Elk Lake school board member Arden Tewksbury, right, is honored for 50 years of service on the board by Pennsylvania School Board Association executive director Thomas J. Gentzel during an Elk Lake board meeting on Thurdsay.
BY PAT FARNELLI
Elk Lake School District and the Pennsylvania School Board Association honored board vice president Arden Tewksbury for 50 years of service as a school board member Thursday at the regularElkLakeschool board meeting.
Thomas J. Gentzel, PSBA executive director, said that it is not an everyday event to recognize a school board member who has served for half a century.
“I think about all the hours you put in, not only in attending meetings but in reading information and preparation. I can’t begin to think about doing all that for 50 years,” he said before presentingTewksburywith an etched crystal, prism-shaped trophy topped with a star.
Tewksburysaid that he was thankful that the people of Meshoppen had seen fit to have him represent them for all of these years.
“Above all, I am thankful to be associated withElkLakeSchool District,” he said.
He is very proud of the district’s financial strength, the academic qualification of its athletes, and the district’s success in creating a career and technology center when no other area school would undertake such an endeavor, he said.
Tewksburyhas served under every superintendent thatElkLakehas ever had. He has been involved in the district since it opened its doors in 1957, and officiated at the first high school basketball game shortly thereafter.
He has been a school board member since 1961.
“I have been a school board member in my twenties, thirties, forties, fifties, sixties, seventies, and now my eighties,”Tewksburyquipped.
He added, “It’s been quite a ride, and it’s not over with yet. I don’t have any desire to retire.”
Superintendent William Bush said, “These decades say so much about him and his commitment, as well as his passion and dedication.”
Attending the ceremony were family members Megan, Tim, Alicia, Dave and Tammi Tewksbury.
The district also recognized Harold Bender for eight years of service, Alice Carr for 30 years, and board presidentChuck Placefor 16 years.
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