News Releases
March Employee of the Month:
Dave Jedlink, Head Custodian, Lake Louise School
Dave Jedlink is at “his” school—Lake Louise—very early every morning to be sure everything is in order for the busy day ahead. He’s often there late, too, rarely missing a program or activity at the school. Sometimes he even comes into the building on weekends to catch up on tasks he hasn’t gotten to during the week. “My wife jokes that I should just pack my clothes and move here permanently,” he chuckles.
“Dave goes well beyond the ‘usual’ job-related expectations,” his nominator said. “His connection with the staff and community is evident by his dedication to his work. He takes great pride in ensuring the efficiency of Lake Louise School. He quite simply makes all of our jobs a bit easier.” Dave’s enthusiasm for his job stems from a simple fact: he truly loves his job and the school where he works.
Dave came to District 15 in 2001 after a career in printing. He was a typographer for 35 years, working at the Chicago Tribune for 21 years, at The Wall Street Journal for five years, and then at the Daily Racing Form, in addition to running a printing business with a Tribune co-worker for eight years. Dave refers to his District 15 work as his “retirement career,” because, he says, “I enjoy it so much. The people are great!” His first year with the district, Dave worked as a night custodian at Willow Bend, moving to his present job in 2002.
Originally from Chicago, Dave attended high school at Holy Name Cathedral. While still in high school, he began working as a copy boy for the Tribune editorial department, and after graduation, he entered a six-year apprenticeship program at the newspaper. His apprenticeship was interrupted when he was drafted into the Army and sent to Vietnam. After his tour of duty, Dave went back to the Tribune and finished his apprenticeship.
Dave and his wife Diane are the parents of three children: Dave, Jenny, and Michael, and they have one granddaughter, 4-year-old Jane. In his leisure time, Dave enjoys movies and military collectible shows, where he occasionally finds something to add to his collection of old military items. He also bowls in the district’s bowling league.
“Dave is an integral part of the success of our students at Lake Louise,” his nominator said. “Beyond being a wonderful staff member, Dave is an extremely caring and compassionate person. Dave continues to approach situations in a positive and professional matter, always keeping safety and well being of the child foremost in his thoughts. He has the complete respect and admiration of the staff and community at large.”
Dave will be recognized at the March 9, 2005, Board of Education meeting, to be held at Lake Louise School, at 7 p.m.
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