Roy Martinez had education in his blood

Let me begin by thanking the Martinez family for giving me the privilege and opportunity to honor their father, grandfather, former boss and friend, Mr. Roy Martinez, during his last days on earth. However, because of personal reasons I was unable to eulogize him at his funeral.

I cannot begin to accentuate the importance of this man to the Taos Municipal Schools and the outlying communities within the Taos Municipal School District. He was a bridge builder. He always made a concerted effort to be inclusive with every entity within the Taos Municipal Schools.

I was particularly impressed with how he reached out to our only tribal community, the Taos Pueblo. Roy began his career as a school teacher and held every position in educational circles during his long and significant career. He served as an assistant principal, director of federal programs, superintendent of the Taos Municipal Schools and even served as a local school board member. Roy had school/education in his blood. He knew schools were about teaching and learning. He knew that education was the “great equalizer.” He knew that education opened doors which created opportunities and a quality of life for those who obtained an education.

As I look at his life in retrospect, there are many of us who owe much to this man. He made possibilities for all of us. He provided direction, pathways and roads to success. Roy was the champion of the youth of the Taos Municipal Schools. He was the champion for the less fortunate, the underdog, the under-represented and students scoring at the bottom 25 percentile. Roy never forgot his humble beginnings. He had been a child who experienced challenges in his youth, yet never gave up.

Boys clubs, boxing teams, optimist clubs and numerous other activities were created under his leadership. Roy was a true educational leader. He was a defender of students. He did not believe in punitive measures in solving issues for students. Instead, he offered possibilities, opportunities and equality. Roy had his unique leadership style. When he spoke about his concerns regarding justice and obligations to humanity, he never stuttered or mumbled. All of us who worked under his supervision learned soon, and fast, that he expected excellence in our performance. Jokingly, we said, he made us walk the crooked line straight.

Roy was a faithful Democrat and Catholic. He enjoyed the dynamics of politics. He never made it a secret on his stance or on who he supported. Roy loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and had an affinity for the citizens and students of the Taos Municipal Schools. Men like Roy Martinez are rare and come to us only in intervening generations.

May God bless Roy and his family forever.

Archuleta is the superintendent of Cuba Independent Schools.