AFSCME Local 1551 member nominated for Custodian of the Year
AFSCME Council 13 congratulates Mike Heiry, head custodian at North Allegheny Intermediate High School and member of AFSCME Local 1551, for being a Top 10 Finalist in the 2021 Custodian of the Year Contest from Cintas!
Click here to vote for Mike Heiry!
“I was actually very shocked and surprised,” Mike said about learning from the school principal that he was a finalist in a national contest.
“I kind of got singled out, but it’s a team effort. I have a good staff that works with me.”
Mike Heiry, head custodian at North Allegheny Intermediate High School and member of AFSCME Local 1551, is a Top 10 Finalist in the 2021 Custodian of the Year Contest.
The contest celebrates custodians who make a positive impact on their students and staff every day. Schools and colleges can nominate their custodian for the chance to win a $10,000 cash prize or $1,000 for runner-up. Mike said that winning the prize would help with some home renovation projects, and his custodial crew told him that if he wins, he owes them lunch.
Mike, who was featured by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, was nominated by Principal Caitlin Ewing with the support of teachers, administration and Mike’s fellow staff members. The nomination read in-part: “Loved for his positive energy and kindness, Mr. Heiry consistently goes out of his way to make sure that students and staff are in a safe and clean environment.”
Mike has been a custodian for four years, previously working as a manager for Rax Roast Beef and Wendy’s, as well as a certified welder and manager of a metal fabricating shop. With all of his work history, this is his first union job.
“I think the union has your back. Our contract is up this year, and I’m not on the negotiating board… but I hope if I win this, it brings some leverage to our side,” Mike joked.
In addition to the cash prize, the winning custodian’s school gets a $5,000 makeover in Cintas and Rubbermaid products and services. The winner’s school will also receive a comprehensive training and development package from The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association, valued at $20,000.
Show your support for our AFSCME brother Mike Heiry and vote for him in the 2021 Custodian of the Year Contest!
