To some, a teacher; to some, an ex-Navy intel expert; to some, an Emergency Medical Technician; or finally, a ski patrol watchman.

In the Navy, NPHS’ Mr. Ed Bovell was stationed at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington State, and served from 1992-1996 and was involved with conflicts in areas such as Iraq and  Bosnia-Herzegovina.

“I was in the Intelligence field. I was assigned to an air squadron dealing with Electronic Warfare. My job was to know everything about any enemy platforms that we were to encounter anywhere in our theatre of operations,” Bovell explained.

Bovell served a total of two tours in the Mediterranean aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) aircraft carrier and got to work with NATO forces in Italy in 1995 during the Bosnia Herzegovina. Also during his service, he had the great pleasure of visiting a few countries like Corfu, Rhodes, Greece, Italy, UAE, Israel.

“I learned a lot about myself and my capabilities while in the Navy. Met a lot of great people and learned so much about many different cultures as well. One of my accomplishments was helping to develop a system that is still used in the intelligence community today,” Bovell explained furthermore.

For his help in the development of that system, which is unable to be spoken of in context due to nondisclosure forms, Bovell received a Naval Achievement Medal.

“My workday consisted of helping to run a Strike Intelligence Analytical Cell dealing with all sorts of various components of intelligence work. We typically worked 12+ hours a day and had to be ready to change gears at a moment’s notice. We had a sign which read “All Things Subject to Change at a Moments Notice” in our office. I would do it all again if I could. No hesitation. Serving my country is the greatest honor that there is. I enjoyed every moment of it,” Bovell explained.

After his service in the Military, Bovell had to figure out what he wanted to do afterward.

“When I was younger I had absolutely no clue what I wanted to do– even when graduating from NP. I did know that I loved learning and wanted to get a college degree. There were so many choices that I could not decide on just one. I had no thoughts many years ago about being a teacher. I know that I loved computers and technology and I ultimately got into that field for a number of years,” Mr. Bovell said.

In Bovell’s 24th year in the district, it’s safe to say that he made the right gut choice. And his passion for technology and connecting with others doesn’t go unnoticed.

“I’m so grateful I had him as a teacher for all 3 years of my high school experience. The way he educates and connects with students is honestly, a once in a lifetime experience with a teacher and I couldn’t be happier I can say that I got to be in his class,” North Penn High school senior, Anthony Pavlik explained.

That’s just one student; handpick a random group of students walking in K pod in between 4th and 5th period, and a good chance you hear a similar response about the same teacher.

“I enjoy my students the most. I like to get to know my students and have them think of me as a normal human being. I really like when I get to share real-life experiences with them and they have questions about things. You can only learn so much from books, but it’s what people experience every day that makes them who they are. I learn from my students every year something new as I hope they learn and take something that I have taught them into their future endeavors,” Mr. Bovell said.

You’d think that his service in the Navy has nothing to do with education, but Mr. Bovell took a different approach in the transition.

“The Navy helped to instill in me a sense of duty and pride. It opened my eyes to the world and how it operates. The military not only taught me to be a better person and time management skills but to do everything that I do with attention to detail and to do it the best possible way and take pride in what I was doing,” Bovell reflected.

Outside of the workplace, Bovell enjoys camping, skiing, and golfing. He also serves as an EMT with Harleysville Area EMS and also the Vice-President of the organization. And as an Outdoor Emergency Care Instructor, Bovell is a National Ski Patroller of which he patrols at Spring Mountain. As one can tell, Mr. Bovell strives to be as active as he can be whilst still giving individual attention to his students.

“I don’t know what zero responsibilities are,” Mr. Bovell jokes. “But if I get some time to just chill and relax I spend time with my family and friends, reading a good book, and just relaxing doing whatever comes up.”