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THE MAYFIELD FAMILY - ST. ALOYSIUS
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“My Catholic education is invaluable to me.”
- Kayleigh Mayfield |
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| Service is a concept that resonates with the Mayfield family. Oldest daughter Kayleigh, 22, is a senior at the University of Dayton and a graduate of St. Aloysius School (or “St. Al’s,” as locals affectionately call it). The idea of helping others is so much a part of her identity as a Catholic, that it’s the reason for her future career path.
“I have chosen to explore social work as a career and I am positive that my background in service and helping others is why I made that decision” she says. Kayleigh also attended Ursuline Academy, which unexpectedly closed down in her junior year of high school. The abrupt switch to public school really made her aware of the impact and importance of her Catholic education and it largely informed her decision to attend a Catholic university. Her parents also set a great example. James Mayfield attended St. Aloysius with his six brothers and sisters and later graduated from Griffin High School before serving in the U.S. Air Force. He has been employed by CWLP as an operating engineer for 17 years. Beth Mayfield attended St. Joseph School with her four brothers, followed by Ursuline Academy and Lincoln Land Community College. She has worked for 13 years at CVS as a pharmacy technician. She is the St. Aloysius Parish Council President, the Ursuline Academy Foundation Treasurer, and the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxilliary Secretary. She is a Eucharistic minister and has served as a room parent at St. Aloysius School since Kayleigh attended. When James’ rotating schedule permits, they both help out with as many school functions as they can. Kayleigh’s sisters are gearing up to follow in her footsteps. Ali, a senior at SHG, enjoys World Religion class and learning about other people’s beliefs. She is very active in a drug resistance program called Snowball, and is a team leader this year. Samantha, age 14 is an 8th grader at St. Aloysius, whose favorite class is Social Studies. She also enjoys volleyball and Spirit Day during Catholic Schools Week. She sits with the kindergarten students during weekly mass, and helps them learn the prayers and mass parts. Madeline, age 12, is in 7th grade at St. Aloysius. She too cites Social Studies as her favorite subject, and is very active in softball, basketball and volleyball. She won a 1st place ribbon at a recent speech meet and she loves Catholic Schools Week and Red Ribbon Week. She loves to read and is currently reading The Hunger Game series St. Aloysius has been the spiritual home of the Mayfield family since James’ father James, Sr. attended. Beth’s parents also attended area Catholic schools. During James, Jr.’s enlistment, however, the Mayfields moved to many places, including Louisiana, Georgia and Germany. Their goal was always to move back to Springfield to be near family and the welcoming atmosphere of St. Aloysius. Each family member has his own reason for why St. Al’s is so special. It might be because of a favorite teacher and a lasting lesson that was learned, a memorable milestone or event, or the caring way in which fellow parishioners help out in times of crisis. “The school and the parish are such a tight-knit community… I have very fond memories of St. Al’s and I hope that someday my own children will have a similar experience,” Kayleigh reflects, perhaps best summing up the reason why her family continues to serve the parish which has served them so well. |
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