Watch Kathy on WQAD newscast here: https://youtu.be/
Kathy Slattery, supervisor at Sherrard Elementary School was chosen to be the Tiger Talent for the month of April.
Over the years, Slattery has served in varying capacities. “I have volunteered 32 years. Approximately 21 years subbing in the kitchen and 11 as a lunch lady,” she detailed.
It’s the “240 kids and 30 plus adults” that keep her coming back. “There is such a fantastic staff at SGS and to be a small part of it is an honor and privilege,” she said.
Talent golden apple bell award to Kathy Slattery during the April School Board meeting.
Sherrard Elementary Principal Casey Wyant detailed extensively the ways Mrs. Slattery goes above and beyond.
“Any positive adjective you could come up with, whether that’s dedicated, passionate, friendly, happy, charismatic, driven, encouraging… did I say dedicated and passionate? Miss Kathy embodies them all,” he said.
Notably - Mrs. Slattery plans a special little gift or note on holidays or special occasions for every student in the building.
“Spending her money on people who are at this school and not just herself, is really kind,” said student Natalia Fahrenkrog.
Several classes of students prepared and signed messages for Mrs. Slattery to air on the Tiger Talent video played at the school board meeting. Among those, “You are loved, you are kind, you are awesome, you are amazing, you are special, you are inspiring, you are caring”… and of course, “We love you.”
Every colleague interviewed for the Tiger Talent video, separate of each other, concluded, in the words of first grade teacher Alissa Kunert, "She's the heart of our school. She loves the kids. She loves what she does." "I could not be more thankful to have her as not only a colleague here at Sherrard Grade, but I consider her to be a friend as well," said Wyant.
Superintendent Dr. Carl Johnson implemented the award for:
“...those who model, build and encourage positive character qualities - speaking into students’ lives by word and deed that will resonate for years to come and help guide them to become the leaders and contributing community members of tomorrow.”
“We all remember that one person who said or did something that stuck with us - they made us feel important, they noticed our strengths, and it's something we revisit in times of struggle... Those deserve to be acknowledged for their dedication,” said Dr. Johnson.
Mr. Wyant presented her with the children’s book, “The Giving Tree”, signed by her colleagues, as a token of appreciation. He said it was the perfect gift for her, “Miss Kathy is like the Giving Tree. I would imagine, just like in the book, if you ask Miss Kathy - 'hey I need to borrow your arm today', or 'hey can I borrow that ear or maybe a leg?' Miss Kathy would, without hesitation, hand it to you."
Slattery received a golden metal apple with “Tiger Talent” inscribed to commemorate her dedication to Sherrard Schools.
“‘Whatever you are, be a good one,’ I hope I pass that on to the students,” said Slattery, quoting Abe Lincoln.
encouragement to others.
WQAD followed up a few weeks following her recognition to tell her story for Deaf Awareness Week, May 6-12.
