ABOUT CATHY

Catherine Duncan Peden, a native of Greenville, South Carolina, graduated from J.L. Mann High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of South Carolina. After educating individuals and families as a drug prevention specialist and then as an HIV/AIDS patient case manager, Cathy wanted to have a broader impact and transitioned careers.

Cathy returned to J.L. Mann in 2007 to teach 9th grade English. As many educators avoid this transitional year for students, Cathy accepted the challenge and excelled. In her fourth year, she was appointed Chairperson of the school’s English Department. She continued to excel and was selected by her peers as the 2012-2012 J.L. Mann Teacher of the Year.

Believing there was still more to do, Cathy founded a summer enrichment academy, where she exposed and prepared graduating eighth graders for what they would encounter in 9th grade, academically and socially. Cathy walked neighborhoods to reach parents not sufficiently participating in their child’s educational process. There was no division between her personal and professional time when it came to children’s education.

Seeking to further impact educational policies and practices, Cathy again, returned to school and earned her Master of Arts in Teaching from Gardner Webb University in December 2013. That same month, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and was forced to take the spring semester off to undergo chemotherapy. Yet, before completing chemotherapy, she returned to the classroom and “her babies” for their last week of class. The next fall, she welcomed them and remained in the classroom while undergoing months of radiation. Even in sickness, her dedication to educating young people was unparalleled.

The South Carolina Legislature recognized Mrs. Peden’s works and accomplishments and presented her with Senate Bill 1362, a resolution in her honor, and the South Carolina Senate also bestowed her with a Senate Certificate of Honor.  In 2014 she received the Butterfly Transformation Award from the Social Butterfly Boutique, and in 2015 she was awarded the Spirit of Excellence Award from Providence Ministries.  Posthumously, she was honored with an American flag that was flown over the South Carolina State Capitol in her honor, and a Letter of Recognition and Acknowledgment from Governor Nikki R. Haley.  She also received her Master of Arts in Administration from Gardner Webb University.

She was the proud doting mother of her boys, Cameron, Seldon II and Ashdon.