Cathy Hunt Taught Home Economics and Technology at Traughber Junior High

The following retirement profile was provided by Oswego 308. Leading up to the end of the school year, Patch will be posting these profiles for all retiring teachers, administration and staff in the district. Congratulations to all on your retirement!

33 Years in District 308, 35 Years in Education

“Factoring in the many roles and responsibilities Cathy Hunt has so ably filled during her career, we are brought into a sphere of influence that encompasses a wide range of career enhancing and life changing activity. One gift, among many Cathy brings to her students, is that of helping them to realize the creative power that lies within them, and, to bring this level of curiosity and experimentation into their daily lives."

-Principal Dr. Ralph Kober

Cathy Hunt began her 35 years in education teaching home economics in a year-round school system at West View Middle School in Romeoville in 1978. Two years later, she came to District 308’s Traughber Junior High School and taught home economics for the next 27 years. In 2008 she was tapped to teach technology for the remainder of her career. With Traughber as her home site, she also shared her talents with students from Thompson Junior High School (1982-83) and Oswego High School (1982-86).

Beyond the classroom, Cathy served as an athletic director from 1994-96, coached track for 11 years and sponsored the school’s intramural weightlifting, softball and volleyball programs. She also sponsored the outdoor education program and computer club and designed the costumes for the fall and spring plays. Professionally, she was the co-chairperson of the school’s improvement team and served on the core crisis team.

Cathy has been recognized numerous times during her career, including as Outstanding Athletic Director in 1995, Traughber V.I.P. in 2001 and Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers in 2002. In addition, she participated in local service clubs and professional organizations including the Oswego Optimists, Illinois and Sycamore Jaycees, Illinois Computer Educators, Illinois Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher Association, Phi Delta Kappa and Illinois Vocational Association. 

“I have had the opportunity to work with an outstanding group of educators, who are caring, dedicated to their students and creative,” Cathy said. She will fondly remember team teaching with the industrial arts teacher to help students design and market a house in a District 308 subdivision, and taking students to George Williams for outdoor education. “Using the outdoors for teaching science, natural awareness, astronomy, geology and winter outdoor activities the students and staff were able to bond together in a different surrounding.”

Cathy plans to travel, spend time with friends and family and volunteer at a hospital or shelter during her retirement. “At some point I will look for a part time job where I can use my creative skills,” she said.        

Read: All retiring members of District 308

Was Cathy Hunt your teacher? Share your memories below!