Having fun with life was a part of what Lee LeRoy was about. Here she is on the right with fellow teachers Gwen Roberts, AJ Ruth and David Elder as they dressed up for 80s day. |
“Beach~Bum,” was the title
of the poem. “Little did she know that it was her last cup of coffee. She
packed her school bag, grabbed her purse and headed out for the day. Her day
went on as usual, spreading love, laughter, kindness and joy.”
This was the first stanza
of a poetic tribute for Windham Middle School (WMS) Health Teacher, Lee LeRoy
by fellow WMS teacher and friend, Emily Stokes. LeRoy passed away unexpectedly
at her home in Portland on Thursday, December 13. She was 59 years old and
could run circles of joy around the most enthusiastic among us.
Anyone who exits this
world too soon leaves a deep chasm for those left behind, and Mrs. LeRoy was no
exception. Or, perhaps she was a very special
exception who was loved by many and whose lives were impacted by her presence
in many positive ways.
“She would always stand at
the end of the hallway every morning to greet the students with laughter and
compassion,” stated AJ Ruth, WMS math and science teacher. “It was as if she
was a bright and shining presence who greeted us every day, always taking the
time to have a conversation during a busy day in the most sincere and
kindhearted way.”
“And, she would stop an
adult conversation, to listen to what a student had to say,” added long time
friend and fellow WMS teacher, Gwen Roberts.
It seems her brilliant
light that spread love, laughter, kindness and joy was LeRoy’s calling and
purpose for which she was put on earth. She filled that mission in her roles as
a friend, teacher, mentor, wife and mother. She lived her life’s calling with
exuberance, never missing an opportunity to be a part of others’ lives – embracing
everyone she knew.
“Laughter, camaraderie and honest involvement
with everyone is what Lee was about,” stated Roberts. “Lee was sort of a gatherer
of people from every area of her life - because she valued people. Spending
time and having fun with family and friends was very important to her.”
Some of LeRoy’s favorite
ways to spend time with others was by going to the beach, golfing on Tuesdays,
participating in competitive and fundraising events such as Tri for a Cure and having
pool parties at her home. In every circumstance, LeRoy was always celebrating
life.
Lee LeRoy |
The only thing that may
have been more important to LeRoy than flip flops was her dedication to health
education. “Lee was devoted to teaching students how to make healthy choices,”
stated WMS Assistant Principal, Kim McBride.
Last spring, LeRoy worked
with colleagues Roberts, Ruth and Doug Elder to develop a creative, hands-on,
and interactive project-based learning opportunity for the seventh and eighth
grade students. The students spent months learning about the dangers of opiate
use. They researched information to use for video public service announcements,
newspaper articles, and science projects on the dangers of opiates and their
effects on the brain. Students found inspiration in the movie “Back to the Future” and used it as an
analogy, giving rise to the theme “Taking Back Maine’s Future.” Students
learned that depending on the decisions you make in using opiates, your future
can be healthy or tragic.
The final portion of the
educational project ended by inviting the public to share what the students
learned. According to the press release written by Laura Morris, director of Be
The Influence, “The event was complete with an actual DeLorean car parked out
front. Ushers escorted attendees into the Windham Middle School cafeteria where
one future was set up in the dark, with trash around and featured students with
their news articles on the tragic future ahead if the opioid crisis continues.
The other future was well lit and featured students with news articles on how
bright the future will be if we combat the opioid crisis in Maine.”
Morris was so impressed
with the project that she submitted it to the national CADCA (Community
Anti-Drug Coalitions of America) organization. Out of the many national
educational drug prevention projects submitted, “Taking Back Maine’s Future”
was selected and will be featured at the 2019 National Leadership Forum in
Washington D.C. in February. LeRoy and Ruth were going together to present the
project.
“Last Wednesday, we were
talking about our trip and the poster presentation,” Ruth reflected. “Lee and I
were giddy and excited to be traveling together. But now, I will be traveling
without her and will present the project alone – the project she initiated.”
Every person LeRoy touched
will remember her in their own way and each taking from her, wisdom she left
behind. But Vice-Principal McBride captured the greatest lessons she taught and
reflect what so many found endearing about LeRoy: “Enjoy life to the fullest.
Stay in touch with friends. Spend time with family. And, never miss an
opportunity.”
And perhaps, Stokes
portrayed the feeling experienced by so many toward the end of her heartfelt
tribute to LeRoy, “The dismissal bell rang, and she watched hundreds flee the
building at high speed rates. ‘See you tomorrow!’ came with a smile. Little did
she know she had taught her last lesson and had said her last good-byes. Little
did she know this would be her final walk down the hall.”
“Little did she know her
dash would soon be followed by a number. She knew how to live her dash. She
laughed, she celebrated, she loved, but most of all, she smiled.”