During the April Board Meeting, the Board of Education formally recognized Cathy and Chuck Hoffman with the Staff Pillar of Support Award.
Beginning in 2022, Owensboro Public Schools recognizes one individual and/or group from our staff who is making a difference for our students and families on a regular basis. This award is known as the Staff Pillar of Support.
In our strategic plan’s actions for our next 5 years, it states: “Help students form connections with an adult advocate.” It also says “Partner with families to provide equitable opportunities to maximize student growth and achievement.
Starting in the late 90’s, Cathy Hoffman began parent volunteering for OHS. She was around the school so much, people often joked with her that she should be getting paid.
In 2002 she officially began working at Cravens Elementary as the attendance secretary under Chris Gaddis. Little did she know how much of an impact she would have on the Owensboro community over the next 25 years. Cathy worked at Cravens from 2002 - 2010 when she decided to apply for another “brand-new” job when OPS decided to create the Administrative Assistant position for the Athletic Department. Mr. Harley Trogdlen was the Athletic Director at the time and made the extremely wise decision to hire Cathy. She arrived at OHS as the construction of the North gym was finishing up in the fall of 2010.
One thing they always joked about was that she had to wear a construction helmet when she started. "Ithink the construction hat is very appropriate for Cathy because she has never been scared to get in the middle of some tough situations and get the job done," said Athletic Director Todd Harper.
Trogdlen retired in 2012 and Cathy was reunited with Chris Gaddis as he was named the next Athletic Director.
Around this time is when Chuck “officially” came on the scene within the Athletic Department. He took over as our official “Concession Stand Guru” and never looked back. No one has any idea how much work it takes to run all of the concession stands we use at OHS. Chuck makes this job look easy and never gets too worked up about anything. He routinely meets the delivery guys at 6 a.m. to stock up on what we need and always has a “no big deal” disposition about him.
At Friday night football games Chuck handles everything and routinely puts in 6 or more hours in for big games.
In 2017 Todd Harper was named Athletic Director and continued to lean on the Hoffmans for everything. Whether it’s Chuck announcing at soccer games, being part of hiring committees for new coaches or Cathy helping out with distribution of schedules or selling tickets at games, they do whatever it takes to not only help the entire district, but also each individual student’s needs.