INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK: Darcy Maguire, Maxey Elementary

Darcy Maguire is the media specialist at Maxey Elementary School. She said her most important duty is sharing books, stories and the love of reading with the students at her school. She also works with the News Crew and supports reading initiatives and challenges.

In 2024, she earned a Marvelous Mentor Award from Orange County Public Schools, and in 2014, she was named Teacher of the Year for Washington Shores Elementary School.

“She has revamped our library system so that all children are able to explore new books and read for enjoyment,” Principal Dr. Sean Brown said. “She does everything for our students from book tastings to helping all students find their favorite books to read throughout the day.”

What brought you to your school?
I came to Maxey when the opportunity presented itself because it is close to home and was a relatively small school with a closely knit family.

What do you love most about your school?
We have great kids at Maxey. I love the students and the opportunities I get to help them learn to love reading.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is when kids get excited about a book they read and tell me how much they loved it. Seeing the joy of having found a great book on a little face is the best. When my students realize that they can read, it is very rewarding.

What would you be if you weren’t in this profession?
If I weren’t an educator, I would be working with animals in some capacity.

Who influences you?
I am influenced by the world around me. Both the positive and negative experiences I have and see others experiencing influences how I think and the actions I take. 

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?
As a kid, I loved going to school and I loved my teachers. I can remember the name of every one of my teachers. There are two that stand out the most: My third- and fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Gabano, because she gave me so many opportunities to succeed, and my eighth-grade Language Arts teacher, Mrs. Kosches, because she made me understand and love grammar. 

What is your favorite children’s book and why?
There are so many amazing children’s books. One of my favorites is “The Napping House” by Audrey Wood. It has the most beautiful illustrations. It makes me feel warm, cozy, happy and calm — all at the same time.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to read and play games in my spare time. I also enjoy being in nature.

If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?
There are so many brilliant people I would love to meet, but I think I would like to dine with Stephen Hawking simply because he was so brilliant. It would be interesting to hear his thoughts on the world.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
I would choose to be able to communicate with animals because their voices need to be heard more.

If you could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be and why?
The Beatles, Pentatonix and Sarah Brightman, because I enjoy their music and they are so different. 

What was your go-to lunch and favorite snack as an elementary student?
As an elementary student, I ate whatever was being served in the lunchroom for lunch. Outside of school, I think I ate many sandwiches. My favorite snack was probably grapes.

What is your favorite holiday?
My favorite holiday is Christmas, because I have time off to spend with my family and the weather is nice. I also enjoy the lights and the cozy atmosphere of Christmas.

Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?
I had a best friend in first grade named Natalie, but we lost touch when I moved to Florida. As a middle-school student, I made four best friends — Janet, Shira, Monica and Rosalie — and we are all still in touch and get together when we can. 

What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors?
I participated in several spelling bees and was a member of the ORFF ensemble in elementary school. I was a member of the Junior National Honor Society in middle school and National Honor Society in high school, where I earned a Silver Knight Nomination. I joined the French Congrès Team in high school and competed in the French state competition, where I received a Superieur and Bon for Declamacion and Dictee.