This story originally appeared in the inaugural edition of the Owensboro Times quarterly newspaper.
At Owensboro Catholic High School, the hallways echo with the familiar sounds of students bustling between classes, teachers guiding young minds, and the quiet hum of everyday school life. But among these daily rhythms lies a story of deep family bonds, unwavering dedication, and a legacy that spans three generations.
For Cecilia Clouse, Owensboro Catholic has been more than just a workplace — it has been a home. At 81 years old, she proudly continues her role as the athletic secretary, a job she has held for 21 years. Her journey began long before her employment, as she watched her own children and grandchildren grow within the walls of Catholic education.
“It’s pretty special,” Clouse said. “I know where my daughter and granddaughter are, and they take care of me, too. We might be in different parts of the building, but we’re still connected.”
Her daughter, Sonya Drury, and granddaughter, Lindsey Renfrow, now walk the same halls she has dedicated much of her life to, each carving out their own role within the school. Drury, who had spent years in factory work, found her way to the front desk of the high school, trading industrial machines for the familiar faces of students and faculty.
“Mom told me about the job opening,” she said. “I applied, and I’ve been here ever since. This is my sixth year in a row.”
Renfrow’s path was a little different. She didn’t attend Owensboro Catholic as a student, graduating from Apollo High School instead. But when an opportunity arose to teach Spanish, she took a leap of faith.
“I never expected to be a Spanish teacher,” she said. “But being able to share my faith with these students — it’s something you don’t get in a public school. The students mean the world to me.”
Drury said there’s a unique atmosphere that makes Owensboro Catholic special.
“It really is like a family,” she said. “You know almost every student, every teacher, and every staff member. It’s not just a job — it’s a community. Everyone supports one another, whether it’s through daily work or during tough times.”
For Clouse, the school has been a second home.
“If you need something, someone is always there for you,” she said. “I wouldn’t have stayed this long if it wasn’t such a great place to work. I’ve seen so many students come and go, and it’s amazing to see where they end up.”
Drury said one of the most remarkable aspects of their journey is seeing students grow — not just academically, but spiritually.
“The retreats are incredible,” she said. “You can see God moving and shaking in these kids. They come back different people.”
Renfrow added, “I’ve had the opportunity to go on two retreats as a team member, and they are truly life-changing. The things the students experience — their openness, their faith, and their growth — are nothing short of miraculous. Even non-Catholic students walk away with a deep respect for the spiritual journey.”
Their faith is a central part of why the trio cherishes their work.
“The fact that there are kids that are here because they want to get closer to God and close to their faith while bettering their education is really special,” Renfrow said.
Though she initially started her career as a teacher, Clouse never imagined she would find such fulfillment in her role as the athletic secretary.
“When the elementary school I worked at closed, I needed a job, and this one opened up,” she says. “I interviewed, and I got it. It was a blessing in disguise because I’ve loved every minute of it.”
Her responsibilities have evolved over the last decade, but Clouse doesn’t mind.
“No two days are the same,” she said. “I do a lot of bookkeeping, scheduling the gym, handling finances, and managing the buses. Now that we’re turning one gym into a chapel, it’s even more of a juggling act. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Clouse fondly looks back on the numerous changes and improvements she has witnessed and been a part of over the years, but she said some things never change.
“We’ve added new sports, we’ve built new facilities, and the student body has changed in size,” she said. “But the heart of this school has remained the same. It’s still a place where students can grow in faith, education, and character.”
Drury and Renfrow feel the same way.
“We’re all here for a reason,” Drury says. “It wasn’t just luck — it was meant to be. We’re helping to shape students’ lives, just like my mom did for so many years.”
Three generations. One school. A legacy of faith, commitment, and family — woven into the very fabric of Owensboro Catholic High School.
