Small Acts, Big Lessons: Mr. Abel and The All Saints’ Way

This week, we have had the privilege of honoring Mr. Abel Maldonado, a member of the facilities team who is retiring after 36 years at All Saints’.

A constant in our community, Abel’s warm greetings each morning, secret handshakes, and small gifts—flowers, candy, or even the top from a water cooler lid—had a way of making everyone he came into contact with feel like a special part of our community. Abel always found a way to make your day a little better. He made everyone feel that they belonged and that they were valued. Abel is a living example of what it means to live the values of The All Saints’ Way—respect, responsibility, and understanding.

Earlier this week, we gathered for our annual Flag Raising Ceremony, complete with Abel ringing the newly minted “Abel Maldonado Bell,” and our first all-school chapel. Not only did this special morning mark the start of a new school year at All Saints’, but it was also another moment to celebrate Abel’s dedication to our School and our values.

After remarks from our student leaders and me about what it means to lead with The All Saints’  Way, we recognized, thanked, and celebrated Abel for taking such great care of us. In his more than three decades here, Abel has never spoken at chapel—but he did this week. Abel told our students and faculty that we are his family and part of something really special and important. He asked us to care for our community and reassured us all that “we got it.” 

One of the ways we teach the values of The All Saints’ Way is through chapel. We will talk about an idea during the service, then students will have further discussions on the same topic in advisory or homeroom. To see a living example of those values, as we did through Abel’s celebration, and as we have for the past 36 years through his actions, is powerful.

Yesterday afternoon, our students and teachers lined Andersen Way to send Abel off with a clap-out. We chanted, cheered, and clapped as he made his way through the church gate one more time. While we will never be able to fill his shoes in the same way, it is our job to carry on all that Abel has cared for. It’s up to all of us to not just maintain our nurturing community, but enable it to flourish and thrive. 

Mr. Abel, we can do it, and we will work to make you proud.