A custodian at East Wiltshire Intermediate School in Cornwall is one of the recipients of this year’s P.E.I. Home and School Federation Extra Mile Award.
John Doucette, who was nominated by the East Wiltshire Home and School Association, received his award at the school on Thursday, Feb. 18, during Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week.
On hand for the presentation were Heather Mullen, president of the P.E.I. Home and School Federation, school principal Jaime Cole and Norbert Carpenter, interim director, Public Schools Branch.
The award, established in 2004-2005, recognizes individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty to inspire, encourage and motivate children and youth to reach their full potential in Island school communities. A number of support letters in the nomination package referred to him as funny, caring, connected, efficient, committed and very appreciated.
“John Doucette walks into the school every morning with a smile as he greets staff, student and community volunteers for the breakfast program,” said one of the letters.
“His friendly and accepting nature, jovial personality, ensures students, staff – everyone – feels supported. He’s a champion for the underdog and the overachiever and spends time ensuring everyone gets a chance to shine and put their best foot forward. This man has given so much more than constitutes his job.”
Parents also appreciate the extra efforts from Doucette, who shows up early every morning for the breakfast program, helps and mentors people or just cracks a joke to lighten the mood.
“He is an excellent ambassador for East Wiltshire, obviously enjoys his work and cares a great deal for the students at the school,” says the citation.
Students at the school see Doucette as the guy who walks around the school with a big smile on his face.
His citation read that he doesn’t just go one extra mile, he goes the extra 10 miles, out of kindness and humbleness.
“Everyone loves it when he comes into the room; he makes everything so fun. He’s always helping someone at the school. I think custodian is really his second job, after being a really helpful person.”
At a glance:
The Guardian is running stories on each of the five recipients of the P.E.I. Home and School Federation Extra Mile Awards, including:
- John Doucette, custodian at East Wiltshire Intermediate School.
- Robert Holmes, a teacher at Gulf Shore Consolidated School.
- Melissa MacKinnon, vice-principal and teacher at Mount Stewart Consolidated.
- Shelley Tremere, teacher/librarian at Kinkora Regional High School.
- Sharon Gordon, custodian, Southern Kings Consolidated School.
