Newtown Elementary School Janitor Wins Nationwide Contest

NEWTOWN, PA -- Newtown Elementary School janitor Ted Qualli Jr. has won a nationwide Janitor of the Year contest. He will win a $5,000 cash prize and Newtown Elementary School will get $5,000 in products from contest sponsor Cintas Corporation. Qualli received a record-breaking 898,220 votes in the 2017 Janitor of the Year contest, earning more than 40 percent of the vote, according to an announcement from Cintas.

Described as "the glue that keeps the school together," Qualli has a special place in the hearts of Newtown Elementary’s students and staff. He knows every one of Newtown's 850 students by name.

"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 tire, Ted is always there to help out," said Kevin King, Principal of Newtown Elementary.

Nine contest runners up will also be awarded a $500 cash prize.

Qualli was selected out of 1,200 nominations. The nominations were narrowed down to 10 finalists, and an online vote selected the winner. Voting closed April 14.

Watch him address the school upon learning of his win:

"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," said Jillian Bauer, Assistant Marketing Manager at Cintas. "This contest is a way of shining a much needed spotlight on these hardworking heroes and giving them the recognition they deserve."

"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," said Michael Halak, President of Rubbermaid Commercial Products. "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."

For more information about the Janitor of the Year contest, click here.