Kahthy has been a teacher since 1973. She is one of those teachers that you wish you had when you were a kid. Read her own words below which I took from her Teacher of the Year Application and you will understand why. I have known Kathy since we were both 5 years old. I knew her mother who in fact treated not just hew own children but all of us as Kathy has described below. And Kathy does exactly the same...and her students know they are loved. And that is what counts in the end "I try to look at each child with whom I work through the eyes of my mother. My mother had seven children and she saw each of us as a precious package perfectly and beautifully wrapped. She encouraged the treasure within each of us to be unwrapped with her love, patience, support, and encouragement. Just like parents, teachers have the power to make our world a better place by encouraging children to spill out their unique magic and wonder upon this earth. The unwrapping of the treasure within our students is our legacy to the future. I recently came across a quote that has helped me define my role as a teacher." Within every child’s brain is a mind teeming with ideas and dreams and abilities unrealized. The greatest thing we can do-as parents, teachers and friends-is to nourish that potential, both intellectual and humanitarian, so that each mind can fulfill its promise to the benefit of mankind. (Dr. Ben Carson, Dec. 7, 2003) And if that is not enough, in her own words again , her involvement with her community: "1. I have been passionately involved with Simpson’s Relay for Life team since our first year of participation. I was the co-chair for seven of those years. 2. In 2007, I served as the team mom for the U. of Tennessee Swim Team. I made all the travel arrangements for the parents in addition to organizing all team spirit booster activities. 3. I have taught religious education classes and have been a sponsor for RCAI at my church. 4. I have been a volunteer for the National Foundation for Transplants. 5. Current volunteer for Peachtree Corners North Manor Swim Team 6. Past volunteer for Swim Atlanta, the Georgia Games, Norcross High School Swim Team, Norcross High School PTSA, etc. 7 Habitat for Humanity volunteer 8 I try to attend as many special events in which present and former students participate as I can. 9. One of the greatest honors I have ever received was last year when one of my former students asked me to do a reading from the old testament at her Bat Mitzvah. I was told that it was the first time a non Jew was given permission to do so in that conservative temple." Kathy and her husband Bill also have raised 2 wonderful children. She is a woman who deserves to be recognized for her love and dedication to the education children!!! I am proud to be her friend!