Watch EGHS Courtyard Transform in Memory of Carrie Maksymowicz

Students at East Greenwich High School spent a lot of time over the past few months transforming their courtyard.

The effort was in memory of Carrie Maksymowicz, who was known as Mrs. Mac to her students.

Maksymowicz died in March at the age of 53, leaving behind a world that wasn’t ready for her to go.

Through their grief, colleagues and students decided to do something that might reflect Makwymowicz’s impenetrable smile and impossibly good nature.

The student-run Beautify EGHS club along with Sherry Mong, a member of the guidance department, led the effort, which brought flowers and plants and created a peaceful space for members of the school community to pause, reflect and find peace.

Below is a speech given by Principal Michael Podraza during Ivy Day ceremonies at the school in late June.

We have a special addition to this year’s Ivy Day ceremony. To me, there could be no more appropriate time, manner, place, or people to be surrounded by to formally unveil a special space that was created by members of our community to honor a woman who left an impression on all who knew her. To your back and left you will find what I call a “small place of remarkable”. A place that was until recently, just a unused, overlooked corner in a school courtyard. However, when individuals come together, united by a cause, by friendship, by love, they can turn overlooked into remarkable.

To those who knew her, who she greeted, those she helped, know that Mrs. Carrie Mac had that same power. She could turn the average day into a remarkable one. Her selflessness and caring for anyone and everyone she came in touch with, along with the strength she fought her battles with cancer with, always left me wondering “How doe she do that”? and wondering if there were any way I could have just a little bit of her personality and constant joy for life.

It is in this vein that the community has come together to honor the legacy of Mrs. Mac and impart her love for the EGHS community to the EGHS community for years to come. Friends, family, community and students quickly realized that creating a space to: enjoy the outdoors, take time for reflection, read a book, have a conversation, or teach a meaningful lesson all symbolized what Mrs. Mac loved about EGHS.We believe that members of our community have created a space within EGHS that when people engage with it, they are sure to love. Just like Carrie Mac.We are also grateful that many members of her family and some of her closest friends are here to share this day with us.Special thanks go out to all in the community who donated funds, supplies, time, effort and energy. And at this time please join me a round of applause for the efforts and love of friends, family, community, students and Mrs. Carrie Mac to whom EGHS will always be grateful for allowing us to know her.