Pennsbury Custodian Is Finalist In National Contest

LOWER MAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP, PA — In what's sure to be a trying time for folks who keep our schools and other buildings clean, you can help honor a custodian in the Pennsbury School District.

Cindy Hain, the head custodian at Pennwood Middle School in Lower Makefield, had been named a finalist in a nationwide Custodian of the Year contest. Sponsored by Cintas Corporation, the contest aims to recognize the best-of-the-best in school custodians.

Hain is one of 10 finalists from across the nation still in the running for a $10,000 cash prize, along with $5,000 in Cintas and Rubbermaid products and services for her school.

The winner's school also will receive a comprehensive training and development package from the Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association valued at $20,000.

To vote for Hain and read about the other nine finalists, visit the contest website here.

Hain was nominated by a dozen Pennwood Middle School employees for the role she plays in day-to-day operations there. The nomination was backed by Principal Derek Majikas and Assistant Principal Ryan Kennedy.

Her biography, taken from the nominations and posted by Cintas on its voting Web page, reads as follows:

"Cindy is known for putting a sprinkle of her own personal touches throughout the school. You can tell where Cindy has been not only because the halls sparkle and shine, but because there’s a path of love with all arrows pointing back to her. Cindy helped create a food and clothing pantry within the school so struggling students can gain access to resources they may not have otherwise. In addition to creating a judgment free, nurturing environment, Cindy pulled resources from family and friends to design a fully functioning kitchen for students with autism. Her kindness and compassion resonate deeply with the students and staff and she has become a beacon of Pennwood Middle School."

The contest is open to custodians at educational facilities at all levels — elementary through college. In its seventh year, the award is intended to shine a spotlight on those who work behind the scenes and often go unnoticed.

"Year after year, we are constantly amazed at how much custodians truly impact the students and staff," said Christiny Betsch, a marketing manager at Cintas. "We always look forward to this contest to honor those who work so hard year-round to make schools a safe, healthy, clean place for children to learn."

Voting in the contest will close on Friday, April 17, at 11:59 p.m. PT.