DALLAS — They don’t always get the credit they deserve, but janitors keep our schools running. Well, one is finally getting his due! Enrique Mendez is the head custodian at J.L. Long Middle School, and he’s up for the title of “Cintas Janitor of the Year.”

“I was working like regular, just doing my job. I never thought about it,” Enrique said in Spanish. “But I’m really happy that I was nominated.”

Yeah, Enrique may shy away from the spotlight, but it’s an honor he’s earned by going above and beyond his duties!

“We had a flooding incident and he was here by himself on a weekend, making sure that the school was ready for Monday,” recounted assistant principal Luis Cardenas.

And that’s not all! Last year when ice storms shut the schools down, Enrique stayed overnight at J.L. Long to make sure the pipes wouldn’t freeze and to keep the class pets alive!

“Mr. Mendez takes care of our fish, our aquarium here, whenever we’re off,” said Teresa Malana a science teacher at the school. “He takes care of everything even in summer. So let’s vote for Mr. Mendez!”

You can vote for Mr. Mendez, too at Cintas.com/JOTY.

The winner gets a cash prize of $5,000 as well as an extra five grand for a school makeover.

So get out and support your local janitor, and remember to always thank the men and women who keep our kid���s schools spick and span!