In a world where leaders come and go, one man has demonstrated unparalleled commitment to education and community over the decades. Arden Tewksbury, who first took a seat on the Elk Lake School Board when John F. Kennedy was president, has now become the longest-serving member on an unpaid school board in the United States.
In a ceremony last Thursday, school district leaders raised cups of whole milk to honor Tewksbury’s 64 years of service, a toast fitting for a man who has been a relentless advocate for both students and the dairy industry.
Board President Anne Teel expressed the collective gratitude by saying, “It was truly a lifelong dedication to our students and guidance in this district. We appreciate his wisdom. Arden, thank you for everything, your lifelong dedication. Cheers.”
Despite his absence due to health reasons, the 92-year-old Tewksbury’s influence was palpable in the room, as green and white frosted cupcakes complemented the milk toast.
Throughout his extensive tenure, Tewksbury has been a witness and contributor to the district’s evolution, from the establishment of the Susquehanna County Career and Technology Center to the introduction of computers in the schools.
“He’d be bawling like a baby up here,” his son, Tim Tewksbury, remarked. “He’s very proud of all of you here … For a little school in the middle of nowhere, I think we’ve done all right.”
Farmer and School Director
Arden Tewksbury grew up on a dairy farm, dreaming of becoming a teacher. However, his path diverged after one year of college when he returned to help his family on the farm, eventually purchasing his own dairy farm in 1955.
His commitment to the Elk Lake School Board began in 1961, coinciding with managing his farm duties alongside board responsibilities. Initially, he was one of 35 board members, representing Meshoppen. Meetings were lengthy and often contentious due to the large number of members, a stark contrast to today’s streamlined nine-member board.
In a 2022 profile by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association, Tewksbury noted that dedication, sincerity, and honesty are key traits for school directors, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing students’ needs while considering taxpayers.
His advice to new directors: “Don’t get on the school board thinking that you might have an axe to grind … a school director has got to be a person who has an open mind and doesn’t try to dictate things to people.”
Known for his empathetic approach, Tewksbury often opened his home to concerned parents, offering a listening ear. His son, Tim, recalled, “I saw parents very upset in the kitchen, crying … and I learned from my dad to listen. People just sometimes want to be heard.”
Advocating for Dairy Farmers
Beyond education, Tewksbury was a staunch advocate for agriculture. As president of the Eastern Milk Producers Dairy Cooperative and a founder of the Progressive Agriculture Organization, he fought to improve dairy pricing, taking his advocacy to both Harrisburg and Washington, D.C.
Recently, he championed the cause for whole milk in school lunches, challenging current USDA regulations that mandate only fat-free or low-fat milk. The Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit, where he served as Elk Lake’s representative, also honored him with a milk toast in June.
Longest Serving School Director
Having decided not to pursue another term, Tewksbury concludes his 64-year tenure as the longest-serving member of an unpaid school board in the nation. His dedication was recognized by state leaders and school board representatives, who presented his family with various honors, including a proclamation from Gov. Josh Shapiro and a citation from state legislators.
“He has walked the walk when it comes to supporting the students in Pennsylvania,” said Holly Arnold, the 2026 president-elect for PSBA. As the meeting continued, a gallon of milk on the table served as a silent tribute to Tewksbury’s enduring legacy.
