Cathy Owen Wilcheck '73

What year did you graduate from St. George’s?

Sixth grade (1973)

Where did you go to college?

UT Knoxville (undergraduate) and University of Memphis (graduate).

Where do you live now?

Eads, TN

What are you doing now?

Home-maker, retired kindergarten teacher

How did you become interested in this field?

I love children and teaching and have a lifelong love of learning.

How did St. George’s prepare or not prepare you for college, career, life?

St. George’s, along with my wonderful parents, taught me all of the values that I hold dear in life: faith in God’s grace and the importance of family and lifelong friends!

What is your favorite memory of being at St. George’s?

The wonderful chapel services (and hymns) and “small family” environment. Alfonzo, the head of maintenance, would read the Bible to us in the broom closet – we loved him!

What do you feel St. George’s does best?

The faculty and staff truly care about each child, encouraging, supporting, and challenging each and every one of them.

What do you miss most about St. George’s?

My teachers and the playground!

How do you stay connected with St. George’s now?

Through our daughters, Mary Claire ‘12 (top photo) and Catie ’14 (bottom photo). Both started in prekindergarten.

Which teacher had the greatest impact on you and why?

Each one impacted me in different positive ways:

Mrs. Star, my wonderful kindergarten teacher (greatest memory: Cuisenaire Rods for Math)
Mrs. Arteburn (1st grade) taught me how to read
Mrs. Phillyaw (2nd grade) kindest teacher ever
Mrs. Taft (3rd grade) very tough, yet loving
Mr. Floyd (4th grade) funny man and fun teacher
Mrs. Wellford (5th grade) taught me the joy of writing
Mrs. Burge (6th grade)  beautiful teacher

All have special places in my hearts and prayers!

What advice would you give to St. George’s students or young alumni today?

To stay connected to our growing campuses!

What would you say to a prospective family looking at St. George’s?

What I always say is that it is the best school in the south!

Is there anything else that you would like to share in this alumni profile?

I truly made my treasured “life friends” at St. George’s and feel very fortunate to have been part of an initial family of such a wonderful school.

Why do you give to the Annual Fund?

We give to the Annual Fund to help promote and continue the excellence of St. George’s.