My takeaway from Mayfield Junior School came from Mr. Roy Chavez and his undeniable dedication to the happiness of others. Even if it was Monday, raining, and the Dodgers were losing, Mr. Roy would always share a smile and make the Mayfield community feel important. During his 20 years of dedication to Mayfield Junior School, Mr. Roy would wake up early and spread his positivity and smile to everyone he encountered.
Ms. Marlis, Mayfield Junior’s Director of Enrollment, expressed how “[Mr. Roy] was always there for you” and explained further how, “If you walked by him, he would stop and make you feel important, make you feel loved.” It is his demeanor and day-to-day attitude that never fails to inspire and make people smile. I will always remember not only Mr. Roy’s dedication and hard work but his ability to make strangers happy.
Mr. Roy’s life as a member of the facilities team, was a perfect example of the application of Cornelia Connelly’s motto, Actions not Words, as he showed his love for the Mayfield community through his undying support of the development of children. Mr. Roy influenced others to find joy in a positive perspective and the smiles of others. I feel blessed to have met, make a connection, and to have been influenced by him. His legacy lives on through the many lives he has touched, including the entire Mayfield Junior School community. When roaming the halls of Mayfield Junior School, you are able to feel his presence, his positive attitude and see his impact on the many lives of the Mayfield community. I see Mr. Roy in the people that go out of their way for the better good of the world. He is seen in the people that dedicate their lives to the happiness and joy of others. But he is seen most of all in the people that love others and do not expect to receive love in return.
Mr. Roy not only cared about one person but also the rest of their family and friends. He constantly asked about them and knew their interests and hobbies. Mr. Roy indulged in conversations about our Los Angeles Dodgers, always supporting them. There was not one person that I saw without a smile when talking to Mr. Roy. He allowed you to forget the pain and suffering of the world and helped you to focus on the good.
It was heart-aching and tragic to hear that our beloved Mr. Roy passed away this summer due to his battle with Leukemia. Yet, it is incredibly comforting to know that his reassuring warm smile still lives on in the lives he has touched so deeply. If you asked the alumni about their time at Mayfield Junior, they will no doubt tell you about the memorable times Mr. Roy encouraged them. From Mr. Roy’s life, I am reminded that no matter how small our actions are, we can impact someone greatly. So thank you, Mr. Roy for being an inspiration and a source of never-ending happiness from Heaven.
