“Truly Special Person” Honored with 2025 Yearbook Dedication

Showing their appreciation for one of the most beloved members of the Canterbury community, the Class of 2025 dedicated its yearbook, the Cantuarian, to Dining Server Luz Burns. During a recent School Meeting in Maguire Auditorium, Yearbook Advisor and Fine Arts Teacher Katie Roffe ’15 was joined by editors Grace Morris ’25 and Catherine Zeng ’25 to present the honor. Sophia Faruol ’25 and Yueqi “Jessica” Zhao ’25 were yearbook editors this year as well.

Luz joined Canterbury’s Dining Services team in 2016 and has interacted with just about every person on campus since. Epitomizing the spirit of hospitality, she spreads joy and kindness wherever she goes—greeting everyone with a smile and asking about their day. She also loves helping students practice their Spanish, and her infectious smile, energy, and good nature brighten the lives of our entire Saints family.

Luz was moved to tears when the yearbook dedication was announced. “I try to do the best I can for my family, for the students, and for this community,” she said. “I am honored and overjoyed, and I will never forget this moment. Muchas gracias!” 

Her impact on Canterbury—and especially our students—is best exemplified by the quotes from Sixth Formers explaining why they chose to dedicate their yearbook to Luz:

• “My favorite memory of her was earlier this year when I was going through a hard time. I was in line getting dinner, and Luz said to me, ‘You look so beautiful.’ She didn’t know it, but I needed that—and it left a smile on my face for the rest of the night.”
   
• “Luz makes Canterbury feel like home. She is the friendliest face on campus and takes time to get to know each of us. Seeing her every day never fails to put a smile on my face!”
   
• “From helping me practice my language skills by encouraging me to order meals in Spanish to giving me a plastic baggie full of ice when I smashed my finger right before a class, Luz makes my day better and brighter every time I see her!”
   
• “Luz is one of the things I will miss most about Canterbury. She is truly a special person in our community, and I can’t imagine my four years here without her.”

We cannot imagine life on the hilltop without her either. Congratulations, Luz! You continue to serve as a role model to us all for what it means to be a Saint.

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