Darren Pierce ’02
Darren Pierce ’02 grew up in St. Johnsbury and has lived in the Northeast Kingdom his whole life. While he had the opportunity to move to Montana 10 years ago, he and his family decided against it. He said, “I knew we wouldn’t be happy anywhere else. The NEK has everything that we want for our quality of life. It’s hard to put into words, but I knew there was no better place to raise my family than here. I enjoy being outdoors, camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, and skiing. We can enjoy all of those activities here and still have access to outstanding education systems, quality businesses, and opportunities for our future.”
Darren’s longstanding relationship with the Academy started as a kid. His parents both worked at SJA for many years. His mom, Diane Cloutier Pierce ’76, worked in various roles during her 27 years at the school and retired as the assistant to the dean of academics. His dad, Eric Pierce, is a talented builder and locksmith who worked at SJA for 17 years in the Facilities Department.
Darren always enjoyed watching his dad and learning about his work. This, along with the education he received at SJA, grew his interest in the trades and led to a career as an electrician. While at the Academy, Darren took Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses for three years and had a work-based learning placement as a senior. He said, “It wasn’t until I took an electricity class my sophomore year that I realized this might be something for my future.”
When asked about his time at SJA, Darren replied, “My favorite classes were electricity with Mr. Bugbee. I was always a CTE student and wasn’t a great “classroom” learner. The electricity program helped me use my skills, recognize a career path, and get my feet wet with the trades. I could have easily been a kid who got lost in the shuffle or chose a different path. Mr. Bugbee could see the potential I had. I knew he believed in me. I played basketball and soccer as an underclassman and then focused more on job skills as I got older.”
Others positively impacted Darren on campus. He said, “Mr. Tom Lovett was my advisor until he became our headmaster. He knew how to hold me accountable and how to help me see the bigger picture. He is still doing that, but now at Good Shepherd Catholic School for my younger kids.”
Darren always knew he would join the workforce after graduation. When reflecting on the Academy, he said, “I am a strong supporter of kids who want to further their education with a degree, and I am a strong advocate for those kids who know it’s not for them. That’s one of the best things about the CTE program at SJA; there is a place for both paths. As I watch my own children go to the Academy, it really hits me what an amazing and unique education and experience I received. Now, my kids are fortunate enough to get it, too. It’s great to watch them participate and enjoy the same traditions I did at their age.”
Describing his experience entering the workforce, Darren said, “Early on, I learned the ins and outs of being on job sites, understanding expectations, and building relationships through my commitment to learning and bettering myself as an employee. I continued my electrical education through
the Vermont Registered Apprenticeship Program and on the job training. I eventually earned a journeyman’s license and then, in 2015, earned my master’s license.” He is now a master electrician licensed in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Montana.
Darren worked for local electrical and general contractors in the area in various roles. When his children were younger, he was a teacher for the Vermont Registered Electrical Apprenticeship course for four years. He eventually became a project manager and realized he didn’t want to stop there, so he established his own business, Pierce Electric and Construction, in 2020. He said, “I realized there was more for me to do, and I decided to launch my own company. I started small and let my company grow organically and sustainably. We offer quality full-service electrical contracting services for commercial and residential customers.”
When asked about his job, Darren replied, “My favorite part of the job is working with apprentices. I see a little bit of myself in each of them, and it is fulfilling to provide them with a job training opportunity where they can see how important the trades are to communities. The most challenging part of the work is running the business end; there is always a sweet spot between having enough work for our crews, not overcommitting to projects and having too much to do, and then, of course, keeping new jobs on the horizon.”
Darren lives in Waterford with his wife, Brooke, and their children. His connection to the Academy remains strong, as his children are, or will be, SJA alums. He stated, “My oldest son, Gabe, graduated in 2023; my daughter, Cady, will graduate in 2026; my son, Griffin, will start his freshman year this fall with the Class of 2029. Although it seems far away, my youngest daughter, Chloe, is a future Class of 2033 Hilltopper.” They are involved with many clubs, teams, and activities that bring us on campus daily.”
Darren also employs several SJA alums: Ray Richard ’00, Lucas Wilkins ’12, Brandon Matte ’16, Gabe Pierce ’23, Dawson Wilkins ’23, and Dominic Warren ’24.
Pierce Electric and Construction recently signed on as a SJA Hilltopper Champion Sponsor. Through this program, they are supporting valuable opportunities for connection and learning. When asked why they chose to sponsor the Academy this year, Darren replied, “Many of my employees are SJA alumni or have children who attend the school. I proudly support our school and the role it has in our communities. We have had SJA students join us for employment immediately following graduation and for summer jobs while still in school, and we’ve had students placed with us for their work-based learning activities for CTE. I enjoy being a partner with SJA. I know the value of the work, both in the short and long term.”
When asked for his advice for today’s SJA students, Darren replied, “It’s the same advice I give my kids. Work hard and be kind; everything else is mostly out of your control.”
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