Congratulations to Mayra Duarte-Galvez for being awarded the 2017 Staff Employee of the year for Bonita. Mayra is truly the core of the FAST class. The students and other staff rely heavily on her in the classroom. It is, however, her constant willingness to help outside of the classroom that makes her extraordinary. You will never hear her say, “that’s not my student”, “not my job”, “not my problem”. Whether she is helping out in other classrooms, such as ASB, PE and Dance, helping set up for school-wide projects, or chaperoning events, Mayra is always there ready to lend a hand in any way possible. This is not limited to her scheduled hours; you will see Mayra at events before school, after school, and on weekends. She gives of herself completely, without searching for kudos or compensation. She focuses on the betterment of Bonita HS, not herself, or her personal “world”. You will never hear her say “What’s in it for me?” Many on campus, students and staff alike, have benefitted from her kind words, never-ending energy, and unconditional commitment to our school.
There are truly not enough adjectives to describe Mayra, nor enough space in this article. I can literally go on for days … Mayra is by far the most compassionate, flexible, empathetic classroom aide that I have ever worked with. She has an uncanny way of dealing with the students from every aspect of the high school environment, not just her assigned FAST students. Mayra is never afraid to get her hands dirty, shed a tear, or make herself look silly, for the sake for the students. She relates to the multi-faceted world of the typical, and non-typical, student. She listens, supports, and helps young learners develop ideas themselves so that they can grow as people. She never just tells them “this is what you must do, and this is how you have to do it”. She truly sees the best in ALL, and helps them find it within themselves. She has faith in each individual, even when they have lost hope in themselves. Mayra teaches our FAST students to always push harder, learn from mistakes, and to never let a label define who they are or what they are capable of.
What you would expect to hear is that Mayra is a champion for students with disabilities. Well, she is! What you wouldn’t expect is to hear that she doesn’t do it by emphasizing how they are misunderstood, underappreciated or ignored. She focuses completely on; capabilities, humor, compassion and talent. We all have strengths, it just isn’t always easy to find in some, but she never gives up the search. Mayra recognizes the unbelievable power the students possess to impact and improve all of our lives. She carries that same belief out into the world around her. Mayra sees the potential in everyone, not basing it on, his or her economic standing, intellectual ability, or physical attributes. If there is potential that isn’t being fulfilled, she personally commits to try to make it happen for that person or situation.
