Editor’s note: This is a rerun of a story to correctly identify the Boerne ISD instructor as Dorman Vic rather than Vic Dorman.
BOERNE– A crowd of Boerne citizens comprised of students, parents and Boerne Independent School District and city officials gathered to witness the ribbon cutting for a new entrance arch at the East gate of Boerne City Cemetery May 19.
It took three years for local leaders to take the project from concept to completion, having propped up the marker just a week before calling on parents and supporters to celebrate its installment.
“We’re in the best state with the best kids,” Ag Mechanics instructor Dorman Vic said. “I’m nothing without these kids and amazing parents that trust me with your kids.”
He said the project was inspired by fish structures welded by previous cohorts of Boerne Independent School District metalworkers.
“I’m from the area, and we can’t stop the growth,” Vic said. “But we can hold onto the values that brought everybody here, and these kids are coming in – it doesn’t matter where it’s from – by doing community projects they’ll forever drive by, and they’ll bring their children by for years to come. I think that’s how good beats evil.”
The arch went up over Saturday, May 29, which he said is a testament to how great the kids in Kendall County really are.
The longtime welding instructor jokingly said the students nearly pitched a coup because the design kept changing, noting the students had a laundry list of goals during the predevelopment process.
He said the students wanted to honor the German heritage of the Hill Country hamlet and incorporate both “rest in peace” and a cross.
A competition ensued with each metal sculptor making a cross with hopes of having it hung above the historic cemetery.
Ian McCloud took the win, and his design now sits proudly at the center of the cemetery arch.
“It may not seem like a lot to you, but Ian wore the number 30 this year. Sam Champion – our namesake and, I argue, the best principle that ever got into a high school – was no. 30 when he played for Boerne High School. That’s cool stuff,” Vic said, hoping this was a bit of heritage that would be passed down over generations.
Vic said the students ran like clockwork throughout the whole project from design to installing the arch over the cemetery entrance.
Assistant City Manager Danny Zincke spoke to the crowded group of parents and supporters around the cemetery.
“I think it turned out amazing, and I hope you do too,” Zincke said. “I am excited that we finally got to do this. We started this talking in 2019, and I’m glad you’re the class that got to do this because you did an outstanding job.”
He thanked the welders for their hard work and creativity in making this longtime dream a reality, marking what is a significant part of the city’s history and heritage.
“The greatest thing about community service, whether you’re working for the city or just doing community service projects, is when you get to come back with your kids and grandkids. It’s still going to be here, and that’s going to be pretty amazing for you when you drive by,” Zincke told the students.
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