Adolfo Barela was a tough teacher by all accounts. Heading up Vocational Office Education at Patagonia High School, Barela demanded professionalism of the students entrusted to his care.
No gum chewing. Respectful attire. Proficiency in shorthand and typing.
A youthful grumble: “Why?”
But a 17-year-old Cynthia “Cindy” Matus quickly learned the answer to that question when she beat out older, more experienced candidates for a job at a law firm in Nogales.
That level of professionalism is something Matus Morriss has carried with her throughout life—both in work and public service.
But now, after 36 years, she has chosen not to seek another term on the Patagonia Union High School board. Her service on that board began after 31 years on the elementary school council. Her reason for stepping back is based on a higher need—taking care of an aging father.
That she will be missed by the local school governing boards, district teachers, staff and students is an understatement.
“In the 12 years that I have been with the district, Cynthia Matus Morriss has been a model governing board member that always advocates for the teachers and students of Patagonia School districts,” said Kenny Hayes, superintendent and principal of Patagonia Union High School and Elementary School. “Her experience and knowledge have been invaluable to the functioning of the board.”
Ron Pitt, Patagonia Union High School Board President, said Matus Morris’s input on national and state-wide educational initiatives has been indispensable. “Her vision has been broader than just the local situation,” Pitt said. “She is an excellent Board member.”
In a 2011 oral history recording for the Arizona Memory Project, Matus Morriss recounted getting a call asking of her interest in filling a vacancy on the Patagonia Elementary School board. At the time she was volunteering with Young Audiences, an educational learning network bringing music and art to rural communities. What was one more hour a month at the school?
She was appointed in 1988, with her first election that same year. She filled the seat in earnest in 1989.
Since that time there have been a lot of wins. To name a few: the hiring of a single superintendent for both elementary and high school districts, a significant cost savings. A new school that still allowed the two districts to maintain their own identities. Service as a child advocate at a local level.
But her contributions have not stopped with the local school boards. She has served on several boards. She is a member of the board of directors of the National School Boards Association (NSBA), the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEAO). She has also been an Arizona School Boards Association (ASBA) officer.
And she’s been recognized for her contributions. In 2015 she was the recipient of the ASBA Barbara Robey Lifetime Achievement Award. In acknowledging the Patagonia resident’s contribution, ASBA noted, “Like Mrs. Robey, Cynthia has modeled the vision, principled commitment, impeccable character, persistence, servant leadership, and generosity of spirit in all aspects of service to public education.”
Locally, she has also worked with the Patagonia Museum, Friends of the Library and the Patagonia Youth Enrichment Center.
“Serving on the board is a challenging and yet very rewarding job,” Matus Morriss wrote. “It is an awesome responsibility, and the decisions you make will affect students, parents, staff and the communities. You will need the energy to learn a variety of issues about public education through individual study, through participation in programs and board training. Establish a good working relationship with the superintendent and know your role so as not to micromanage.”
In one of her high school yearbooks, Adolfo Barela felt compelled to share these words. As brief as they may be, they are high praise from a man with high standards.
“To a fine student,” Barela wrote.
To that, you might add “fine citizen.”
Carrie White can be contacted at CarrieWhitePRT@gmail.com.