Congratulations to the 12^th 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 Corp. has awarded Dan Davis as the 2025 grand prize winner. Davis was honored with a ceremony by students, teachers, staff, and his family and was presented with a US$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, Cintas director of marketing. “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.”

Davis 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, Davis 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 first 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 cash prize, Davis 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. Davis, 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.

“Dan Davis is extremely deserving of this title, and we are honored to be a part of recognizing his hard work,” added Robert Posthauer, Rubbermaid Commercial Products senior vice president and general manager.

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

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)said last week it will hold a meeting on May 22 to discuss COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for the upcoming U.S. immunization campaign.

The meeting follows the appointment of Martin Makary as FDA commissioner. Reuters reported that Makary previously had raised concerns about several public health efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, had promoted natural immunity, and opposed vaccine mandates.

The vaccine meeting also follows mass layoffs at the FDA as part of U.S.  Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. new plans.

Last week, CNN reported another lawsuit was filed against the Trump administration, to protest the HHS changes. Democratic attorneys general from 19 states and Washington, D.C., filed the suit against Kennedy and other health officials, asserting that firing thousands of federal health workers and terminating numerous health programs endangers the public. The states are seeking an injunction to halt the layoffs and restore the programs.