Bob Jones High School honors Maria Roe Jaime as ‘Staff Member of the Year’
MADISON – Maria Roe Jaime’s work philosophy requires her to always give her best and “do things right from the start.” Jaime is “Staff Member of the Year” at Bob Jones High School.
“I consider myself responsible, organized and respectful of the rules, but I also know how to adapt when needed,” Jaime said. She has worked as a custodian at Bob Jones since 2021.
“I feel very grateful for all of the people I have met through this job and for all of the opportunities I’ve received,” she said.
Leading by example, Jaime never says, “That’s not my job.” She likes working in a team and contributing ideas that balance the workload.
“I’m cheerful and outgoing by nature; a positive work environment helps everyone do better. What motivates me the most is seeing the transformation after cleaning and organizing, knowing that teachers, students and staff can feel comfortable (in) their surroundings,” Jaime said.
Jaime rebounded this year after breaking her arm, which required surgery and three months off from work. “Coming back wasn’t easy, since my arm didn’t fully recover. But I kept a positive mindset and adapted my work routine to make sure all my assigned areas looked great,” she said.
Lifting heavy objects was a challenge, which she slowly overcame. “Even though my arm didn’t go back to what it was, my performance at work remained just as strong,” Jaime said.
Jaime is originally from Venezuela and immigrated to the United States in 2016. “Since arriving in this country, I discovered a true calling to serve others. (The calling) has grown alongside my spiritual life and a closer relationship with God,” she said.
“For five of the eight years I’ve lived here, I was separated from my parents, siblings, nieces, nephews and in-laws . . . living only with my husband and daughter,” she said. “Those years were full of challenges but also prayer and faith.”
“Today, I’m deeply thankful to have my entire family reunited and for the recent approval of my political asylum. Everything we’ve accomplished has been through faith,” Jaime said.
Serving others is now an essential part of Jaime’s personality. Her friends jokingly call her ‘The Mayor’ because she constantly checks in on everyone and looks for ways to help.
As a young person, she started a business for vehicle parts sales “After I married, my husband and I ran several businesses together,” Jaime said. “I’ve always been entrepreneurial and driven to move forward through honest and dedicated work.”
Her husband, Hector Rosales, works as a computer technician and is Plant Manager at Liberty Middle School. Their daughter, Alexandra Rosales, has entered high school at Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering. “We’re very proud of her and everything she has achieved,” Jaime said.
“I love celebrating, organizing family gatherings and making every moment joyful. I always say any occasion is a good excuse to come together,” she said.
“My home is always open . . . people call it ‘the house of rhythm’ because there’s always music, dancing and good energy,” Jaime said. “I enjoy dancing, going on outings, grilling with my husband and spending time with my family.”
“My home is a place filled with love, peace and joy. I work every day to keep that spirit alive, especially so Alexandra can fully enjoy the family she didn’t have close for many years,” Jaime said.
