Former Aragon math teacher and administrator John Mahaffy passed away on Oct. 25, 2012 at the age of 77.
Mahaffy began his teaching career at Mills High School, but after marrying a fellow Mills teacher, he became the first teacher assigned to the newly opened Aragon High School. Mahaffy taught mathematics at Aragon from 1961 to 1970, served as chairman of the Mathematics Department, and later became Aragon’s Dean of Instruction. In the following years, Mahaffy served as Assistant Principal for Student Services, Business Services, and Curriculum and Instruction before becoming the district’s Chief Financial Officer in 1987. The Class of 1987 awarded Mahaffy an Honorary Diploma at graduation. Mahaffy continued to serve the San Mateo Union High School District until his retirement in 1997.
On Oct. 15, 2011, Mahaffy was inducted into the Aragon Hall of Fame in honor of his distinguished service during his 27-year career at Aragon. Each year after his retirement, Mahaffy awarded a scholarship to a senior or seniors who “contributed most to Aragon.” [Kevin Allan], who received one of Mahaffy’s awards before graduating last May, says, “I didn’t know Mr. Mahaffy that well, but I did get a chance to talk with him at the Awards Night. I was truly inspired by him. He recognized people not by their academic abilities or grades, but by their willingness to give back to the community around them and to lead people to do great things.”
