Popular custodian
Elmer Crocken of KRHS the sixth Extra Mile Award recipient
Kinkora High School custodian, Elmer Crocken, was awarded the sixth Extra Mile Award by the P.E.I. Home and School Federation during Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week.
Elmer Crocken is the epitome of going the extra mile.
The Kinkora Regional High School custodian was named the sixth Extra Mile award winner recently, by the P.E.I. Home and School Federation.
“If you are looking for someone who betters the lives of our students, look no further than Elmer. He is without a doubt the true caretaker of this facility we all know as ‘The Kink.’ His devotion to making the school an optimal learning and safe environment for our students is demonstrated on a daily basis. For the past 27 years, Elmer has been the heart and soul of our school,” read the award citation.
Crocken was surprised by the recognition. He was asked to go for a drive by a former student to look at something for the school. While he was away, staff and students set up a slideshow and a video featuring students, a comfy chair for Crocken, and then patiently waited for the guest of honour.
“I was confused at first when I heard the cheers begin. It’s incredible
these kids and staff are the reason I do my job and love it,” he said.
Dakota MacWilliams, a Grade 11 student at Kinkora, said Crocken always has a caring and outgoing attitude. “Every day I see him asking students how they’re doing or what’s new with them. Elmer is under no obligation to show such an interest in students’
wellbeing but he does it anyway out of the goodness of his heart.”
To staff and students, Crocken is more than one of the caretakers of the facility. Over the years he has played crucial roles in the running of the culinary class, he has taken students under his wing in the Co-Op Work Studies program, and helps with school events
like graduation, the Blazer Beef Supper, the Terry Fox Run, the grad gala and prom. MacWilliams continued, “Elmer sets a great example for students at the school by maintaining a positive attitude and working his hardest at his job every day… I couldn’t imagine a better person to receive this award.”
Crocken’s message to students was continue to be kind to others.
“Be yourself, care for others and always be kind. It’s the most important thing, and I hope it’s something I’ve demonstrated and shown the students.”