives.

The two finalists were each awarded US$1,000 and a trip for two to Las Vegas this November where they’ll be recognized during ISSA Show North America. The finalists’ schools will also receive a cleaning supply package from Rubbermaid Commercial Products and complimentary tuition to one ISSA Cleaning Management Institute (CMI) virtual training event, valued at $1,500.

“Throughout this year’s contest, Mr. Billy and David were shown tremendous support from their respective communities,” said John Rudy, Cintas senior marketing director. “Along with the other eight finalists, they’re incredibly deserving of this recognition, and we’re thrilled to continue celebrating their accomplishments at the ISSA Show in November.”

“These two custodians go above and beyond to show they care about each individual at their facilities,” said ISSA Executive Director John Barrett. “It’s phenomenal to see custodians, whose work is physically challenging, continue to give their all for their students day in and day out.”

For more information about the Cintas Custodian of the Year contest, visit custodianoftheyear.com.

About Cintas
Headquartered in Cincinnati, Cintas Corp. provides uniforms and apparel, restroom supplies, and mats, as well as first aid, document management, and fire protection services. For more information, visit cintas.com.