Harold Boivin
École secondaire de Saint-Anselme

“Harold Boivin is simply a sincere and good man, a man who spares no effort and, above all, for whom the success and happiness of his students are at the heart of his concerns.” It was in these very laudatory terms that Mireille Brousseau, counsellor in spiritual life and community involvement at Saint-Anselme high school, described her colleague. And when you look at all the various activities the French teacher is involved in, it comes as no surprise. Theatrical productions, the Gala Méritas, trips to New York, cultural outings, sports events, Harold Boivin is involved in everything and, if something doesn’t exist, he creates it.

“Harold is committed 100% to the development of enterprising young adults. Thanks to his contribution to the school’s theatrical productions, sports events and extracurricular activities, he has become a role model and guide for students,” says guidance counsellor Chantal Boivin.

Needless to say, when it comes to Harold Boivin and his dedication to young people, everyone at Saint-Anselme high school is unanimous. With his heart of gold, the teacher is always available for his students and considers his commitment as only natural. He believes he has the best job in the world and this is why he puts in the necessary time and effort. “I get involved because I feel like arousing passions and expanding horizons, and I want others to follow in my wake. I want to create a positive dynamic where the desire to provide young people with stimulating experiences is at the forefront of everyone’s concerns,” he points out.

The setting up of the theatre project ten years ago in collaboration with another teacher is a fine example of Mr. Boivin’s dedication. When they saw the students were interested in the performing arts, the two colleagues decided to do what it took to satisfy their need. Now, every year, all the students at the school, each in their own way, get involved in the project. This year, the troupe will be presenting a free adaptation of the musical comedy Ice Age, inspired by the animated films of the same name. The production will feature a total of 50 actors and extras, 20 dancers and acrobats, 9 musicians, 18 backup singers, 4 soloists and 19 technicians. But through the arts class, every single student will do their part by helping create the decors. Finally, ten or so performances have been scheduled and more than 4,500 spectators are expected to attend.

“As the producer, it’s fantastic to see them step up onto the stage their faces aglow and then, following the performance, hear them being applauded by the crowd. The feeling of pride and joy that overwhelms them at that instant is their reward, and mine too. These moments are the leitmotiv of my commitment.”

Despite the long hours spent mounting the project, coordinating the various disciplines a nd managing the finances, Harold Boivin still finds time to get involved in other activities. This is the case with the Gala Méritas, which he re-established after it had been dropped for a few years. And the same again with the organization of the annual trip to New York that has been going strong since 2004. “We have them stage musical comedies. They should at least have the chance to see how things are done on Broadway,” he remarks.

The teacher also takes great pleasure in participating in different sports contests held throughout the year between teachers and students, as well as organizing certain cultural outings and taking part in various special school events. He is also involved at other levels. He founded La Potinière, an in-house newsletter for staff members, is a union representative and sits on the Comité de participation des enseignantes et des enseignants. His presence is also felt in the community, as he is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Ortho-Fun troupe.

“I don’t want to sound cliché, but for me teaching is a vocation. If you put in the time, you can reach out to young people, arouse their passions and prompt them to go one step further. You thus gain their respect and the relationship changes. When former students continue to attend our plays and then come and talk to you after the show, you feel as though you have given them something positive and this is truly rewarding.”

Harold Boivin
École secondaire de Saint-Anselme