Page 65 - Georgetown Preparatory School Alumnews Winter 2021

IN MEMORIAM
The hallways of Georgetown
Prep are quieter with the passing of Steve Maczynski. The enthusiastic and popular teacher, college counselor, colleague, and friend died on September 23, 2020.
By Ben Williams ’80
remembering
Steve Maczynski
In 1990, Steve began teaching in the
Social Studies department at Georgetown
Prep and quickly earned his reputation as a
passionate and engaging teacher whom the
students revered, nicknaming him “Mazz” and
“Coach.” His commitment and the obvious joy
he possessed teaching high school boys was obvious to all. Over the course of 16 years, Steve taught World History, U.S. Government, and Advanced Placement Government & Politics. He also revitalized Prep’s Speech and Debate, Model Organization of American States and Model UN clubs which he ran with a contagious and unmatched competitive enthusiasm. He percolated coffee for his first- period seniors, ran spearheaded raucous mock political conventions, and led inspired students into fiery debates on free speech.
Steve was such a gifted high school teacher because he understood teenagers—in part because he was irrepressibly young at heart himself. He knew that the best way to encourage learning was to engage them as young adults
and to entertain them with his earthy, irreverent humor. Students flocked to sign up for Mazz’s classes. In those classes, many discovered interests they would then pursue in
college and in their careers.
In 2006, after obtaining degrees in
Education and Counseling, Steve left Prep to pursue a career in counseling, and did so at several schools. In 2016, he jumped at the opportunity to return to Prep, the place he had always loved. He served as Dean
of College Counseling and Academic Support Services until 2020. In that role, Steve tailored his work to the individual student in front of him and helped students see possibilities they might not otherwise
have imagined. To Steve, every student was capable and had a path to success, even when the student could not yet envision it.
Steve was generous, warm-hearted, and a tenacious advocate. His students knew he believed in them and that he was their most powerful advocate, going to extraordinary lengths to help them thrive. His presence was large and joyful; he had a charismatic personality and a boisterous laugh. Steve lit up any space he entered, and his expressions of love were abundantly felt by colleagues, students, and friends. A rare and selfless man, he knew how to make each person with whom he interacted the center of his attention.
The community has lost a great friend and a good man. Though his presence remains in the hearts of his friends and students, he is greatly missed in the halls of Georgetown Prep.
He always left you feeling like anything was possible.
— MELISSA FURNISH
Maz was a great teacher and debate coach. All the students respected him and he had a deft touch to running a classroom. We always knew he was in our corner.
— CHARLES ZEDLEWSKI
There are few teachers who had an impact as big as Mr. Maczynski in my time at Prep and beyond. Sad day and mourning for him, he was a positive force for so many who had the pleasure of knowing him.
— PATRICK LATIMER
He was a huge part of my Prep experience and influence in my life.
— NORM BISHOP
ALUMNEWS | winter 2021 63