Presented by Superintendent Michael Barnes
CITIZENS OF THE YEAR 2021: DORENE & BOB ZAJEC
Part of what makes the Mayfield Schools so successful is the involvement, commitment and volunteer effort by so many of our district residents.
Since 1977, the Mayfield City School District has honored individuals who have shown exemplary support for the students and staff of Mayfield City Schools through their tireless volunteerism.
I am honored to announce our 43rd Citizens of the Year – DORENE & BOB ZAJEC
They are team.
Dorene and Bob’s volunteerism in our schools began in 1993 when daughter Stacy entered Millridge Elementary, followed by Sherry, Shannon and Robert, all proud Wildcats and graduates of Mayfield.
As Doreen explained, she wanted to actively become more involved in her kids’ school’s – and as a team Bob was there to do the “heavy lifting.”
Together, Dorene and Bob have impacted the Mayfield City School district for nearly 3 decades. Dorene has served as an organizer of the Mayfield Carnival, Ice cream socials, Harvest parties, roller skating events as well as lead positions in the Millridge PTG, Mayfield High School PTSO, Mayfield Academic Boosters Club, Mayfield Middle School Association, Mayfield Athletic Boosters, Mayfield After Prom and countless Staff Appreciation events, the Zajecs have been the mom and dad behind the scenes for every Mayfield kid, not just their own.
As her close friend Jolene said, “Dorene’s number one focus was always about the kids and making it fun for them. NO child was ever left behind if Dorene Zajec oversaw the event. Many students at Mayfield were given lasting memories from fun, social events because of Dorene’s tireless efforts and commitment to the kids.”
While supporting Dorene’s tireless volunteerism, Bob created the Mayfield Browns Squares fundraiser through the Mayfield Alumni association which initially began to help raise funds to build the Alumni Pavilion. Today, it continues with funds to help our Mayfield PTOs, PTGs and Boards who have been unable to fundraise for their mission to support Mayfield students, teachers and programs due to the pandemic. Last year, the Mayfield Alumni Association donated $10,000 to these groups and organizations.
Mayfield Alumni President Wayne Farinacci said “Five years ago, I asked Bob Zajec to serve on the Alumni Association Executive Board. He is not a Mayfield grad, but I thought it was worth the trouble to amend our Bylaws to make him part of our Board. Bob has been everything I thought he would be, and more! He is a tireless worker who has the staff, students, and alums of Mayfield at heart. His mind is always thinking of how we, as an organization, can get better. I love his dedication and work ethic to never be satisfied with past accomplishments. These qualities, along with his organizational skills and attention to detail, have made him a valuable resource of the Mayfield Alumni Association.”
For all of this and so much more, Dorene and Bob, on behalf of the Mayfield City Schools we name you our 2021 Citizens of the Year. We are grateful for you - grateful for your dedication to education, your Mayfield community and our Mayfield Wildcats.
Congratulations, Dorene and Bob. Thank you for all you have given to the “Mayfield Family.”