L'Anse Creuse loses long-time educator
ROSWELL, Ga. – Joseph M. Carkenord, former board member, principal and teacher, passed away Jan. 31, 2010, after battling Alzheimer’s and oral cancer.
Carkenord’s career in L’Anse Creuse spanned six decades leading to the naming of a new elementary school in Chesterfield in his honor, Joseph M. Carkenord Elementary School, in 2001.
“Joe Carkenord never lost sight of the importance of developing the true potential of every child,” said Dr. DiAnne Pellerin, superintendent. “He was a master at including parents and making them equal partners in the education of their children. His warmth, wonderful sense of humor, and passion for teaching, learning and leading made him an outstanding educator who was respected by everyone who knew him.”
In 1952, Carkenord started his career as a teacher at South River Elementary School. In 1954, L’Anse Creuse Public Schools was formed and, in 1955, Carkenord was named teaching principal of Green Elementary School. In 1962, Carkenord was appointed principal of Neil E. Reid Elementary School, then owned by L’Anse Creuse. In 1974, Carkenord transferred to Tenniswood Elementary School in Clinton Township where he served as principal until his retirement in 1991.
Retirement did not last long. In 1991, Carkenord was elected to the L’Anse Creuse Board of Education. He served three terms on the board serving as trustee, treasurer, vice president and president.
“Joe Carkenord's passion for helping children reach for the stars, made a difference in the many lives he touched,” said Sara O’Hara, principal at Joseph M. Carkenord Elementary School. “We were blessed in knowing and working with Joe.”
Funeral services will be held in Roswell, Ga. The family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the L’Anse Creuse Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing additional resources to L’Anse Creuse students and teachers. For more information, contact Paula Rose at 586-783-6300 ext. 1214, or go to: http://foundation.lc-ps.org/Donate.
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