1/7/2026

One Year Later: Resilience Rooted in Community

One year ago today the Eaton fire changed the landscape of our neighborhoods and the rhythm of everyday life. As we mark this anniversary, we pause to honor and remember those who were  impacted, and to reflect on how that moment changed us all. These are stories of resilience that emerged from the fire: voices of loss, compassion, courage and hope that guides us forward together, as a community.

“I have lived by the beautiful mountains of Altadena for all my life.” - Makayla G, ‘26

For Makayla, Altadena was not just a place, it was home in every sense of the word. Her parents, immigrants who spent nearly three decades building a life for their family, created a humble but loving home filled with shared meals and a sense of safety rooted in love and sacrifice. That sanctuary was lost on January 7.

“When we turned onto Olive Avenue and saw nothing but ashes and a graveyard of chimneys, my parents were unable to protect us from what was in front of us.” 

Yet, in all the devastation, Makayla found herself surrounded—not by isolation, but by people. Messages poured in from neighbors, classmates, and friends near and far. Acts of compassion and care followed them to a temporary home: home-cooked meals, supplies, and kindness she hadn’t realized she needed.

“And slowly, the sorrow that consumed me gave way to a deeper well of gratitude.”

That kindness extended across campus in the days immediately following the fire. As staff members reflected, Mayfield responded with intention—transforming the school gym into a donation center that quickly filled with a physical expression of unity and hope.

“It was amazing to see, in a matter of hours, the gym filled with a tangible representation of our community's care, empathy and support.” - Bill Lewis, Director of Facilities

Students, faculty, staff, and families worked side-by-side to collect and sort donations, assist families, and respond thoughtfully to the real and immediate needs of our community. What stood out most was the instinct of our students to step forward, even those who were deeply impacted by the events themselves.

“Their actions reflected a deep understanding that service is rooted in dignity and care for others.” - Kristina Ortega, Director of Justice and Service Learning, Office of Mission

In moments of crisis, Mayfield revealed itself to be more than a school. It became a stabilizing force—a place where compassion translated into action, and where was demonstrated, not just spoken. 

Head of School Laura Farrell reminded us that healing takes time and is not linear:

“A year later, we know this: grief and healing are not linear.” 

For some, that displacement was temporary. For others, the loss lingers quietly in unexpected places. Anniversaries like this one invite us to pause–not because the moment was easy, but because it mattered.

“The fire revealed our capacity for compassion, our strength as a community, and the importance of showing up for each other—not just in the big moments, but in repeated acts they say: I see you and I am with you.”

In the months following the fire, many like Angela Terrazas, Learning Specialist, found themselves searching for signs, not of what was lost, but of what remained. That sign appeared quietly along her daily drive home. 

“I call this my Hope Tree. While the tree was burned and scarred badly by the fire, as you can see, there are little green shoots that have grown from its core.”

The tree stands as a testament to what survives beneath the surface. Even though it was visibly marked, it was still alive—still reaching and still determined to grow. Angela featured the image on the front of her family Christmas card as a symbol of rebirth and possibility.

“Deep within, despite the outward appearance, it wants to thrive. I hope that my Hope Tree serves as a symbol for all of us.”

As we mark one year since the Eaton fire, we remember what was lost and honor those still rebuilding. And like Angela’s Hope Tree, we look ahead and know that deep within us—individually and as a community—there is life, resilience, and the courage to continue. 

“I have learned that courage is not defined by strength, but resilience in encountering hardship and pushing myself to achieve greater things beyond what I once believed I was capable of.”

- Makayla G, ‘26