From Alumnus to Trustee and Lifelong Advocate

Jerry Bardwell

Class of 1973

Jerry Bardwell

Jerry Bardwell’s journey from a young boy entering Kurn Hattin to a dedicated Kurn Hattin Trustee, paramedic, and volunteer lay minister is a story of resilience, service, and unwavering dedication to helping others. His life reflects the lessons he learned during his time at Kurn Hattin, where he spent six transformative years that shaped his values, work ethic, and sense of purpose.

Born and raised in Rutland, Vermont, Jerry was only seven years old when he arrived at Kurn Hattin. It didn’t take long for Jerry to find stability and routine, things he cherished.

Jerry’s years at Kurn Hattin were marked by more than just his performance in the classroom. He developed a strong work ethic through various programs, from his assignments in the print shop to his experiences on the farm and in carpentry. Jerry’s early experiences taught him the value of responsibility and the satisfaction of a job well done.

After six years, Kurn Hattin had become a place of safety and consistency, and the idea of leaving felt daunting. “Graduation was exciting,” Jerry says, but it also brought a wave of emotions. Jerry’s life took him in many directions, and the lessons he learned at Kurn Hattin served him well. After two years at Fair Haven Union High School, Jerry joined the U.S. Navy in July 1977. Boot camp at Great Lakes, Illinois was challenging, but Jerry adapted, and the discipline he developed at Kurn Hattin helped him succeed. While in the Navy, Jerry discovered his passion for emergency medical services. By 1978, he had started taking paramedic training courses on his own and eventually joined a small ambulance service in Bellows Falls, Vermont in 1980.

Jerry’s paramedic career has spanned over 46 years, during which time he has worked with countless patients and saved many lives. “I love my job; I love my profession,” he says. The fast-paced nature of emergency medical work, where crucial decisions must be made within the first 5-10 minutes, is something Jerry thrives on. Another change, however, is around the corner. With his paramedic license set to expire in 2026, Jerry is preparing for retirement and the next chapter of his life.

As he contemplates stepping away from active duty, Jerry has already begun laying the groundwork for a consulting business working with a medical services company. At the same time, he’s pursuing his passion for ministry, having signed up to become a lay minister at North Middleboro Congregational Church in Massachusetts. For more than 20 years, Jerry has been in the choir and filled in anywhere he’s been needed. Now he’s ready to make it official. “There’s a big demand for lay ministers,” he says, though he admits feeling a certain amount of apprehension about this new role. “Change is scary, but at each juncture, it’s worked out.”

I wasn’t just lucky—I was blessed to land at Kurn Hattin.

As Jerry reflects on his life, he credits Kurn Hattin with helping him navigate the challenges he faced. “The secret of my success has always been having someone at the fork in the road to point me in the right direction,” he says. “I wasn’t just lucky—I was blessed to land at Kurn Hattin.”

Jerry remains committed to giving back, ensuring that future generations of Kurn Hattin students have the same opportunities that were available to him. He has served on Kurn Hattin boards since 1993, first as an incorporator and later as a trustee. “I take my role as a trustee seriously because I was one of those children,” he says. “I’m here to make sure the children get what they need, just like I did.” His advocacy ensures that Kurn Hattin continues to prioritize the needs of its students, and his voice on the board is a powerful reminder of its life-changing impact.

Beyond simply staying connected, Jerry advises current students to embrace the opportunities Kurn Hattin provides and to take full advantage of the support offered. He urges students to understand that life will present them with choices, and at each critical juncture they should look for mentors and guides—just as he found during his time at Kurn Hattin. He stresses that success is not just about luck; it’s about making the right choices and having the wisdom to seek help when necessary.

Jerry Bardwell’s advice is deeply rooted in his personal experiences and the lessons he learned along the way. One of his most significant messages is to “remember the way home.” This phrase carries both literal and figurative meaning. On one hand, Jerry encourages students to maintain a connection with Kurn Hattin even after they leave, to remember the community that supported them and shaped their development. On the other hand, it is a reminder to stay grounded, to hold onto the values and lessons learned during their time at Kurn Hattin, no matter where life takes them.