Cathy Fess

Position: CTE - Health Occupations Teacher

School: E.T. Beddingfield High School

School District: Wilson County Schools

City, State: Wilson, North Carolina

About the Nominee: Cathy Fess was nominated by a colleague, Jennifer Polner.Ms. Fess works hard, both inside and outside of the classroom. She manages to balance her home life, a second job that relates to her subject area and still does a spectacular job of teaching at Beddingfield High School. Ms. Fess is a part of so many things at her school. On a daily basis, she helps students with work in the classroom, as well as their personal lives. Students respect her because they know she is kind and caring. They want to perform well in her class because of the support she gives them. Some students might not have a strong, caring person in their lives, and Ms. Fess fills that void for these students. Additionally, she helps to plan, set up, and carry out Beddingfield's fall and spring blood drives with the Red Cross. She serves on the school crisis team and prom committee, helped start HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America), helps with after school detention and helps with ZAP (zeros aren't permitted). She engages students with the material she teaches and is fully vested in helping students to prepare for a career in the health field.Outside of school, Ms. Fess is a single mom who has raised 3 amazing sons! Chris, Matt and Liam can attest to her being an awesome mom! She also works a second job as a respiratory therapist assistant. How she manages to do all she does is amazing!Ms. Polner states that on a personal level, Ms. Fess is an awesome friend and confidant. Ms. Polner is a new mother, and Ms. Fess encouraged and supported her throughout her whole pregnancy and after. She has offered advice and supported her through one of the darkest periods of her life. Ms. Polner says that she can't thank her enough for everything she has done for her family. Before she became a mother, Ms. Fess was not only her friend, but like a family member. She is a person who will roll up her sleeves and help with any situation she is presented. She is truly a LifeChanger in her community!

[nominee_videos nominee_email="cathy.fess@wilsonschoolsnc.net"]