JOYCE – About 200 people gathered Friday afternoon at the Crescent School campus for the dedication of a memorial flagpole to the memory of the late Doug Kubalek.
Kubalek had served as the district’s principal and superintendent before dying at the age of 59 in August after suffering a stroke.
“Our family’s very grateful to this community and this school for this memorial to our father,” said Brent Kubalek, Doug’s son, as he struggled to keep his composure.
“He loved Joyce.”
Their father always set a good example for his children, said his son.
He taught the importance of keeping a sense of humor no matter how bad things get and of respecting and caring for anyone you met, he said.
“When we see this flagpole, I hope we remember we all have great worth,” Brent said.
More than 40 members of Kubalek’s family came from across the country for the dedication.
Kubalek had lived and worked in Joyce for 19 years.
The 30-foot pole is set in a base that includes a memorial plaque.
It is located near the school reader board on the Crescent School campus, 50350 state Highway 112.
The plaque reads: “Doug Kubalek 1946-2006 Principal of Crescent School 1987-2006 A valued member of the Joyce community.”
The flagpole will be lighted through the night.
The flagpole project began as Kubalek’s idea, and was picked up by Jonathan Waldrip, a 15-year-old freshman at the school, who did the project as community service to earn the rank of Eagle Scout.
“I’m happy it’s finally finished,” Jonathon said.
The project involved a lot of meetings plus late nights for the planning and digging out the base, he said.
Crescent Athletic Director David Bingham told the crowd, “Jonathon put a significant amount of time into this.
“He kick-started the project and his inspiration was what helped us to get it done.”
Scoutmaster David Birch commanded a three-person Boy Scouts color guard, including Jonathon, that unfolded and raised an American flag, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
That flag later was lowered and presented to Kubalek’s widow, Linda.
Stuart Smith, a good friend of Kubalek’s, said this ceremony combined several of the things that Kubalek loved most in the world – family, the community of Joyce, Scouting, education, kids and the school.
“It is appropriate that this is an Eagle Scout project,” Smith said.
“I think this is a wonderful project and I thank all those involved.”
