The Good Counsel community is celebrating beloved staff member, Mario Gonzalez, as he turns 70 years old and begins his 37th year working as part of the school’s maintenance staff. The school is hosting ‘Mario Fest’ on Friday, September 13th at 6pm to celebrate him and has announced the Spirit of Mario Scholarship drive to benefit a current Good Counsel student who embodies the spirit of Mario and contributes to the Good Counsel community.
His niece, Ligia Gonzalez, has told us his story so that the all of MoCo can celebrate with Good Counsel and the rest of his family. Mario, a beloved figure in the community, has spent his life breaking barriers and spreading joy. Born in Guatemala, Mario faced a devastating start to life. Due to complications during birth, he was pronounced legally dead after suffering a lack of oxygen to his brain. Funeral arrangements were made, and his mother was told she had lost her child. But then, a miracle happened. Mario showed signs of brain activity and came back to life against all odds.
Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy due to the lack of oxygen, doctors predicted a short and challenging life for Mario, telling his family that he wouldn’t live past three years old and would require constant care. But Mario proved them all wrong. Earlier this week, he celebrated his 70th birthday—a milestone that not only defied medical predictions, but also inspires those around him.
Mario came to the United States in his early twenties and began his journey of perseverance and dedication. In 1987, he started working on the maintenance staff at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School. Under the guidance of his younger brother, Mario learned responsibility and work ethic, but what has stood out the most has been his unwavering spirit of community.
Over the years, thousands of students have passed through Good Counsel High School, and nearly all of them have fond memories of Mario. His cheerful demeanor, dedication, and infectious joy left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. Mario witnessed generations of families graduate, and he remains immensely proud of their accomplishments. His presence is so impactful that even outside the community, people recognize Mario and are overjoyed to see him, reminiscing about the happiness he brought into their lives.
To honor Mario’s contributions, Good Counsel High School is hosting “Mario Fest,” a special fundraising event aimed at providing a scholarship for a student who embodies Mario’s spirit of joy and community. The school will also honor him during a football game halftime ceremony, celebrating his 37 years of service and dedication.
Mario’s story is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and the human spirit. Despite the challenges he has faced, Mario continues to amaze his family and community every day. He currently lives in Silver Spring, where he has resided for over 20 years. Though he does not drive, Mario faithfully wakes up at 5:00 a.m. each morning to catch the Ride-On bus that takes him to Good Counsel High School—a testament to his dedication and love for the school.
Mario’s journey reminds us that no obstacle is too great, and that joy and love have the power to transform lives. As the community prepares to celebrate “Mario Fest,” they also celebrate a man who has given them so much more than his hard work—he has given them a legacy of happiness and hope.