HDSB chose last night to name the new elementary school Orchard #3 at the corner of Sutton and Dundas Street in Burlington after the late John William Boich. To the relief of many attending the meeting and for those who delegated in support of this decision, two words reflect why ….’Inspiration and Achievement’.
Although both candidates considered were worthy of the honour, it was John’s dedication and influence on the community and the young that made the decision so touching.
Unlike some past school naming decisions that have led to heated debate, this one resulted in tears of joy. Because education is supposed to be about serving children, providing them options and opportunities, showing them hope and a belief that they are worthy, the decision to name this school after this man met with such emotion.
When children walk down the halls of this new school they will know those in charge and those who knew John cared enough to ensure the school was named after a man who represented all that education is supposed to be.
So how was John described by those who knew him and the rationale for why this school needed to be named after him. These touching words speak volumes of the legacy this man left and the inspiration he will provide for future generations.
John Boich’s years of work in areas close to his heart are no coincidence. Workshops for women in leadership roles. Helping define the best practices for education around the world. Around the world. Heading up institutions of learning at every level, then bringing all those decades of research and practice back home to begin the next chapter of his life right here in Burlington. Inclusivity Committees. Democratic Engagement Committees. Always about helping citizens recognize what they deserve, but more importantly, what they must give back.
I have seen him galvanize people who believe they have nothing in common. I have seen him reach across aisles to unite ideas and enemies. He goes out into the community, but more importantly, he brings the community into his home. He walks the walk, and there is always room on the bench.
I’ve struggled with how to describe to you a man who truly embodies everything that is good about learning, and competing, and achieving. About finding your independence while recognizing you must assist others in that same journey. About finding a goodness in yourself, and seeing it reflected in others. About celebrating the power within every child to become a remarkable adult.
But I stopped struggling. Instead, I’ll tell you where my thoughts ended up. They ended up with the kids. At some point in our lives, we have all been on the outside. At some point, we’ve been new and unfamiliar. As the fabric of Burlington changes to reflect the dynamic of a new world, as families arrive to thrust down roots in what literally was an orchard, I consider what will matter most. And I realize what will matter most is the same thing that matters to all of us across our entire lives. We want to belong; we want to be included; we want to be a part of something bigger.
What if, instead of a school that children say they ‘go’ to, they can say they ’belong’ to? What if they can look to the history of their school, the history in its very name, and realize it tells them they are welcome, they belong, regardless of where they were born, regardless of their colour or religion, regardless of their politics, their income or their sexuality?
What if children for generations to come can stand with pride in front of this name, and know that someone toiled long and hard on their behalf, long before they were even born, to ensure they have a place in a world that can too often be so harsh?
It’s a perfect name to put on a school, I tell myself. And you. But I’ve finally realized why. It is not that John Boich needs to be reminded that he’s lived a remarkable life. It is to remind generations of children to come that they can too.
Lorraine Sommerfeld
Let every child who roams the halls of this new school know that it was named after a man who believed in the values many hold dear and that together and individually they too can do remarkable things that will make a lasting difference.
Thank you for sharing this with the community. I was at that board meeting and heard the numerous delegations in person. It was apparent that Mr. Boich most certainly had a tremendous impact on his community. It was quite something to see his extended family and many neighbours there. It was only sad that he was not there himself to know about the honour!