After over a decade, Theodore Roosevelt High School will be losing one of its most beloved teachers. At the close of the 2009-2010 school year, Mrs. Cathy Cikra, AP English instructor and English department chair will be bidding farewell to our halls forever. Mrs. Cikra was loved unconditionally by students, faculty and staff alike.

The Colonel: How many years have you been teaching?
Cathy Cikra: I have been teaching for 31 years.

TC: How many years have you been teaching at RHS specifically?
CC: I have been teaching here for 12 years.

TC: What is your personal philosophy when it comes to teaching?
CC: I hate these questions. I want the kids to love things, because I love them. I have a love for words, and I want the kids to love them.

TC: What do you love more, the teaching or the students themselves?
CC: I love them both. They’d be pointless without one another. I love teaching, but I really love the kids. I’ve been so lucky to be able to do this for so long.

TC: What do you plan to focus on now that you’re retiring?
CC: I may try to write, or maybe go back to school. I would like to get my MFA. I would like to travel, and maybe get more involved in politics.

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“I’ve been working with Mrs. Cikra for 6 years. I love her teaching methods, and I believe that she is one of the best, most intelligent, and most well-respected teachers that this school has ever had.” --Teacher Chris Hibbs

“Mrs. Cikra leaves a great legacy and shoes that cannot be filled. She has shown me the world of literature, language, and most importantly, tucked commas! She shall surely be missed.” --Senior Zak Khan

“Mrs. Cikra was easily one of the most entertaining and intelligent teachers that I’ve ever had. Every day was enjoyable and I don’t think that we ever went a day without laughter. I will never look at literature the same way.”--Senior Liz Thomas