It only seemed fitting that Walden Elementary School presented Robert Casper with the Lifetime Achievement Award shortly after teacher appreciation week. The 2022 Walden Elementary PTO Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to a faculty member that has made outstanding contributions to the community. Casper has been serving the Walden Elementary School as a custodial worker for 25 years and has been an active volunteer firefighter for over 20 years; now he is finally gaining the extra credit that he deserves.

The 5th grade Student Council members greeted patrons at the doors of Walden Elementary with programs on Thursday, May 12, that outlined the festivities for the evening. The Walden Elementary Lifetime Achievement Award is given to a faculty member that has positively impacted their community and continues to do so in their everyday actions. The Walden Elementary School PTO and faculty and staff members were pleased to honor and speak a few kind words on Robert Casper’s kindness, generosity, and compassion for others.

Along with being a school custodian, Casper is a volunteer firefighter, a strong supporter of the WES PTO, organizes toy drives, and is active in his community of Walden.

Being a volunteer fireman, Casper has also been active in starting Operation Dalmatian at the firehouse. This initiative works with the Walden Baptist Church to organize toy drives within local schools, churches, and organizations like Toys for Tots for the firefighters to sort, wrap and deliver gifts to families in need. Reverend Jim Van Houten from the Walden Baptist Church, believes that it is because of Casper’s persistence that they are able to help as many families as they do with Operation Dalmatian.

Because of Casper, Rev. Van Houten says Operation Dalmatian has expanded over the years and has been able to collaborate with local businesses and emergency services in Walden to be able to help more families and to provide more kids with a wonderful Christmas filled with gifts underneath the tree. “Last year we [helped] 168 families and this year we will help even more because of Rob.”

Not only is Casper a kind and generous man to his fellow peers at Walden Elementary, the kids that attend the school “absolutely adore him,” says Walden Elementary School Principal, Gregory Heidemann. “You should see him in the cafeteria teasing these kids and the way they tease him back and the way he laughs.” Casper is also very involved within the Walden community by participating and attending local fundraisers and events in the village. “Robert Casper is a cornerstone for the Walden community,” says Heidmann.