Courtesy / Portland Public Schools
Donna Colello, who works at the Ocean Avenue Elementary School in Portland, is one of the top 10 finalists nationally in Cintas’ 2021 Custodian of the Year contest.
March 26, 2021
Portland school employee vies to be crowned nation's Custodian of the Year
By Staff
A veteran employee of the Portland School District is one of 10 finalists — among 2,000 nominated nationwide — competing to be crowned the 2021 Custodian of the Year.
Donna Colello, lead custodian at Ocean Avenue Elementary School, is the only finalist from the Northeast and one of only two women in the top 10.
The contest is sponsored by business services company Cintas Corp. (Nasdaq: CTAS), and is based on public voting that runs through April 16. The winner will get a $10,000 prize, $5,000 of products and services for the winner's school, and a $20,000 training and development package for the school's cleaning staff, according to a news release.
Colello has worked for 25 years at Ocean Avenue Elementary, and last summer also volunteered to serve on Portland Public Schools’ “Tiger Team,” developing ways to keep academic buildings safe during the pandemic.
In nominating Colello, school principal Beverly Stevens described her as meticulous, thoughtful and an “ethical compass.”
“Miss Donna works tirelessly every day and always brings a smile to all students and staff,” Stevens wrote. “She goes out of her way to help students build up their self-confidence and help those in need.
“Donna is always one step ahead, knowing not only what to do next, but what is coming up over the next few months … She is passionate about her team and keeping our building healthy, secure and looking top-notch.”
Colello has created lasting connections within the Portland Public Schools community, including parents and neighborhood groups, Stevens noted.
Portland Public Schools Superintendent Xavier Botana said, “Donna Colello is one of the most respected, hardworking custodians in the district. We are so grateful to Donna for her dedicated service to our students and staff. She goes above and beyond at Ocean Avenue School and she also is a leader in the district.”
Cintas Marketing Manager Christiny Betsch added, “This contest shows us that custodians are much more than cleaners. They’re true role models who go above and beyond to have a positive impact on students, faculty, teachers and communities across the U.S.”
For more information or to vote in the Custodian of the Year Contest, click here.
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