KINKORA, P.E.I. — Shelley Tremere, teacher-librarian at Kinkora Regional High School, was surprised on Friday when she was presented with the P.E.I. Home and School Federation’s Extra Mile award.
When Tremere was called to the gymnasium, she was unaware of the assembly’s true purpose. She had been under the impression it was a presentation on vaping.
“When … I heard the music, and I saw the decorations and all the students, I should have clued in,” Tremere said. “It was a surprise, but it was a very happy surprise.”
The award is presented annually, during teacher appreciation week, to two Island teachers or staff who regularly “go the extra mile” to help students.
Tremere started teaching at the school in 1994. Over the years, she’s taught classes like art, agriscience, French and English. For the last seven years, she’s worked as the school teacher-librarian and teacher of co-op work studies, Canadian law and P.E.I. history.
“Shelley could be considered a ‘literature wizard,’” read current student, Ryley MacWilliams at the ceremony. “Founder of the Kinkora Regional High School book club, Shelley once told me that she believes reading goes hand in hand with academic excellence, and she encourages all students to read as much as possible.”
At the ceremony, Donna MacLeod, treasurer for the P.E.I. Home and School Federation, read aloud letters the federation received from staff, students and parents in support of Tremere’s nomination.
As written in the letters, Tremere does her best to inspire a love of reading in students. She writes reference letters to potential graduates and aids with resume writing. As history teacher, she goes beyond the textbook and frequently brings in guest speakers.
Outside the classroom, Tremere is an active member of the community, frequently attending fundraising events. Her positive attitude, one student letter noted, never fails to lighten the mood.
“Above all else, Shelley Tremere, you care about everyone around you,” said MacLeod at the ceremony. “In return, you are loved and appreciated by everyone here at KRHS.”
As librarian, Tremere said she has a unique opportunity to encourage people to pick up a book; even for those who aren’t keen on reading, she always helps them find something that matches their interests.
“It’s an incredible honour to get the Extra Mile award,” she said. “There are so many people who are so deserving of this award, and I am very grateful to the people who nominated me and made this happen.”
Kristin Gardiner is the Journal Pioneer's rural reporter.
