Alumni Spotlight: Ryan Boucher ‘16

Alumni Spotlight: Ryan Boucher ‘16

By: Neely Bello ‘20

Alumni Engagement Associate 

 

Ryan Boucher’s journey since graduating from Hebron Academy is one defined by discipline, service, and a willingness to embrace challenge, both expected and unexpected. A member of the Class of 2016, Ryan’s path has taken him from the ice rinks of prep and collegiate hockey to military bases around the world, all while staying grounded in the values he first developed on the Hebron campus. 

After Hebron, Ryan attended Norwich University, where he balanced the demanding roles of an NCAA Ice Hockey student-athlete, Corps of Cadets member, and Army ROTC Cadet. Reflecting on that time, Ryan credits Hebron with helping him build the habits needed to succeed at a high level. “Balancing the demands of collegiate athletics with military training required discipline and time management. Skills that Hebron helped instill in me and that proved essential to my success.” 

Following his graduation from Norwich, Ryan commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army as an Air Defense Artillery Officer. Now a Captain, he has served across the globe, with assignments in Oklahoma, Germany, and Hawaii, as well as temporary duty in Latvia and Korea. Each location brought new responsibilities, perspectives, and challenges that contributed to his growth as a leader. 

While stationed in Germany, Ryan continued pursuing his passion for hockey by playing semi-professionally, an opportunity he never expected but deeply valued. Germany also became a defining chapter in his personal life, as it is where he met his wife. Living abroad while balancing military service, athletics, and relationships required adaptability and perspective. “Looking back, my journey since Hebron has not followed a simple or predictable path, but it has been incredibly rewarding.” When asked what stands out most from his time at Hebron, Ryan points not to a single moment, but to the sense of belonging that defined his experience. “The first thing that comes to mind isn’t a single event, but the feeling of being part of a tight, supportive community.” He recalls how Hebron’s diverse student body and culture of support shaped his worldview and helped Hebron feel like home. 

That lasting sense of connection is what ultimately brought Ryan back to Campus. His time as a student spanned just two years, but the impact was profound. Ice hockey development at Hebron played a critical role in his collegiate career, and returning now allows him to give back by sharing his experience from prep school, junior hockey, and overseas play with today’s student-athletes. “I truly believe in what Hebron Academy represents and stands for. The school played a pivotal role in my life, and returning feels surreal.” 

Ryan credits Hebron with teaching him independence and helping shape his leadership philosophy, which he defines through three core pillars: character, discipline, and compete. Those values continue to guide him as an Army officer and mentor. When offering advice to current students, Ryan encourages them to fully embrace their time at Hebron and trust in their preparation. “Don’t take your time at Hebron Academy for granted. Hebron is a special place… The future may seem nerve-racking, but believe in yourself. Hebron has, without a doubt, prepared you for success.”  Ryan also highlights the lasting impact of mentorship, particularly from his advisor, Barbara Waterman, whose care and commitment left a permanent impression. “That level of awareness and care is what separates Hebron Academy from any other place. Barbara Waterman embodies that difference in every way.” 

From Hebron Academy to military service across the world, Ryan Boucher ‘16 exemplifies the leadership, resilience, and sense of community that define the Hebron experience. His story is a powerful reminder that the foundation built here on campus extends far beyond graduation and often leads Alumni back “home” to campus.