Alumni Spotlight: Tony Roy, ‘04
The UMM Alumni Spotlight shines brightly this week on Tony Roy of Jonesboro, Class of 2004 with a degree in Recreation Management. Ropy is now a high school special education teacher in Machias.
Tell us a little bit about what you are doing now:
I am a Special Education teacher at a small High School in Machias. I work with all students who have disabilities or just need extra help in any subject. I help coach basketball and lead the high school outing club, which often works with the UMM outing club. I also still get to be involved with the Special Olympics each year at UMM.
I married Caitlyn Koch, and we have a 1 ½ year old son, named Brayden, and a little girl due in May.
I still try and get out fishing, hunting, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors as much as possible in the downeast area. I am a member of the Sunrise Search and Rescue team, and through that and other activities I often run into many others from UMM.
What is the most valuable thing you learned while at UMM?
The most valuable thing I may have learned while at UMM is to get involved in as many things as you can. You never know where your life will take you, so having as much varied experiences as possible is important.
Do you have any advice for current students at UMM?
Get involved, keep an open mind, and learn how to create your own fun.
How did your time at UMM prepare you for what you are doing now?
Even though I am not directly working in the recreation field, through Red Cross classes like lifeguarding and CPR, programing and leadership classes and opportunities, and teaching swim lessons, I knew I wanted to work with kids and teach in some form. That naturally progressed into becoming a teacher.
How has UMM made a positive impact on your life?
I made many good friends and contacts that I still keep in touch with today. It also helped teach me responsibility and self-dependence.