Lady of a million hugs set to retire from Killbuck

Sometimes you simply need a hug.

At Killbuck Elementary, Cathy Cline has always been there for the kids to provide that feel-good moment, and she has been for the past 45 years.

Nearly a half-century after she started her career in the West Holmes School District, Cline is retiring as Killbuck Elementary prepares to enter its final days as an elementary school in the district with the new K-5 building nearing completion for the start of next school year.

The memories run thick for Cline, who not only has been an integral part of the staff at the school, but also spent her days as a youth attending school there, spending one year in high school there before West Holmes Schools consolidated decades ago.

For Cline, those memories start and end with her famous hugs.

“I have so many memories of my time and the staff here,” Cline said. “We have always been a big family caring for each other. But I’ve always gotten the most enjoyment when I am out and children yell out ‘Mrs. Cline’ and come to me for a hug. The hugs I get every day are something I will greatly miss.”

Letting go of those hugs and the love that comes in every single one of them will be difficult for Cline to let go. Having served as cashier for most of her time at Killbuck, she had the opportunity to connect with nearly every child every day. Those types of roles in every school are paramount to building self-esteem, a joyful attitude and for hugging away some of the pains kids experience.

Cline’s desk is situated in the cafeteria, and while she is the cashier, her desk also serves as the desk used for corrections when a child misbehaves during class. Students would often be sent to sit next to Cline in a small chair, but each pit stop there would end the same, despite it being a time of being reprimanded.

“As each child leaves, I always give them a hug and tell them I love them, but we need to make better choices,” Cline said.

Sometimes moments like those can lift a child’s spirit and let them know someone cares for them in a meaningful way.

While known for her hugs, Cline also is recognized for her collection of pins. Over the decades she has had countless students present her with pins, all of which she has kept. She said even today she has students from many years ago approach her and ask her if she remembers the pin they gave her back in the day.

“Those are sweet memories,” Cline said. “I love my pins. They are all special.”

Cline’s career in the West Holmes School District began Nov. 17, 1980. More than 45 years later, on July 1, she will ride off into the sunset, her final official day as a staff member.

However, the love for children and her heart to serve won’t allow her to walk away completely.

Like her mother who came in to volunteer many timers, Cline said she is looking forward to volunteering in any way the district wants to accept her time, effort and adoration for the kids.

During her time working, she has served as a chaperone on countless field trips; worked on projects like raising money for cystic fibrosis, Arbor Day, cancer research and 4-H; judged science fairs; worked on school functions like Operation Desert Storm, the Killbuck Fall Festivals, yearbooks and playground development; and even helped her niece and Killbuck teacher Brandi Schlauch with annual Veterans Day programs.

To say Killbuck colors course through her veins would be a severe understatement.

While Cline’s never-ending sunny disposition and love for the kids and staff at Killbuck is immeasurable, she has endured plenty of heartache and setbacks throughout her career.

Her husband Lynn passed away at the age of 39. Her son had a traumatic head injury at the age of 14. She had surgery that left her in a wheelchair for three months and has battled through cancer.

Through it all, sharing love and compassion for others has always overcome her struggles.

“The school and the people here have always been so good to me in assisting with whatever issues I’ve had over the years,” Cline said. “The people here have been like family to me through these traumatic times.”

Cline began her career at Killbuck serving as an EMT and CDL specialist, working under school psychologist Sandy Beery. Her work included plenty of IEPs and loads of paperwork, and she also became the school’s resident sign language specialist.

In addition, she also imparted knowledge she had picked up from serving as a member of the Killbuck Emergency Squad, where she served for many years before retiring.

“I’ve been very blessed to have been a part of a school that has meant so much to so many people here in our community,” Cline said. “I’m honored I could be a small part of the lives of the children who have come through here over the decades.”