Latest news with #CustodianoftheYear
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Beloved Albany Park school custodian finishes as runner-up for national honor
CHICAGO (WGN) — School custodians often get overlooked, but that's not the case for a hardworking Chicago Public Schools staffer who received a surprise honor on Wednesday. Students and faculty members at Hibbard Elementary School in Chicago's Albany Park neighborhood cheered on custodian Micaela 'Mica' Ortiz Arredondo, who recently placed second in Cintas 'Custodian of the Year' contest. The surprise celebration struck a chord with an emotional Arredondo, who earned $1,000 and a trip for two to Las Vegas as runner-up for the national honor. Tina Knowles on new book, 'Matriarch: A Memoir,' Beyoncé, and her love for Chicago But the prize that means the most to her, she says, is the love from everyone at the school. In April, WGN's Mike Lowe profiled the beloved custodian, who continues to make an impression on students with her Swiffer and smile. 'I love it. I really do,' Ortiz said. 'The school is our second house, for the kids, because they come to learn, they come to enjoy, and they come to play as well, so they must be in a good, clean place.' Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines The 57-year-old grandmother's second-place finish out of 10 national finalists proves that the right person can make even the dirty work sparkle. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New Jersey Custodian Sweeps the 2025 Cintas Custodian of the Year Contest
Dan Davis from Deerfield Elementary School in Short Hills, New Jersey, celebrates winning the Custodian of the Year award. Dan Davis, from Deerfield Elementary School, has been crowned the 2025 grand prize winner CINCINNATI, May 06, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Congratulations to the 12th annual Cintas Custodian of the Year contest winner, Dan Davis from Deerfield Elementary School in Short Hills, New Jersey. After thousands of votes were submitted, Cintas Corporation (Nasdaq: CTAS) has crowned Dan Davis as the 2025 grand prize winner. Dan was honored today with a surprise ceremony by students, teachers, staff and his family and was presented with a $10,000 check from Cintas. "Too often, the hard work of custodians goes unnoticed, yet they're the unsung heroes of our facilities, keeping them clean and safe," said Emily Ramos, Director of Marketing at Cintas. "Dan is a valued member of his community and a role model for students. It was an honor to help celebrate his well-deserved recognition." Dan exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond as a school custodian. He arrives each day with a smile and positive attitude, creating a welcoming atmosphere throughout the school. His commitment is evident in how he keeps the school clean and organized, and how quickly and willingly he responds to unexpected challenges. The entire community values his reliability, attention to detail, and uplifting presence. When a staff member broke their foot, Dan didn't hesitate to lend a hand, going out of his way to help them in and out of their car. He's also a familiar and friendly face during drop-off and pick-up, always offering students a bright smile, an enthusiastic hello or a fist bump that starts their day on the right note. "Custodians play a vital role in maintaining a safe, healthy school environment where children can learn and thrive," said John Barrett, Executive Director of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association. "For over 100 years, ISSA has been committed to advancing the cleaning industry. The training opportunities we're providing to this year's finalists will help them build on their skills and open the door to future leadership roles." In addition to the $10,000 cash prize, Dan will receive $5,000 in Cintas and Rubbermaid Commercial Products and services for his school. His school also receives a comprehensive facility assessment, valued at $20,000, in partnership with the ISSA Global Consulting Network. Cintas will also award the winning school a pizza party for all staff and students. Dan, along with the two other top three finalists, will receive an all-expense-paid trip for two to the ISSA Show North America in Las Vegas in November, where they'll be celebrated for their accomplishments.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Hibbard Elementary custodian a finalist for national award
CHICAGO - Micaela "Mica" Ortiz Arredondo, described as "the heart of Hibbard Elementary School" in Albany Park, is a finalist for Custodian of the Year. What we know The contest, run by Cintas, honors top school custodians nationwide. If Arredondo wins, she'll receive $10,000, $5,000 in prizes, a pizza party for her school and a trip to Las Vegas. According to her profile on Cintas' website, Arredondo is more than a custodian—she's a cornerstone of Hibbard Elementary, known for her kindness and dedication. "Mica is the heart of William G. Hibbard Elementary, bringing kindness to everything she does. More than just a custodian, she creates a welcoming and supportive environment for students, staff and visitors alike. Mica's hard work ensures the school remains clean and organized, but it's her uplifting spirit and genuine care for others that truly set her apart. She greets everyone with a smile, supports her colleagues like family and goes above and beyond to make the school feel like home. Whether offering a helping hand or organizing supplies, Mica's presence has a lasting impact on all." How to Vote Arredondo is up against nine other finalists from places like Tampa, San Francisco and New Jersey. Voting is open until April 11. Supporters can vote once per day. Cast your vote here.
