A Legacy 52 Years in the Making
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Sometimes a job is just a job. But you certainly can’t say that for Tempe Elementary Schools employee Bobby Elam. At 21-years-old, Elam started his career at McKemy Academy. Three months later he would begin his role as custodian at the newly opened Nevitt Elementary, where he would remain for 30 years.
After the impressive run, Elam decided to retire… for the first time. But the lure of retirement wore off, and the boredom soon settled in. Before he knew it, Elam was back at Tempe Elementary Schools. After a quick stint as a dishwasher at Holdeman Elementary, he joined the Nutrition Services team and never looked back.
It has been 22 years since Elam “unretired.” In that time, he has traveled to a couple of different district sites — Brogan Central Kitchen, back to McKemy Academy — and finally landed at Ward Traditional Academy.
Over the years, he built lasting connections, becoming a beloved and familiar face to generations of students. He recalls the many times he walked out of the kitchen during lunch to chants of “Bobby! Bobby!” Known for joking with students and dancing to make them laugh, Elam became more than a cafeteria worker. He became a part of the school community.
Ward Traditional Academy eighth grader Mason Pineda shakes Bobby Elam’s hand during the school’s pep assembly where they celebrated Bobby’s career.
The notoriety extends beyond the school campus, too. “I could be out at the mall somewhere or at the movie theater, and I run across some of these kids. ‘Mr. Bobby, is that you?’” Elam said.
While Elam has made meaningful memories at multiple school sites, Ward holds a special place in his heart. As a K-8 school, he watches students grow from shy kindergarteners all the way to young adults preparing for high school.
He recalls a class of eighth graders inviting him to their promotion ceremony. He dressed up and was excited for the occasion. But little did he know, he wasn’t just a guest. The students saved him a seat in the front row so they could see his bright smile as they walked across the stage.
“I love the community, I love the staff, I love the kids. I just love what I do here,” he said.
Even while living in Peoria, Elam made the daily drive to Tempe because, to him, the students and school community were worth it.
Now 73-years-old, if left up to him, Elam would keep working. But after successfully going through cancer treatment earlier this year, Bobby’s family encouraged him to finally hang up the apron and move closer to home.
Upon hearing the news that Elam was retiring – for real this time – Ward students couldn’t help but reflect on what they were losing.
“I had a lot of kids approach me a couple days ago that said, ‘You know what? I’ve been here since kindergarten. I’ve been with you ever since kindergarten,’” Elam said. “They said, ‘I’m going to miss you. You’ve been in our life all this time.’”
Bobby’s daughter and grandchildren joined Bobby during Ward Traditional Academy’s pep assembly on the last day of school. Band students and the spiritline led the school in a song to celebrate Bobby’s retirement.
The feeling is very mutual.
“This job means a lot to me. It really does. It’s part of my life,” Elam said. “It’s like a second home. The kids are very important to me.”
As his final days at Tempe Elementary Schools tick down, Elam shared that he still dreams of the old Nevitt building, recalling every nook and cranny by heart. The recipe for orange chicken — a longtime student favorite — is etched into his memory, too. But what he’ll miss most are the students.
“It’s the love of the kids that inspires me, keeps me going,” Elam said. “I’m going to feel a little lost.”
After serving his last meal this July and wrapping up a 52-year career with Tempe Elementary Schools, Bobby will head to Albuquerque, New Mexico to be with his daughter and her family. After he gets settled, he intends to find volunteer work where he can connect with his new local children and neighbors.
But even on his new journey, one thing won’t change. “I’m always going to be a Ward Warrior.”
This opportunity reflects Tempe Elementary’s commitment to recruiting and retaining dedicated, highly qualified staff who have a growth mindset, as outlined in Goal 1 of the Strategic Plan.
About Tempe Elementary Schools
Tempe Elementary School comprises 21 small, neighborhood elementary and middle schools in Tempe, Arizona. We Tempe Elementary is committed to providing a welcoming, achieving, eye-opening, and future-ready preschool - 8th grade education to free the boundless potential in each child - so they are fully prepared to embrace the opportunities of tomorrow and excel for a lifetime. Learn more about Tempe Elementary Schools.