Cecilia, Nick and Alex,

My deepest sympathies to you and family. I cannot believe Roger is not here.

Roger hired me to work at Spring Hill School in the front office after many years as a stay at home mom . He gave me confidence. There was a friendly joke with Pat at the interview about how she stole his pencil and I knew right away I wanted to work there! 

I was there for seven years before being promoted to "central office" but being "school based" never leaves you! He wrote me a wonderful recommendation and I was able to make positive changes in my life with a higher income.
 
He was able to see ability in people, in ways that they couldn't see for themselves. Taking faculty meeting minutes taught me a lot about how hard teachers work! It was never a boring meeting - he could lead a room. 

I have a list of many Roger- isms that I will always remember and habits and positivity that I learned from him:

"Children" not "kids"

Great with a capital G

News you can use

Assume positive intent

Hurrying about with positive energy

Mirado Black Warrior pencils (for SAT tests and more. I sent him one for his "first day of school" at Whitman, haha.)

Smiley faces in emails are totally fine at work

"Look who's darkened our door!"

Fall Festival costume parades

"help me word-smith this..."

"Mothers DAY?! EVERY day is Mothers Day for Cecilia!"

Lending me his Spring Hill ball cap when I had a migraine in the front office ( less light in my eyes)

Fish sandwiches and a large sweet tea

The Spring Hill Panther: "cute but macho"

Teaching on 5 continents

June classroom assignments for the next school year to eliminate summer angst

It's rarely too hot for recess, when you consider recess in Saudi Arabia

Scheduling and planning time

Empowering teachers

Encouraging people to be leaders


Sincerely,

Susan

Roger was a gift, a fun loving family man who made any room brighter just by walking through the door. I hired Cecilia over the telephone. She was still in Belgium, Roger dropped by one day, larger than life, to check out Cecilia's new school, he wanted to make sure we measured up! He made me laugh. He was a fun colleague and wonderful man. Cecilia and family- sending love and prayers.

I met Roger and Cecilia a long time ago - in the 90s - in Brussels, where we were both Principals. I was on my way out so didn't work with him very long but he was an upbeat, happy and attentive leader of our school. Cecilia, I send you my condolences and hope his memory will forever be a strength to you! Love from Madeleine Maceda Heide

We at Walt Whitman had only begun to experience the full RV effect, but it has been quite the ride! Those 18 months have been filled with his personal warmth, energy, sense of humor, and many ideas for bringing our school community together in creative ways. Mr. Vanderhye was uniquely suited to advocate within FCPS and beyond for the kids in our corner of Fairfax County. His mantra was to "presume positive intentions" in others, and he practiced that in every interaction. As a night owl, though, I struggled to keep that in mind every time my 7 am fog met RV's morning cheer. I will miss him. May God bless your family as you move forward without his tremendous presence here on earth.

I first met Roger almost 30 years ago in Santiago Chile on a softball field. So you know he was in a great mood. But then again, when wasn’t Roger in a great mood? We quickly formed a friendship that would experience extended periods of silence due to our respective career paths. Yet, whenever we would reconnect it seemed as though time had not transpired, nor had any warmth cooled. His jubilant and buoyant demeanor didn’t tolerate separation and his love of laughter and gleeful perspective on life bridged all distances. I knew with absolute certitude that whenever Carmen I would see Roger and Cecilia, Nick and Alex, our whether it was just Roger and me at a ballgame, it was going to be fun and that everyone would have a fabulous time. His laughter was infectious – and boy did we laugh - and his camaraderie contagious. The Jesuits instruct us to find God in all things. Roger, the consummate educator, taught us to find joy in all things. It is ironic, yet poetically just that it was the heart that took Roger from us. For nobody has a bigger heart than Roger and no one ever gave one’s heart so freely or so lovingly to others as did Roger. Thomas Jefferson said that the first blessing is an honest heart. In that case, Roger was richly blessed and in turn shared his blessing with everyone he met. Carmen, Cami and I are going to miss Roger dearly, but his laughter endures, his memory inspires, and his daily lessons on how to be a better person will prevail. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the Vanderhyes.

Roger was one of the most exemplary human beings I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. The fact that he was my baby brother is even more astonishing. I changed his diapers, babysat for him, and nurtured him with what I thought was my sage advice. But all of a sudden something happened when he became an adult. It was me looking to him for advice because I knew it would be well thought out and right on target. Roger had the chance of becoming a professional baseball player. Fortunately, he became an educator instead because that was was his true calling in life. I truly believe that he changed the face of education for all of those he mentored. Roger always had a smile on his face and his energy was unboundless...even when he wanted to engage in conversation at 6:00 a.m. when he was already raring to go and I wasn't. There are no words to express how much he will be missed by our whole family, but I know that he is in a truly magnificent place where he is no longer suffering. I'm not always great with words, so I love poems that express my feelings...this one is for you, dear Roger:

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow;
I am a thousand glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain;
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awake in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there; I did not die.
            -Author unknown

Roger was a dear friend and respected colleague but what was most obvious to me and others that new him, was that he was a good man, devoted father, and a wonderful husband. When Roger Vanderhye walked into a room he filled that room in a very positive way with his high energy and warm personality. I so enjoyed our business trips together. We talked endlessly about the importance of family, our children, our wives, and how fortunate we were. He was dedicated and focused on making a difference for children through providing the best educational environment for learning as possible. You will be greatly missed my friend and when there is a sudden roll of thunder and flash of light in the sky I will know it is you making a point to remember. My love and prayers to Cecilia and the family.

It's hard to believe that Roger hired me 13 years ago. We used to joke about Socratic teaching bc he used it with his teachers and always found a way to convince us to take on something that would challenge us. Looking back, it's clear how he believed in his staff 100%. As soon as I told him that I planned to take time off from teaching to be home with my children, he continued for 9 years to offer me a position whenever I wanted it. A few months ago, I reached out to him to share that I was finally ready to come back to the classroom. He spent an hour chatting with me catching up on my life, sharing his and didn't waste a moment before he sent me a beautiful letter of recommendation. RV had a special way of remembering which team you cheered or other special thing that make each of us unique. I loved how he tracked me down to tell me that Alex would be a Tarheel as he knew I love my Tarheels! Everyone knew how much he loved his family. I will lament hearing his laugh and zest for life. Such an inspiration to all who knew him. Sending love and prayers to Cecilia, Nicolas, and Alex.

With our initial visit to Spring Hill Elementary school, while discussing with you our desires for our 2 boys and their educational experiences with you we felt confident with your leadership, broad smile and energy, that this was the right choice for our boys. Then, with appreciating the photo of an ant mound in the Serengeti on your wall and you breaking into some what fluent Swahili and our bonding with our mutually wonderful Tanzania life experiences; we were sold on you; a kindred spirit. Thank you for your advocacy, your honesty and your treating our sons with high expectations, the support of a trusted, seasoned educational professional and for being a true world citizen. You will be missed by us and by so many.

Mr. Vanderhye, I don't know if you would remember me but I used to go to Spring Hill Elementary when I was in 2nd grade to 5th grade. I would see you on many occasions because I was very mischievous growing up. Many people would write me off as no more than a troublemaker who would never change his ways. However, no matter what I did, you could always see the big heart and potential I had. You gave me a chance when most people couldn't care less about me. I have finally grown up, I have gotten into many colleges, become a straight A student, and became an Eagle Scout. My one regret is I never got to say goodbye to you after I moved. Before your passing, I wanted to maybe come by again to see you. I now know that vision was never meant to be. Please know I miss you and I hope that one day I can see you again just to tell you: "Thank you for giving me a chance and not giving up on me".

Roger was my first boss and how lucky I was. He was supportive and an inspiration to a new teacher. The students loved him and were always thrilled when he would stop in the classroom during the day or pass him in the halls. His smile could brighten any room or mood. His energy and passion were something I tried to emulate as a teacher. I am forever grateful to RV for giving me the start to my career. He taught me so much. He will be missed.

I was so sorry to hear about Roger's passing. Roger was truly a wonderful man. He meant so much to every child that passed through Spring Hill. I was fortunate to have gotten to know him as a friend as well. I truly enjoyed my time with him in Tokyo where we drank beer and sampled all kinds of Japanese food. I also looked back at the pictures from the baseball game we attended together last year and his smile brought back memories of how much he enjoyed life. 

My condolences to Cecilia, his children and the entire Vanderhye family. He will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. 

Tim Riffe

When I looked at all the photos of Roger, he always had a big smile on his face and was always up for anything. Whether it was dressing up in those goofy Halloween outfits or going up on the roof of the school. I'm so glad that he was able to enjoy those trips to Iceland, Sweden and Patagonia in recent years. He was so full of life and he will be missed.

Roger was a great principal and dedicated to his staff and students. I respected him as an administrator, as a teacher and as a father of two young men. But most of all I admired his loyalty to the teachers in the different schools he was part of. He took care of his faculty and it really showed as teachers who worked for him felt protected and valued. Teachers do our most important work, they have a direct hand in the future through the education of our children and young adults. Roger was the teachers' champion. My four sons all graduated from Spring Hill and we all felt Roger Vanderhye improved the school in so many ways. It is a sadder world without Roger in it. I am sorry for Whitman MS that they have lost their principal as surely Roger was making improvements there as well. Roger the man and father was a very special individual and I hope his family knows how greatly so many of us value his countless contributions to our communities as he so ably led our schools.

I met Roger when he was principal at Spring Hill. As the new principal at Clearview,he welcomed me with encouragement,a listening ear, laughter,and stories about his beloved family and of course, baseball. He lit up the room with his smile. We joked about a smile being an inexpensive way to improve one's looks!
He was a rare jewel indeed. He leaves his footprint on the hearts of anyone who met him.

We’ll miss you Roger more than words can say. I’m so thankful I had the pleasure of knowing you for four short years. From the first time I met you I noticed your enthusiasm for life, work, and people was infectious. I thought, “How can someone be so optimistic and full of energy all the time?” As I got to know you better, I realized you were truly one-of-a-kind and your liveliness was boundless. Even at the local Safeway, you had friends and knew everyone’s name. You had a unique ability to make everyone feel welcome and at ease, and you always made me feel part of the family.

Your great impact on Nick’s life will continue to guide him for years and years to come. I’m beyond grateful to have a husband who has a family so full of love and a dad who loved his family more than anything. When Nick shares memories from his childhood his face lights up and the influence you’ve had on his life is immeasurable. You and Cecilia have left a legacy for Nick, Alex and the whole family and there are big shoes to fill. The example of your sweet relationship with Cecilia is rare to find these days and I’m glad I was able to witness the unique love you both shared. 

We never did get to see a musical together, but when I’m singing show tunes I’ll be sure to turn up the volume and sing extra loudly for you. You’re a hero to us Roger and you will always live in our hearts and spirits. We will carry you with us in every family dinner, event and memory. We will miss you deeply but we will listen for your voice. The voice that tells us to keep our chin up, to see the positive in each situation, to make every day the best day ever, to smile and laugh, to seek adventure, to see the world, to cheer for the Cubs and Nats of course, and most of all to love one another deeply. Although you didn’t get to see the Northern lights in Iceland, I’m sure you’re enjoying the finest view up in heaven. Cheers to you, Roger. 

With great love and respect,
Sarah Vanderhye

Roger was a gifted leader and amazing person. He had a special way of inspiring others to be their best, which made him an exceptional principal. His positive energy and enthusiasm was most certainly contagious!  I feel very fortunate to have known and worked with Roger. I have thought about Roger, his wonderful wife, Cecelia, and their sons often over this past week. In interactions with Roger, his love for his wife and their sons was so evident. Roger will be sorely missed. Cecelia, my thoughts and prayers are with you!

I only met Roger one time at a professional development session prior to this school year. In spending just an hour with him it was clear that he was passionate about the learning of his students and truly loved the work of an educator. He will be missed.

I met Roger at Jury Duty of all things two years ago... we served on a jury together and he was voted the foreman. Even through that experience I was able to see his strong leadership, his passion, and his amazing sense of humor. He taught me so many things even only in that capacity for a week. My warmest thoughts and regards are with the family.

Roger was always an inspiration to me at Spring Hill. He encouraged us to Participate in the Yabe exchange program and the trip to Japan was wonderful for our whole family. A wonderful and positive spirit and leader to all he met

As a Spring Hill parent I will always remember Mr. Vanderhye as he walked with purpose through the school, stopping to say hello and smile at the parents and especially the children. We send our condolences to the family.

I met Roger as a Cluster One Principal quite a few years ago and from day one I knew he was someone I wanted to be around. We could always count on Roger to be the life of the meeting--that he would always turn into a party. :-) I remember at the last Leadership Conference Dr. Garza recognized Roger (in front of more than 2,000 people) for his amazing work at his new school--we all knew he could do it and he proved us right. He was passionate about his work, his students and especially his friends and family. We will all miss his enthusiastic personality, his charm, his wit and contagious laugh and smile.  Sending tons of love and positive thoughts to Cecilia and the entire family.

RV and I have been best friends since 1989 when he was my principal at ACS in Athens and I was a third year teacher teaching fourth grade for my first overseas assignment. We worked together again at ISG in Dhahran where I was his vice-principal and Cecilia's second husband so RV could take the boys to baseball and I took Cecilia wherever she needed to go. Between those days working together; having dinner with our old friends the Minutoli's and my summer visits to Fairfax, Roger, Cecilia, Nick and Alex have always been family to me. It's still hard to believe I won't be trailing behind his fast paced walk while Cecilia and I enjoy a normal humans pace instead of his high energy walk or joking with him this spring over a beer while reliving memories from old times. Roger was definitely one of a kind with his passion, sense of humor, love for CC and the boys that have grown into young men that he was so proud of and bragged about often. He was an educator that let his passion drive him and he lived by principles that didn't sway him from his goals of making a difference in the lives of students. I will always remember fondly the lessons I learned from him and the laughs we had anytime we hung out. He's definitely in Heaven playing shortstop making new friends with that big laugh and bigger than life personality. He made a difference in the lives of anyone that knew him and I know I am a better person and administrator from my friendship with him. Love ya' big guy!

A man who loved to spread laughter and joy. Many will remember his performance at the Walt Whitman Middle School Talent Show! I know many will cherish the laughter they shared with Roger.

Roger, how can you be gone? Everyone describes you as "Larger than Life;" you were "LIFE" at its best! If you could, you would tell us in that friendly, teasing way, "Okay, enough of the tears, move on!" It's just hard because you were such a positive influence. Our world and your family and friends would have hoped not to lose you so soon. Good memories will get us through, right? Here are some from your Spring Hill Elementary School Orchestra Director:
 When our top performers were invited to perform in Williamsburg, you volunteered to take a whole day off work to drive me down, and were sure I could find enough parents to drive all the kids. I was doubtful but you, as usual, were right. Mr. Positivity.
 When I mentioned that I had suffered a hearing loss from teaching stringed instruments in my tiny room (verified by an ear doctor), you made sure (during Spring Hill's renovation) that I'd have a nice big room. You often asked if I had suffered further hearing loss. I have a feeling that with your prodigious memory, you made each of us feel special. You KNEW us.
  Roger, you were willing to sacrifice yourself to the Dunk Tank each Sixth Grade Day so I did it, too. It was awful, but YOU did it each of the 12 years you were at Spring Hill.
 Your heart was so big. How could it have failed you? I won't under-
stand till we meet in Heaven and you (smilingly) explain it to me. You will be missed by everyone who knew you.  Love always, Ruth

Roger, I am thankful for knowing a person like you. You are warm with smiles, charismatic with wisdom, and influential with leadership. I am thankful for knowing a life lived like yours. You have lived your life to the fullest. You ran to the end breathless... Only a celebration beckons the end and a new beginning of a legacy. I am thankful for knowing a soul like yours. You have inspired so many young kids and parents. You have inspired me, a Spring Hill parent, to raise a whole child who is passionate about being a contribution to the world. Here is a toast to a celebration of an incredible person, a fully lived life and a purpose-driven soul!

Roger was larger than life & an institution at SH Elementary. His smile & grand presence were so reassuring & inspiring to both parents & kids alike. He was everything you'd hope for in a principal - joyful, positive & enthusiastic. His smile & effervescence were absolutely memorable. I worked with him as a parent, school volunteer & GS leader for many years, & he always listened to what I was asking for and effectively & efficiently responded. So many of us have expressed our disbelief that such a strong beacon of light has left us - and we know we were so lucky to have experienced his leadership & friendship. He will be missed but is probably leading others with his smile in heaven.

When our family moved to Spring Hill in 2012, my husband and I met with Roger, and we were immediately impressed by his passion for students and providing each student the best experience at Spring Hill they could offer. He had such an ability to connect with parents and conveyed confidence and warmth in a memorable way. What I didn’t realize for many months, was how blessed the school was to have his tremendous enthusiasm and zeal for life. I will never forget Colonial Day a few months later and watching Roger dance and twirl with the students and swing teachers around much to the delight of the students. It took me several years to appreciate the impact of his amazing and innovative leadership. It will probably be some time before we fully grasp the incredible legacy he left at Spring Hill. We are so grateful to have had Roger as our leader for so many years, and our children were blessed to have him as their Principal. We pray for peace and comfort for Roger’s family and all those who cared for him so deeply.

Mr. Vanderhye, I still kept the mail you sent us about 3 years ago when we moved here from thousands miles away, and my son got the IQ test and need to decide if we move him to the AP center or stay in Spring Hill that he had started 3 months. Only few minutes after I wrote his teach to state my struggles you replied me a mail stated how you treasure each kids, how your school can grow them and how should we as parents need to consider their friends. I saw your enthusiasm in growing kids, I shared your passion in education and I felt warm to have a principal to write us when we were fresh in the new country, and you were telling us in some specific that how you treasure my kid even. Mr. Vanderhye, we will bold what we learned from you, to be generous to any one need our help, to grow kids with what we believed, to experience and encourage kids to experience this world in a positive way, and driving changes to make this is a better world. We will keep and give the warm smile you gave us. Mr. Vanderhye, thank you. We will miss you!

Cecilia, Nick and Alex - we were so sorry to hear this sad news. Your family is part of our best memories in Brussels. Roger was such a kind person - always full of fun and joy. I don't think we ever saw him without a smile. Please know that our hearts and prayers are with you at this sorrowful time.

My son graduated Spring Hill in 2011. As a parent I spent time at the school volunteering. On one occasion I was walking with Roger in the hall so he could judge some cakes for our cake walk event, and the salutations he received from the 40-50 kids we passed was amazing. It was a walk of adoration. I joked with him that he must love his job with treatment like that. He smiled and said it was the best job in the world. He truly meant it. The world is a better place because he was in it. He will be missed.

The best princiPAL in the universe! We learned everything from how to properly wash our hands to how to effectively give formative assessments. During Advanced placement screenings we could always rely on Roger to have his Scholastic Book Wizard site open ready to find the correct reading level of a certain book. During fun fair, if you were caught en-route, you were guaranteed to be on stage singing group karaoke. Such a great respected presence but a smile that would light up any room he entered. If you had the pleasure to stop by for a chat, you were sure to hear about baseball, politics, family, or some interesting fact he was amazed with at the moment. Roger left a legacy that will live on for many years to come in the hearts and minds of anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

12 years ago I was at a crossroads with my career. I will never forget the moment when that changed, the day I met Roger Vanderhye. I walked into an interview for a 5th grade position at Spring Hill and was offered the position, little did I know that my career was about to take off in such a positive and inspiring direction. I remember thinking how exciting it was to come to work again and have the support of the administration. That support turned into a mentor, a great influence in my career,a guide that lead me to my current job today, and a good friend. Many of my decisions as an administrator always seem to have a "what would Roger do?" flavor to them. That is because he was a man of character, of vision and great confidence! The morning when I heard the news of his passing, I was in shock. He was always a bigger than life person and could not understand how this could happen. As I drove to work it all hit me and memory on top of memory of my 9 years working with him went through my mind. Needless to say I hope I am able to honor him by my work as an administrator and I hope he is at peace! I miss the great conversations we had over the years, especially involving baseball. I remember when the Phillies won the World Series, Roger told me to enjoy it and cherish it as a fan, because his dad lived his whole life without his Cubs winning one! I am glad the Cubs were able to win one for you and your dad and I know you are up there playing baseball with the greats! The Spring Hill Family lost a great leader, mentor, friend and visionary! The lives you have touched span 4+ continents, but in Virginia your greatest work was achieved!! We who knew and worked with him will make sure that his legacy lives on for future generations of teachers, students and families!     Rest in Peace my friend, my thoughts and prayers are with Cecilia, Nick and Alex!

I met Roger when I interviewed and hired him as Principal of Spring Hiss ES.and I was Cluster Director. I remember him as a dynamic and excellent Principal and we felt lucky to have him in our cluster. I extend my sympathy and warm regards to his family at this sad time in their lives. May God bless you!!!

Mr.vanderhye was a great man, and always made people smile I would walk into school and he would be greeting everyone with a smile he always had a joke to tell I will always remember him as the great man he was.

Mr. Vanderhye seemed to be very dedicated to and enthusiastic about educating the children at his school. My children had the pleasure of being at the school while it flourished under his leadership. Our prayers are with the family, his colleagues, and students.

Mr. Vanderhye interviewed me for a position last year and after the interview, I said to myself, what a fun principal! He was so fun during the interview, he took all my nerves away and made me feel like I had known him for a long time. I am so shocked but I know that he is in heaven having a good old time with Jesus and the angels. May he Rest In Peace.

Roger is awesome!  I remember being a new principal and being at a meeting with him for the first time. He's obviously funny, but the more important thing was how he went out of his way to make those around him feel comfortable and included, typically with humor. Really enjoyed every interaction with him, and my heart goes out to Cecilia and his kids. He will be greatly missed.

I met Roger when he was principal at Spring Hill and I was the principal at Haycock. Our Cluster I meetings were always fun with Roger there. He brought an energy to the room, and always had great ideas to share. FCPS will certainly miss his commitment to education and his passion for learning. Much love to Cecilia and his family.

Roger you are part of the vast universe, of the wind that blows, of all Seasens, you are part of the starry night; you are in the silver and golden candle that I have lit as its light and warmth are a reminder of the best husband, father and friend you are and always wiil be.