Many students have a teacher who went out of their way to offer support and motivation. For several Apollo High School students and alumni, that teacher was Catherine “Cat” Feldman. Over the final 2 months before Feldman passed away, a student-led effort was able to raise thousands of dollars and leave Feldman’s family extremely grateful.
Feldman’s obituary can be read here.
Apollo senior Carly Weatherholt said she met Feldman as a sophomore in her English class. She recalled seeing how Feldman wiped the desks and cleaned the classroom each period during the pandemic. Looking for a way to help, the two bonded during cleaning time as Weatherholt stopped by each period.
“I think one thing that really stood out to me the most was whenever I was not there, she would always email me and make sure I was okay or call my parents to check on me. So even whenever I wasn’t there, she still cared. It really showed just how good of a person she was,” Weatherholt said.
During her senior year, Weatherholt learned about Feldman’s diagnosis and began looking for ways to support the teacher during her journey. Immediately, the school and Weatherholt formed Fight for Feldman and found ways to raise money for her situation.
Fight for Feldman spawned into a silent auction where community members donated gift cards, items, and other goods to be auctioned. Donations included a stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown, Cheddar’s gift cards, baking goods, and more.
“It really showed just how strong our community is. We had people in different states who didn’t even live in Owensboro or know where Apollo High School was. They just knew what we were doing,” she said.
Weatherholt said that they raised $7,895 for Feldman in total. All the funds were donated to Feldman.
“I handed her a little sticky note that had how much we raised on it, and she started crying. I felt bad, but they were happy tears, and we were smiling and crying,” Weatherholt said.
Apollo High School continued to find ways to support Feldman in organizing a school-wide photo in the shape of a heart, handwriting cards during her final days, and adorning their tractors with purple ribbons — her favorite color — during Drive Your Tractor to School week.
Mason Green organized ribbons for FFA members to join the school in support. Over 20 tractors came to school that day with signs reading “Prayers For Feldman” or “Fight For Feldman” on them.
Green said that since Feldman’s death the school does feel different, but the administration is providing opportunities for students and staff to discuss the feeling of loss.
“She fought hard. She came to school every day when she didn’t have to to show kids support and help kids out, and she deserved it,” Green said.
Public Information Officer Maddie Edwards said that following Feldman’s death, any student or staff struggling with the loss can talk to a guidance counselor or a member of the mental health staff.
Feldman’s services were held on Sunday. At the service, all of the letters written by students, current and former, filled the room.
“Being able to see her students express their love and gratitude firsthand has been very heartwarming. My mom taught at several schools over the years and touched countless lives,” Feldman’s daughter Shelby Mays said.
Mays said her family was grateful for the words and support that came throughout her mom’s journey, adding that she wasn’t shocked. She recalled her mom often talking about her students, and students would often tell Mays the impact Feldman left on their lives.
“We’re grateful, happy, and touched by the words and actions of the students and faculty alike, but it never came as a surprise to us that she was this loved and cherished,” she said. “The lengths everyone has gone to show it, though, will never cease to amaze me.”
