Long-time Elk Lake staffer heading for retirement

BY PAT FARNELLI

For 34 years, a Springville woman has pitched in and done whatever needed to be done at the Elk Lake School District.

Priscilla Carey started out running the school library, when there was only one, doing everything from reading to the kindergarten students to organizing the twice yearly book sales to raise money for library books.

Now, the most familiar face associated with the elementary school is retiring from her post at the front desk, but she will still be around as a volunteer, doing the responsibilities she enjoys most.

Miss Carey attended the May meeting of the Elk Lake School Board to thank the board and administrators for “the privilege and honor it has been to work here for the past 34 years.”

She spoke of her early years in the library, reading to children who have returned as adults with kindergarteners of their own to enroll, or as substitutes who eventually became teachers.

“Now, some have grandchildren almost ready to bring to school. I’ve seen them go all the way though, and it’s enough, it’s time,” she said.

Carey also worked as a Title 1 program associate, then returned to the library as secretary, when certified, full-time librarians were hired.

She later became the secretary for the Elementary School, which she had done for 10-12 years, she said.

In addition, Carey organizes many of the field trips, which she goes on a chaperone: the fifth and sixth grade field trips and the Drama Club trip to New York City to see a Broadway show are probably her favorites.

She has cooked and masterminded the Drama Club’s Dinner Theatre for many years, producing endless stockpots of pasta and keeping the timetable for courses to be served.

“As the school grew, I was willing to help with anything that comes along,” she said.

The elementary, junior high, and senior high honors programs have benefited greatly from Carey’s efforts.

She has crafted items for the Christmas Bazaar at Elk Lake for many years, and plans to spend more time doing crafts and attending craft shows after her retirement.

She is a lifelong resident of Springville.