Cairo Association of Teachers - A Memorial
Cairo Association of Teachers - A Memorial
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Cairo Association of Teachers
REMEMBERING STEVE KOHN |
Conclusion...
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CAT Tracks for May 11, 2003
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS |
Whenever one has occasion to offer a "Thank You!", care must be taken not to slight deserving individuals...
During the past week, people kept offering condolences to the Kohn family and pledges to help in any way possible. Those expressions and offers were sincere...and remain in place.
However, many individuals and groups of individuals went a step further. Without asking or waiting for direction, they took it upon themselves to "do something".
Among other things...
Who are "THEY"? That's a question that will remain unanswered. Why?
One simple reason...I'm not sure who all was involved. I know of certain individuals because they let me know...sometimes before...sometimes after the fact. But, I know they had assistance from others and, as I said before, I do not want to slight anyone who participated in such heart-felt activities.
But, there is a more pertinent reason for not identifying them. That's not why "THEY" did these things. There was no thought of recognition or reward. "THEY" were motivated by genuine compassion and love of people that had touched their lives. The CSD #1 family had suffered a loss..."THEY" did what family members do...out of love - not for recognition.
However, I wanted to express my appreciation for two reasons...
The official head of an organization usually receives recognition or credit for the actions of the organization or its members - sometimes rightly...sometimes wrongly. The actions referred to above were initiated and accomplished by others. Some asked my opinion in advance...which was a quick "YES!". Others simply informed me afterwards. In other words, this was not a "CAT thing"...it was the CSD #1 "family" taking care of one of their own. I am very proud of ALL of you!
(In fact...as an example...let me emphasize that I have seen the "sick day petitions". It wasn't just CATs that contributed!)
Secondly, I have had a hard time dealing with Steve's loss. Each of us has to work through tragedies in our own way. My way was to do my "webmaster thing"...trying to find words that would express what Steve meant to me...to the organization...and to his family. I truly appreciate that others "took care of business", allowing me time to reflect...and grieve.
On a final note...
While we have been focusing on Steve's passing, Steve...as always...has been keeping his priorities straight. That old "bleacher bum" (from his new "sky box") watched his Chicago Cubs beat my Cardinals yesterday...with a home run in the 10th inning! They took over FIRST PLACE in the National League Central Division this week. Okay, Steve. You win...
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CAT Tracks for May 19, 2003
The Pilot Light - May 2003 |
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Cairo Association of Teachers - CAT
DANNY KOHN EDUCATION FUND |
On May 6, 2003, Cairo High School teacher Steve Kohn sacrificed his life for his son, protecting him when a tornado totally destroyed the family home. In a sense, this was nothing new…Steve gave his life to his son – EVERY DAY – for eight years. Steve completely immersed himself in the raising of his son, letting his son know that he was loved, protected, and supported.
Steve went to great lengths to instill a love of learning in his son, so that his son would have the proper foundation for his future education. As chief negotiator for the Cairo Association of Teachers, Steve insisted that bargaining sessions end in time for him to return home to read his son to sleep. Steve lived and breathed education…for his children and the children of others.
Those of us who personally knew Steve were shocked and saddened at what happened on May 6th. Media reports of his heroic sacrifice have caused a similar reaction in people who never met him. We grieve for the family – especially for an 8-year-old boy who lost his father, a grandfather and a grandmother during a 3-month period. We feel so helpless…we want to do something.
Because of Steve Kohn’s life-long commitment to education and his obvious devotion to his son, we felt that an appropriate memorial would be to establish an education fund for his son, Danny. If you would like to honor the memory of this loving father/teacher who made the ultimate sacrifice, please send a donation to:
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CAT Tracks for September 21, 2003
IEA & CHS HONOR STEVE KOHN |
In the mail this week, you should have received the latest edition (August-September) of your IEA magazine - The Advocate. This month's issue contains the following article recognizing the loss of two leaders in the organization...
On Friday, September 19, 2003, Cairo High School students, staff, and faculty assembled in front of the school to honor Steve's memory. Student Council Sponsor Catherine Scott told the group that students had come to her asking for a memorial to Mr. Kohn and that they had specifically requested the planting of a tree. Ms. Scott secured a Ginko tree (signifying knowledge) and had it planted. When she contacted Bell Monument to secure a marker to be placed at the base of the tree, owner George Bell responded by donating it. Mr. Bell placed the marker as Dean of Students Larry Baldwin offered comments on Steve Kohn's dedication to his students and his desire that they overcome distractions and succeed in life. Mr. Baldwin offered as an example the personal experience of his daughter...who was "pushed" to succeed...but who now excells in computers. The ceremony concluded with a moment of silence in honor of the memory of Steve Kohn.
On the marker is a quote from Mr. Kohn. BACKGROUND: One of the fondest of memories by many students was that Mr. Kohn would push them hard...that he would not let them get by with less than he expected of them. The students said that at times they would get mad...start to "swell up"...but that Mr. Kohn would just smile...give them a wink and say...
