An architectural rendering of the future James C. Boyer NJROTC Building made prior to the vote to name the building.
The Spring ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to name the new Navy JROTC building, under construction at Spring High School, the James C. Boyer NJROTC Building, after the retired Navy captain who has led the program there for more than 18 years, serving thousands of students during that time.
“Captain Boyer is someone who really has the right stuff,” said Trustee Deborah Jensen, who noted Boyer received his pilot wings in 1976, two years after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy. “He’s had an amazing career… and he’s so modest about it.”
Boyer’s name will appear on the new free-standing Navy JROTC building being constructed as part of the 2016 bond program approved by voters that will also bring a new ninth-grade center to the east side of the campus.
The new building will accommodate the largest Navy JROTC program in the state and the third largest in the country, with more than 500 students enrolled. Many of the students taking part in the program have gone on to secure ROTC scholarships for college or prestigious service academy appointments.
“We have become the crown jewel of these programs,” Jensen said, adding that Boyer’s efforts have resulted in $145 million in scholarships offered to students over the years. “I think we couldn’t have a better tribute than to name this facility after Captain Boyer.”
Boyer has been with the district since 2001, after retiring from active service. During his distinguished Navy career, he was a pilot, flying primarily helicopters and serving in a variety of roles with increasing responsibility, including Commanding Officer of the Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light FOUR SEVEN (HSL-47) in San Diego, Calf. In 1994, he joined the faculty of the Armed Forces Staff College and in 1997 joined the faculty of Rice University and Prairie View A&M University.
His military decorations include Legion of Merit and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal.
“We could spend the evening praising his accolades,” said Trustee Justine Durant. “We’re very fortunate to have someone of this quality to guide our students.”
Boyer’s name was brought forward to the board by his second in command at Spring High School, retired Master Chief Mark Clarke, who praised Boyer for his patience, professionalism and passion. “I was told during the onboarding process by multiple people, ‘If we want it done to perfection, we call Captain. He does it better than right.’”
He added that Boyer is known for his selfless service and commitment to the district and its students. “No matter the time, day or night, he is standing by to assist or he will get it done himself,” Clarke said. “Everyone can learn from Captain Boyer and what he does day in and day out to change the lives of people for the better.”
Boyer said he was surprised to learn on Wednesday that the new building will carry his name. Designed by architecture firm PBK, the facility will be located between the new ninth-grade center and the main high school and will feature a firing range, classrooms, boys and girls restroom and changing areas, uniform storage and an armory.
“I’m definitely honored and it is certainly appreciated,” Boyer said. He added that the development of the Navy JROTC program and the new building has been a “team effort.”
“I am so looking forward to being in there and having a new facility where we can do a lot more with our kids,” he said. He noted that there are many scholarship opportunities for students with competitive shooting skills, with the new facility opening more doors in that area.
Board members on Tuesday also said they were looking forward to opening the new building and holding an official ceremony. “Captain Boyer is a model of servant leadership,” said Trustee Winford Adams Jr. “I fully support this.”