KENSINGTON – Todd Dyment puts his heart and soul into his work as a teacher at Kensington Intermediate Senior High School.
For his work, in and outside of the classroom, Dyment was presented with the P.E.I. Home and School Federation Extra Mile Award on Monday.
“Mr. Dyment never failed to provide each of us with a sense of comfort and belonging while attending one of his entertaining classes. His friendly and caring attitude along with his great sense of humour always put us at ease when in his classroom and made for a comfortable atmosphere while learning,” wrote former students Kelsey, Kara and Kaylee Haslam.
Dyment’s citation lists him as a dedicated rugby coach, a passionate teacher and driving force behind grad class activities, like the school’s Safe Prom.
His goals are to encourage all students to participate and ensure that no one feels left out. He wants all students to leave KISH with a sense of pride and achievement.
“It’s overwhelming. I love my work. I’m very lucky. There’s great staff that I work with and they make my job easy and so do the students. Thank you,” said Dyment.
“Even though I knew you were talking about me, there are so many teachers at this school who deserve this recognition.”
Melanie Gorveatt says seeing her brother recognized is a big deal.
“I’m a teacher too, so this is a really big deal. It’s a big honour. He puts so much into teaching and mentoring. We’re very proud.
Two of his students, Bethany Spencer and Bailey Clark expressed their admiration at the presentation.
“Mr. Dyment has proven himself to be a caring teacher who puts in the time to ensure his students get the most out of every one of his classes,” said Bailey.
Bethany added, “Although he is most commonly found out in the halls during breaks, sharing a laugh with students or telling a ridiculous story to them, he is incredibly respected by all staff and students at our school.”
- Past recipients of the Extra Mile Award
- – 2005: Gerry McQuaid and Lois Adams
- – 2006: Charlotte Bradley
- – 2007: Veronique Bouchard and Mike Lloyd
- – 2008: Bonnie Rogerson and Sylvia Henderson
- – 2009: Anne Farrell-Gaudet and Susan Keizer
- – 2010: Kevin Stewart and Dough Aitken
- – 2011: Fran Albrecht and Karen Mullally
- – 2012: Garth MacKay and Terry MacIsaac
- – 2013: Nicole Haire and Lynn Sherren
- – 2014: Alanna Gauthier and Judy DesRoches
- – 2015: Barbie MacQuarrie and Kate McSwain
- – 2016: Linda Roach and Kim Crozier
- – 2017: Cathy Cairns and Gail Finniss
Across the street, at Queen Elizabeth Elementary, Bev Campbell was also recognized for going the extra mile.
Over the years, Campbell has dedicated herself to planning fundraising for the new inclusive play structure, organizing the breakfast program, preparing healthy, homemade hot lunches four days a week abiding by her motto “no child goes hungry.”
“I was going to skip the assembly and go help out in the library,” said Campbell with a laugh.
Campbell sits on the Queen Elizabeth Elementary and provincial home and school boards. When she walked in the gym Monday afternoon and saw her fellow board members, she was surprised.
“I had known we hadn’t nominated anyone from our school because I sit on the board, so it made me wonder if all of this was for me. Then when they began the presentation I knew.
Campbell’s colleague, Darby McCormick, spent weeks covertly putting together a scrapbook that students and staff contributed to, sharing messages of appreciation.
“Darby’s my life wife. We do everything together. This must have been the best kept secret in Kensington,” said Campbell.
McCormick added, “It was nearly impossible to keep this from her. At some point I accepted that she was going to find out, and if she didn’t, it was going to be a miracle. She really deserves this.”
How are Extra Mile recipients selected?
Each year, since the 2004/2005 school year, the P.E.I. Home and School Federation gives out two awards to teachers or staff members for the Island. The award recognizes teachers and staff who exemplify going above and beyond the call of duty. Recipients are announced during Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week.
Lisa MacDougall, president of the P.E.I. Home and School Federation says choosing recipients is very difficult each year.
“There are so many people who fit the bill. It often comes down to how the nomination packets come from the school communities.”
Student impact letters are extremely touching and important, she added.
“It’s a real expression of love and shows the passion the teachers bring to the job.”
On average there are anywhere from six to twodozen nomination packets submitted. Once submitted the provincial home and school federation reviews the packets and decide the winners.
This year is the 65th anniversary for the P.E.I. Home and School Federation. To mark the occasion there will be six Extra Mile Award recipients from across the Island.
