30 Years in Same Classroom Lyford Gets Retirement Party

30 Years in Same Classroom Lyford Gets Retirement Party By Ashley Lyford

If a double rainbow is any indicator of a happy retirement, then Douglas Lyford should prepare himself for a retirement full of good luck, fortune, health and fun!

On May 25, at the Autumn Crest Inn in Williamstown, Lyford's fellow teachers, associates, past co-workers and friends as well as family gathered to honor him for his 30 years of service and dedication to the Chelsea Public School.

Before Lyford's 6 p.m. arrival, the attendees of the party had to run from their cars into the Inn with umbrellas and jackets pulled overhead as the rain was pouring down. However, when Lyford pulled up to the Inn with wife, Karen, the rain stopped and as the couple approached the threshold of the door the sun appeared and a brilliant double rainbow bowed over the venue of the party. This could be just the beginning of the good fortune and rewards Doug will reap for his 30 years of steadfast commitment to the community and students of Chelsea Public School.

During the retirement party, Doug's family presented him with a special award. In honor of his commitment, wife, Karen, and daughters, Brooks Ann Chapin, Stacey Lyford, Shelley Lyford and Ashley Lyford created and funded the first Annual "Douglas A. Lyford Perpetual Scholar Award." The award will be presented to a graduating senior who has been accepted and plans on attending a private or state school in Vermont.

The student will embody certain characteristics, interests and qualities that Mr. Lyford exemplified during his 30 years of dedication and service to the CHS. These qualities include but are not limited to:

• An acute interest or knowledge of agriculture and/or animal husbandry,

• Involvement in athletics and participation in sports teams,

• An appreciation of mathematics and the physical sciences and arts,

• An appreciation of current affairs and local government, and

• Attempts and efforts to make the environment at CHS one which exemplifies excellence and highlights different interest levels, cultural and artistic activities, and local and state history.

After 30 years of teaching in the same classroom, the industrial arts shop, Lyford announced earlier this year that this would be his last year at the Chelsea Public School. Lyford has been what seems to be a "permanent fixture" in the Chelsea school system and it seems unbelievable to many of his students, fellow teachers, administration and friends that this is his last week at school.

Lyford began teaching on his arrival home from the Vietnam War in 1969. He was drafted to the 25th Infantry Division of the Army once he graduated from Vermont Technical College in 1967. While in Vietnam, he performed helicopter repair and maintenance in one of the most heavily bombed southern regions of the country, Cuchi, during the Tet Offensive. When Lyford's tour of duty was complete, he returned to his parents' (George and Thelma Lyford) dairy farm in Chelsea where he was approached by Ray Rogers, then the assistant principal and Future Farmers of America (FFA) advisor at Chelsea School. Rogers asked Doug to consider teaching in the newly created Industrial Arts program. Lyford agreed, and soon Rogers, who was Lyford's teacher and mentor when he attended CHS, was a co-worker.

Lyford took the industrial arts program from a cardboard box of paper and information and turned it into a solid program, giving students practical skills and knowledge of mechanics, electricity, wood-working, mathematics, plumbing, drafting and auto-mechanics.

In Lyford's early years as a teacher, he could be found in the gymnasium as varsity girl's basketball coach. He also relieved Rogers of his duties of FFA advisor and was active in the Chelsea Teacher's Organization (CTO). For many years, Lyford was the driver education instructor.

During this time, Lyford married his wife of 30 years, Karen, and built their home located near the family farm in Chelsea. He taught all four of his daughters in his formal classroom and in driver's education courses. Lyford also instructed younger brother, Alan, in industrial arts. Doug commented that teaching his family, "was enjoyable and I considered them all students rather than daughters or brothers."

When asked what his most rewarding experience has been over the last 30 years he commented, "Having alumni return and point out things they have learned and how CHS prepared them for the world," he continued, "and watching a child grow over a period of time." Lyford said this has been an easy job as he has had good students and a supportive staff to work with.

Lyford's strict, no-nonsense demeanor has been both admired and feared. He demanded excellence no matter the circumstances. And, he treated his students with the same respect that he demanded.

He consistently supported his students just as if they were one of his family members. He has spent 30 years teaching living skills to students who were not all college bound, but American citizens who deserved the time and attention necessary to make them the best people they could be.

He made numerous trips to Washington, D.C., Harper’s Ferry and Gettysburg so Chelsea students would have the opportunity to see their government in action, and to understand their history. He is active in the VFW, and is a town Selectman.

Lyford has always tried to find a niche for each of his students. He not only gave these students practical skills to help them through life, but he also gave them a bit of his heart. While Lyford certainly enjoyed the students who were achievers, as well as the scholar athletes and public speakers, his world did include some students who might not have made it otherwise.

Recently, one student commented that Doug did not judge him. That says volumes.

He has spent 30 years, not only in the same school, but in the same classroom/teaching area, and it’s notable that his parents, siblings, and children all graduated from here. Lyford first worked with Principal Dave Corey, who commented, "It is a pleasure to have worked with you [Doug] as I have referred to you as a model that other teachers should emulate."

The highlights of his teaching career have been the countless winter carnivals, dramas and plays he directed, numerous projects he has advised and mentored, the school's expansion and diversification in curriculum, the Spring Festivals, and his retirement party.

The Spring Fest occurs once every two years and is very special to Lyford as he is the driving force behind the event along with Joan Feierabend.

"It is nice to work with students, faculty and staff on a different level than education and to see a product produced in such a short amount of time," he said.

He commented on his surprise retirement party, "It was a privilege to have my colleagues honor me in such a heartfelt way." In closing, Lyford said, "I know the school will continue in a positive light with the excellent staff, faculty and with the community's support." He also wanted to thank the area merchants and businesses for their continual support when he needed something extra, especially MeadowBrook Lumber, Vermont Wireform and HEB Manufacturing.

Although Lyford will not be traveling down the hill with his wife every morning to school next year, we are all certain that he will remain active and supportive of the school as he has poured a lifetime of hard work and effort into the four walls that are known as Chelsea Public School.

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