Dr Boyce was a great teacher.  Aside from the math he taught me how to look at problems and see the possibilities.

His humor lives on as I still remember a few of his jokes.  My favorite is the 'S' car go !

August 2014

The Hazel King Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to the KFTC member who has committed his or her life in the service of others by working for social justice.

It is our honor to present this award to Steve Boyce.

Steve is a member of the Madison County chapter and has served in various leadership roles over the years including on the Economic Justice Committee, the Finance Committee, and the New Energy & Transition Committee. And he’s spent about a decade in service on the Steering Committee and Executive Committee. He has served as Secretary/Treasurer, Vice Chair, Chair and is finishing his term as Immediate Past Chair.

KFTC is a much stronger, much wiser, much more successful organization because of Steve Boyce. He helped start the Madison County chapter. Because of Steve, there is now a solar farm in Berea that is a model for other municipalities and electric co-ops. Because of Steve our ideas for a progressive tax plan are tighter, our thinking about energy is more sophisticated and overall…we’re just better….because of Steve.

We could go on and on about the contributions big and small that Steve has made to KFTC. But in thinking about this award, we decided that we wanted to focus instead on what we’ve learned from Steve over the years. They’re important lessons.

From Steve, we’ve learned to really listen. Steve doesn’t listen in order to change someone’s mind or bolster his own argument. Steve listens because he cares and he wants to understand the other person’s perspective.

From Steve, we’ve learned to ask good questions even and especially if others aren’t asking those questions.

From Steve, we’ve learned to really appreciate people. Steve is really great about recognizing folks for good work or giving encouragement. I doubt he realizes how much his emails, notes, kind words and hugs have meant over the years.

From Steve, we’ve learned how to be good teammates. We’ve learned to lean on others when you need it and to help lift up others when they need it.

From Steve, we’ve learned to never give up. To look for common ground. To find places you can build from. And then you get things like a solar farm!

From Steve, we’ve learned to have fun. Some of you have been to countless Steering Committee meetings in which Steve and I would pick on each other and then hug it out when it’s all said and done. Those are some of my favorite KFTC memories.

Without a doubt, KFTC is stronger and better because of you, Steve. You’ve taught many of us so much and we’re so grateful.

I’ll end with this:

A few days ago, I emailed the Executive Committee to check in on a couple things that were in the works. Folks began emailing back, “sounds good”, “let’s do it”. Then Steve emailed back, “In what might be my last Exec Committee vote, I say yes.”

I know we all paused at our computers, a bit saddened to read that.

Then Carl Shoupe wrote what we were all thinking. Carl wrote:

“Steve, I cannot put into words the pleasure it has been serving with you on the Steering Committee. You have been such a great mentor to me concerning the nuts and bolts of our great organization and even in the tough times you always taught me to have a positive attitude. I so deeply appreciate the knowledge you shared with me and I will do my very best to take the knowledge and help move this tremendous group forward.”

Thanks, Steve, for all you’ve done for KFTC and the KFTC family. We’re honored to give you this award. And we promise to take all the lessons you’ve given us and make you proud.