Distinguished Person of Honor

(Oct. 16, 1956 — April 15, 2022)

Catherine began her teaching career in 1978 teaching English and Debate/Forensics at Lansing, Kansas High School and coaching volleyball. She began teaching in Olathe in 1982 and remained for 36 years. While at Olathe South “Ms.,” as she was affectionately called by her students, taught English, was the head coach for the forensics and debate squads and was the AP Language and Composition teacher. Catherine served 20 years on the National Speech and Debate Association and was a six-diamond NSDA coach. Many of her students became state finalists; some competed nationally. Catherine is remembered as a fierce advocate for teachers, a mentor to new Olathe South teachers and showing strong support for her department. Her students remember her as engaging, enthusiastic and always available to them. Outside of school, she performed in community theater for several years which led her to the Olathe Community Civic Theatre, where she served on the board of directors.