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Tuesday January 27, 2009 Edition
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Marking The Changing Of The Guard
Sharing Memories Of VUHS With Harmon Boyce

The countless students who have passed through his
FFA chapters have learned valuable lessons about plant
& soil science, animal husbandry and judging, self-
esteem, and public speaking.
photo provided
The countless students who have passed through his FFA chapters have learned valuable lessons about plant & soil science, animal husbandry and judging, self- esteem, and public speaking.

Tuesday January 27, 2009

By Cookie Steponaitis

  The Changing of the Guard, to the citizens of the United Kingdom, is a solemn daily occurrence at Buckingham Palace. These soldiers are not only performing age old ceremonial duties, but are skilled as well and members of the British elite forces. These troops have been charged with guarding the ruling sovereign since 1455 when Henry VII was King of England. The Changing of the Guard is an expected part of the traditions and accepted practice in the United Kingdom. Most can not imagine a time when the guard has not been there. However, here in Addison County, the changing of the guard conjures up different images, but none the less important.

   In early January, VUHS student, faculty and staff witnessed the changing of the guard in the Agricultural Sciences program. Veteran VUHS teacher Harmon Boyce stepped back after almost 40 years in the position. Harmon came to VUHS in the summer of 1969 and accepted a part time position at the school. “It was part-time,” he jokingly remarked, “and I just stayed until it became more permanent.” Three generations of students at VUHS came to know his unique brand of humor, firm insistence in personal excellence, and benefitted from his ability to reach out and connect students to their state and the ever changing field of agriculture. Often referred to as the most winning coach in VUHS history, FFA teams under the guidance of Harmon Boyce have represented the school at local, state, and countless national venues. The list of awards would take two pages to type and the consistent excellence pays tribute to the skills of this teacher. His office holds photographs, but no stock piles of trophies. “They just collect dust,” he comments. “It’s better to save room for new ones, than immortalize the old ones.”

    The agricultural community of Addison County is close knit and interwoven at many levels. During the summer and even in the winter months, one could find Mr. Boyce and his students engaged in projects from building hay wagons, sheds, working on tractors or any host of other projects that just happened to come his way. You can find his students past and present at agricultural fairs, and employed in all aspects of agricultural work. It is important to realize that as of 2009 over 50% of the business generated in Addison County is still connected to the field of agriculture.

    Another part of Harmon’s job involved leading the Project Graduation, a program designed to offer a safe, fun and drug and alcohol free evening for seniors following the high school graduation ceremony. Over the forty years of his career, Harmon has logged more miles on a bus as a driver and chaperone than most in VUHS history. He was always there, always involved and always a contact for his graduates long after their high school days had ended.

    While Harmon officially retired in June of 2008, he returned to the school district in August of this school year as a substitute for himself. Once again he was leading the students to local, state and national recognition. Harmon continued his normal zest for teaching and learning until his replacement was hired in January. As fitting with traditions and continuity, the school district hired as his replacement a former VUHS graduate, FFA member and third generation Addison County farmer Bill VanDeWeert. As Mr. VanDeWeert assumed his duties, quietly watching and assisting, Mr. Boyce continued to guide him and offers to be there at moment’s notice.

      While the whole school community wishes Mr. Boyce all the best as he tackles those projects he never seemed to have time for during his career, there is a certain sense of realization that the guard has changed. For the next generations, new teachers will guide, but that does not lessen the impact of forty years of “Farming with Harmon.” The school salutes this talented and versatile man who came to stay a while and in reality became a tradition, an institution, and a blessing to three generations of VUHS students.

 


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