Quaker Hill custodian named runner-up in nationwide contest

QUAKER HILL, Conn. (WTNH) – He’s among the best of the best, and now the nation will soon know about the unsung hero making a difference in Quaker Hill.

Quaker Hill Elementary School started the day with a surprise celebration for Bill Krajewski, who is a runner-up in the Cintas 2024 Custodian of the Year Award.

”Every year just proves how these hard-working, these unsung heroes behind the scenes, a time to bring them up front and celebrate the hard work they do,” Cintas Marketing Manager Christiny Betsch said.

This is the 11th year for the nationwide contest, and students and staff voted daily to nominate Mr. Billy. He’s among the top three candidates in a field of 3,000.

However, to the students at Quaker Hill, he’s number one.

”A lot of the things that they said was, he’s funny, he opens my milk for me, he helps keep the school clean. So, every little thing he does is special,” Quaker Hill Elementary School principal Chris Discordia said.

Mr. Billy has been cleaning schools in this district for more than 30 years, and it’s paying off in ways he probably never imagined.

One of the prizes is a check for $1,000 and a trip to Las Vegas

”He gets to attend the I.S.S.A. convention and spend the weekend in Vegas with whomever he chooses to take with him. That’s all expenses paid,” Betsch said.

So, how does Mr. Billy feel about all this attention?

”I’m elated!! All the dedication from the kids, parents and the whole community is just overwhelming,” he said.

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