Spring 2003

Still Pedaling after All These Years
Carolina applauds Bill Harris’s commitment and dedication to science education.

Bill Harris rides a bicycle 4 miles every weekday to his volunteer job with the Walla Walla, WA, Public Schools. He does not see his daily routine as unusual—even though he’s 92.

Harris pedals his 10-speed bicycle 2 miles each way to the school district’s Science Materials Center. For the past 6 years he has worked 20 hours per week as Science Materials Center Inventory Coordinator. His duties include prepackaging consumable materials for STC® kits, taking inventory of materials, repairing kits, and sending the kits to teachers.

“It is not so bad,” Harris said matter-of-factly. “After retiring from the banking business, I needed something to do.” Harris found it difficult to utilize his time doing yard work or other projects, and he knew of a need at the school system. Thus began his work at the materials center.

The nonagenarian also uses his bike to travel to the grocery store, doctor’s appointments, and meetings. Occasionally, when the weather is unpleasant, he will use an automobile. “I use a bike for the exercise. It is good for you,” says Harris. He also notes it saves him from buying a second car.

Working at the materials center is a family affair. Harris’s daughter, Peggy Willcuts, is a science specialist for the school system, as well as an STC® consultant. She says, “I like having the unbelievable opportunity to work side-by-side with my father. He was so perfect for the job. Being very organized and loving numbers, doing inventory was right up his alley.”

When asked what the best part of the job is, Harris answers, “Being useful is my purpose. It’s rewarding.” The father of 3 daughters, who works by himself, said he also likes seeing the tangible results of his labor.

Approximately 2,600 elementary school students are serviced by his efforts, and about 1,400 middle school students are beginning to use the materials center. “I am sure there is a benefit of the education developed for them [the students] in the science field. I can only see a benefit to it.” Although Harris does not have a lot of contact with classroom teachers or students, the feedback he does receive comes from teachers who are grateful for the materials.

In April 2002, Bill Harris was one of 3 recipients of the Art Regier Volunteer of the Year Award for the Walla Walla School District. Staff at Green Park Elementary nominated Harris for the award because “they were so impressed by his commitment and by his abilities,” said Willcuts proudly. “They watched him day after day tote STC® kits in and out of the Science Materials Center.”

Bill Harris “has become an inspirational figure for many people in the community and particularly in the school district,” said Willcuts. Receiving the award was “OK” for Harris. He admitted, “I’m not interested in recognition. I don’t get a lot of satisfaction getting attention.”

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