| Jun 28, 2017


The Limestone District School Board gives out six Barry C. O’Connor awards for support staff on a yearly basis for the entire school district.

This year, two of the six awards went to Prince Charles Public School. Head Custodian Harold Smith was honoured with the Custodial and Maintenance award and School Advisory Council Chair Nicki Gowdy was honoured with the Volunteer award.

“I can’t ever remember this (two awards to the same school) this happening across the the system,” said Principal Peter Mouncey.

“We are tiny and we’re quiet but we do some great things here,” said Gowdy.

“And humble,” said Smith. “I got a lot more praise than I anticipated.

Ironically, Gowdy was one of the ones who nominated Smith.

His citation, which has both Mouncey’s and Gowdy’s name at the bottom, reads:

“Every day, Harold shows the kind of initiative that makes the school run smoothly at all levels. For Harold, his job is always about the people. Whether it is his daily tasks or small gestures of support, he takes care of our students and staff members in a personal way.”

Smith came to Prince Charles eight years ago when the head custodian position came open “and has thought of Prince Charles as ‘his school’ ever since.

Gowdy has been a parent volunteer at Prince Charles for 13 years.

Her citation’s assertion that she is “seldom one to take ‘no’ for an answer” is something local journalists can attest to.

“During her frequent visits to the school, she greets students by name and engages in personal conversations,” her citation said. “She has a disarming manner that brings a smile to everyone’s face and she is highly respected by the staff and parents.

“They appreciated her honesty and straightforward approach and they often say that nobody works harder than Nicki Gowdy does.”

Support local
independant journalism by becoming a patron of the Frontenac News.