By Victoria Walker
Business Manager
It is difficult to know what to expect on days when the teacher is absent. Students entering the classroom could be greeted by any number of substitutes, some of them strangers and others familiar faces. Over the years, one sub that students have come to recognize and hope for is Tony Boucher, known for his signature CD hall pass and friendly air.
“Mr. Boucher is a great sub and he always has an interesting story to tell,” explained senior Risha Sanikommu.
After six years of sitting in on classes, talking with students and going over lesson plans, Boucher has become such a constant presence in the school that is it difficult to imagine him anywhere else. However, despite growing up nearby in Lowell and moving to Westford in 1973, Boucher has a resume filled with diverse interests and accomplishments.
He started off by earning his Engineering Degree at the Lowell Technological Institute, known today as UMass Lowell. After this, Boucher attended Northeastern at night to earn a Master’s Degree in Business, in order to later work for a number of sales companies.
“I’ve known I’ve wanted to be a sales agent since I was about seven. I was always selling something, so it never occurred to me to do anything else,” said Boucher.
Following this passion, at the age of forty-one Boucher started his own company, a manufacturer’s rep that acted as a sales agent for other companies. The company was hired to make calls and forecasts, and generally handle all sales in the place of an attorney, all the while keeping 5% of whatever they helped to sell.
“I love selling and I’m very good at it,” Boucher commented on the subject. “I love people. I love being with people […] I’m not shy, I love public speaking. […] Most people are terrified if they have to get up in front of a hundred people and give a talk. I’d rather do that than [accept] one hundred dollars, that’s how much I love it.”
This confidence, which helps to make Boucher an open, helpful member of the WA community, also helped him to pick up another job earlier in life. After having open heart surgery at the age of 63, Boucher retired, then jumped back into the workforce and sold cars for three years.
“If you ever want to get the best tips on how to purchase a new car, he’s the man to go to […],” said main office secretary Cynthia Peraner, who calls in substitutes each morning. “He is very warm. He’s one of the most dedicated and reliable subs. He voluntarily will step in, for example to run the chess club after school.”
Boucher has been married for 52 years, has four children who graduated from WA, and six grandchildren. Beyond his professional life, he has supported a number of hobbies including golf and tennis. He is also a self-proclaimed expert on gardening.
“After 40 years of doing it, I became a real expert on lawns,” said Boucher.
While Boucher, like all of the teachers, students and subs at WA, comes with a history worth telling, it is also his dedication and empathy that makes him an ideal substitute teacher for Westford students. His best asset for the job is his passion for interacting with people, and his understanding of the life of a WA student.
“I love the kids; I don’t care what the subject is. The kids know me [and know that] I don’t give them a hard time […] It’s not easy being a teenager. It’s not easy at all; I understand that. I don’t want to bring any stress on any kid,” said Mr. Boucher.
“He’s been around for a long time and he’s always a nice sub to have,” said senior Demi Zhang. “He always cares about how your day is.”
So while he has had a number of different jobs over the years, his current situation is perfect.
“Best job I ever had in my life. The best, hands down,” he said. “How can you not love a job like that?”
