Bob Wensman, who hails from Cottonwood, Idaho, has served as our Centennial Custodian for the past 20 years. After an impressive 39 years in the Lewiston School District, Bob is embarking on a new journey as he prepares for retirement. However, he will continue to lend his support by filling in as a substitute for the night crew and working at the civic theater when needed.
Bob’s dedication is nothing short of extraordinary; maintaining the cleanliness of Centennial’s classrooms and shared spaces is no small feat. Over the years, he has supported teachers for countless hours, transforming classroom chaos into inviting learning environments. Additionally, his assistance to our kitchen staff in converting the gym into a cafeteria is truly remarkable, akin to the relentless waves on a beach.
To put his remarkable contributions into perspective, let’s consider the typical work of a custodian. Assuming a standard 40-hour workweek and a daily travel distance within the building, that can easily add up to several hundred miles each year. For instance, if a custodian travels an average of 5 miles a day and works 250 days a year, they would accumulate 1,250 miles annually. Over 20 years, that amounts to 25,000 miles, and for Bob Wensman, that total would be double.
As he steps away from the daily grind, Bob plans to fill his time with long camping trips to South Fork, where he is likely to take on the role of host camper. His hobbies include riding motorcycles and woodworking. He has crafted various items over the years, including planters, benches, garden bridges, tables, and chairs; there’s hardly anything he can’t create.
Bob will surely miss the community at our elementary school, and we will definitely miss him as well. Our students will feel his absence, as many can be seen sharing hugs with him, mop in hand.
On behalf of the Centennial staff and students, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your hard work, thank you Mr. Bob Wensman. Please drop in and see us!