Geoffrey Stern EHS ’67: “It’s Your Time Now. The Country Belongs to You”

Do you ever wonder what happened to individuals with whom you attended high school – Even if you graduated over 50 years ago? Looking back at the 1967 English High School yearbook, a few alumni wondered what had class Valedictorian Geoffrey Stern been doing for the last five decades.

Class of ’67 Valedictorian Geoffrey Stern gives his valedictory address titled “Insuring the Future” at graduation ceremonies.

At the 1967 Graduation Ceremony, held at War Memorial Auditorium, Stern received, among other awards, the prestigious John Bouve Clapp Prize. Why was Geoff chosen for the Clapp Prize? A bit of detective work shows that John Bouve Clapp, a member of the Class of 1873 and permanent class secretary, may have shared many of Geoff’s traits such as love of learning and culture, school spirit, and a gentlemanly nature.

Recently we caught up with Geoff and asked him to reflect on his English High days and the impact they have had on his life.

EHSA:  During the last 50 years, do you ever reflect on your English High days?

Geoff: I was fortunate to have encouraging teachers — Mr. Hayes in 10th grade math, Mr. Carroll and Mr. Eccles in English, and Mr. Creedon and Mr. Desantis who organized field trips and excursions to the theatre. Their dedication inspired me to become a teacher. One of my regrets is failing to express my gratitude to them.

I don’t know how I ended up being selected as valedictorian. It was a surprise to me and others. Certainly there were other students with stellar grades. Perhaps I was a compromise candidate. Typing teacher Mr. Mazza fumed at my limited typing skills and was shocked when I was named valedictorian. Maybe that was a good lesson for me, too, in being careful how to judge people.

EHSA: What did you do after English?

English High School’s 1967 Graduation Ceremonies were held June 12, 1967 at War Memorial Auditorium

Geoff: I went to Clark University in Worcester — largely the happiest four years of my life. Those were hectic years filled with anti-war protests and the drug culture. I fell in love with a young woman whom I married, and I made friendships which still endure. I was graduated in 1971, a BA with Honors in English.

By luck I managed to avoid being drafted for the Vietnam War. I did 6+ years in the National Guard. I got an M.A. degree in English at B.U. and became a teacher in Boston. I loved teaching, loved the students. When there were massive layoffs in the school system, Massachusetts was enjoying the ‘high tech boom’ and computer companies trained and hired ex-teachers. I became a technical writer for Digital Equipment and taught writing. After Digital went out of business, I worked for tech companies as a documentation writer   When the financial crisis hit in 2008, I scratched out a living as a dog trainer until health problems pushed me into early retirement.

EHSA: Did specific English High courses or teachers prepare you for college, career, life?

Geoff: Mr. Hayes’s geometry class taught me to appreciate logical proof. And Mr. Carroll and Mr. Eccles encouraged my love of language and literature.

Today, Geoff and his wife train and show Belgian Shepherds

EHSA: What other activities have you been involved in?

Geoff:  No one’s life is solely one’s vocation. Much of my time has been spent in the sport of dogs, a hobby I share with my wife. We train and show Belgian Shepherds (Tervuren) — among the most common police and military dogs. They excel in performance events — obedience, agility, tracking, and retriever hunt tests. Ours have earned multiple titles, prizes and trophies. A couple of our dogs are certified therapy dogs comforting hospital and hospice patients.

We’ve had a lot of fun, made a lot of friends whom we otherwise might not have met, and had the joys of loving companionship from our dogs. In some ways, they provided an escape for me from the verbal and a connection to the natural world.

I also became a decent amateur cook. When I was a teacher I usually got home before my wife so making dinner became my duty. Also, my mother was one of worst cooks of all time, so learning to cook was a way to compensate for a deprived childhood.

EHSA: Do you have advice for today’s English High students?

Geoff: Lead your best imagined life. Cherish the joys of this world. Hold fast your friends. Try to make this world better for everyone.

I’ve done my share of marching, campaigning, protesting. It’s your time now. The country belongs to you. As someone said, democracy is a course in advanced citizenship. So in addition to finding your path to personal success and happiness, make an effort to serve your country, your community, the world.