Wren Peterson (2nd from right) and Butch Sanders (right), two of the children of Catherine Blythe Sanders, accept the 2014 Frell Owl Award on behalf of their mother, from Skooter McCoy (left), Cherokee Boys Club executive director, and Cory Blankenship, Cherokee Boys Club Board of Directors president, during a ceremony on Wednesday, Dec. 17. (SCOTT MCKIE B.P./One Feather)
By SCOTT MCKIE B.P.
ONE FEATHER STAFF
Known as a tough teacher and, more importantly, a person who had great positive influence over generations of Cherokee children, this year’s recipient of the Frell Owl Award spent a lifetime instructing others on school subjects and life.
Catherine Blythe Sanders, 97, was recognized with the award at the 28th Annual Frell Owl Award Presentation held Wednesday, Dec. 11 at the Chestnut Tree Inn. Due to her advanced age and the fact that she resides in south Georgia, she was unable to attend the event, but two of her children, Wren Peterson and Butch Sanders, accepted on her behalf.
“This year’s nominees all embody the core values that this award represents,” said Cory Blankenship, Cherokee Boys Club Board of Directors president. In addition to Sanders, the nominees for this year’s award included: Kathy “Rock” Burgess, Mary Herr, Larry Maney, Wilbur Paul.
Sanders was the first American Indian teacher on the Cherokee Indian Reservation and served as a teacher for over 30 years.
Blankenship commented, “Former students said, ‘she’s the meanest teacher I’ve ever had, but the one that taught me the most book learning, moral values and respect for others.’”
Catherine Blythe Sanders, 2014 recipient of the Frell Owl Award (Photo courtesy of the Sanders family)
Peterson said her mother is doing well. “I told her last night that she was won this award and she recognized the fact that it was quite prestigious, and she was very happy to have been able to be the winner.”
“Many of you had her as fifth graders,” said Peterson. “In fact, I don’t know of anybody on the reservation who was in the fifth grade who didn’t have her because she taught in Snowbird and Big Cove and she even taught my brother and sister and they had to call her Ms. Sanders at school.”
Peterson said her mother “is very proud of being known as the meanest teacher”.
“I think she is very deserving of this, and I’m happy to accept the award on her behalf.”
Principal Chief Michell Hicks, “Congratulations to all of those who were nominated for this award here today. It is one of the most prestigious awards offered here in Cherokee. I have known Ms. Sanders for a long time, and I’ve always enjoyed our conversations.”
He went on to say, “There were times when she fussed at me a bit, but it was always for the right reasons, and I think the teacher did come out in her.”
“I don’t think there is any one career that has more impact to our lives than a teacher. They are there for 12 or more years affecting us in some way. I have high respect for all teachers, and I have high respect for Ms. Sanders.”
Dr. Scott Penland, Cherokee Central Schools superintendent, commented, “I didn’t know Ms. Sanders, but I can promise you I’d like to have about 50 of her today in our school system. That’s the kind of teacher I like. I like them all, but I really want the ones that are tough.”
In addition to the Frell Owl presentation, Wednesday’s event featured a recognition of the CBC Board of Directors and the CBC Advisory Committee by Skooter McCoy, Cherokee Boys Club executive director. The 2014-16 Board includes: Cory Blankenship, president; Albert Arch, vice president; Tiffani Reed, secretary; Beth Grant, assistant secretary; Robert Lambert; Carmaleta Monteith; Jack Davis; Big Cove Rep. Perry Shell; and Jason McMillan, student representative.
McCoy noted, “We are very proud of everyone here today and are thankful for what you’ve done for the community.”
Past recipients of the Frell Owl Award include: Chief John A. Crowe, Stella Kanott, The Crowe Family, Ray Kinsland, Pearl and John Reagan, Betty Crisp, Jerri Reagan Kinsland, Mary Chiltoskey, Dora Reed, Marie Junaluska, Sharon and David Crowe, Ernestine Walkingstick, Jody Adams, Gary Maney, Mary Sneed, Mary Mantooth, David McCoy, Glenda Crowe, Denise Ballard, David McQueen, Skooter McCoy, Johnson “Booger” Arch, Kathy Wolfe, Carmaleta Monteith, Roy Lambert, Sandy Owle and Lana Lambert.
