DAVENPORT

Cathy Lakey is the HS counselor, HS Art, and 4th grade social studies teacher at Davenport Public Schools. She has been teaching for 16 years; 15 of those in Davenport.  Cathy grew up in Konawa, Oklahoma, and received her bachelors degree from Oklahoma Baptist University, a master’s degree in education (reading) from Northeastern Oklahoma State University, and a master is school counseling from Southeastern Oklahoma State University.  

Q  What led you to teaching? 
A  My parents were both educators. I grew up wanting to make a difference. I choose to become a teacher in order to help students reach their full potential. 

Q  Did you have someon who influenced who you are, and your decision to become an educator?
A   Yes, my dad Gary Cook made a huge impact on me wanting to be a teacher. He taught me to be compassionate and value helping others. He loved sports, history, and treasured wisdom.  My mom, Jan also inspired me with her creativity and love for reading and poetry. My teachers and coaches at Konawa were also amazing. They impacted my life in endless positive ways. I hope to be able to pass along similar educational experiences to my students.  

Q  What would you say most motivates you to teach?
A  I am most passionate about helping my student realize the potential they have to accomplish their dreams, while also advocating for them and providing resources for them to find a path to make their goal reality. 

Q  What are you most excited or passionate about?
A  I am most passionate about my family. I am also passionate about helping my students develop a plan and prepare for the next phase of their lives. 

Q  What do you find most challenging about being a teacher? 
A  I think the most challenging part of being a teacher when my students do not see themselves as I do, full of potential, possibility, value, authenticity, and creativity. When they do not see their self-worth. I want them to believe in themselves, reach their goals, and make a difference in the community around them. It can can be disheartening at times, but when a student experience that moment of realization and discovery that they have limitless potential and endless hope, it is so rewarding. 

Q  What's the best thing to happen since you started teaching? 
A  The best thing that has happened to me since I started teaching was I have had the opportunity to watch my students grow up into amazing young adult and accomplish their hopes and dreams. 

Q  What might students and parents be surprised to know about you?
A  I really love to stay home and watch dateline. I would rather drive state highways than the “big roads” any day of the week. I love to make plum jelly in the summer. 

Q  What profession other than your own would you most like to attempt?
A  I would like to be a writer, a photographer, a gardener. I would also like to study law. I think being a detective would also be interesting. I am a lifetime learner and love to learn about new things and challenge myself. 

Q  What are three things every teacher should have?
A  Every teacher should have compassion, a sense of humor, and a plan just in case the current plan fails and you have to improvise on the fly. 

Q  Will you tell us a little bit about your family, and how you enjoy spending your free time?
A  I love my family.  I am married to Matt Lakey. He is also a teacher. We have five sons: Nick, Cade, Cal, Casey, and Ty who make the world spin. We have two daughters: Cadie and Maddie who are the stars in the sky. One son in law, Jaedon and the sweetest daughter-in law, Tori who hung the moon.  Nick works in the energy industry, Cade is a graduate assistant at Emporia State University and also works for the football team, Tori is a special education teacher in Emporia Middle School in Kansas. Cadie is an RN at the NICU at Children’s hospital, Maddie and Jaedon are educators at Balko High school. Maddie will graduate from Panhandle State University in the fall. Cal is a college student and also work as a substitute teacher at Davenport School. Casey plays football at Emporia State University and is planning to be a coach. Ty is a senior at Davenport High School. I spend my free time traveling with Matt to football or basketball games, reading, gardening, or watching my true crime shows.