School’s out for summer, not just for students but also for the many workers who ensure Valley children stay safe during the academic year. On June 25 Access Work Services (AWS) gathered some of its client workers to honour worker Rhys Geddes with a Certificate of Achievement and share a cake in celebration.
AWS Program Co-ordinator Jane Smith said, “This is a special year. We wanted to acknowledge Rhys who has been doing the Crossing Guard job for five years. We wanted to give you a little Certificate to acknowledge your accomplishment and acknowledge the Township’s commitment to us for five years. We really appreciate their supporting us.”
Jane Smith presents certificate to Rhys Geddes
Smith complimented all the AWS Crossing Guards and said, “You guys do an amazing job … out there every morning, every afternoon, never fail. Through rain, snow, heat waves, black flies, freezing rain. Thanks a lot for your commitment. It makes our job a lot easier knowing that you guys are there, reliable, all the time.”
When asked by AWS Chair Leah Kinghorn if he liked being a Crossing Guard, Geddes said,
I love it!
Smith said AWS is happy to recognize one of their client workers who experiences barriers to employment but has dedicated himself to keeping Valley children safe for over five years. She said the Township of Madawaska Valley agreed to offer Rhys a crossing guard position in January 2014 and after seeing the value of hiring a worker with a barrier continued to work with AWS for the past five school years. In this way, AWS has had the opportunity to provide employment opportunities to several client workers over the years; however, Rhys has been a familiar face on the corner for five years running. She said,
We look forward to continuing our partnership with the township. Congratulations on a job well done, Rhys.
