A Lifetime of Learning: FES Librarian Cathy Johnson Retires
Published 1:30 am Thursday, June 25, 2026
After nearly four decades of serving students in the Quillayute Valley School District, Forks Elementary School Librarian Cathy Johnson is closing a remarkable chapter and beginning a new one.
This year marks Cathy’s retirement after 37 years with the district, including 35 consecutive years dedicated to helping students learn, grow and succeed.
Cathy began her career working in a self-contained special education classroom alongside teacher Cheryl Opalski. After taking two years away from the district following the birth of her daughter, she returned and spent the next 32 years as a classified paraeducator, building relationships with generations of students and families.
Five years ago, Cathy stepped into a new role as Forks Elementary School librarian, a position she describes as the most rewarding of her career.
“The last five years have been the most wonderful,” she said. “I love that I got to see every student from TK through fourth grade.”
As librarian, Cathy helped rebuild reading habits after the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, working to get books back into the hands of students and sharing countless stories during read-aloud sessions with younger children.
“It was a lot of work but so rewarding getting books back in kids’ hands after COVID and reading aloud the many beautiful children’s books to my younger students,” she said.
While organizing books and managing a busy library kept her occupied, it was the students who made each day special.
“I will miss my students the most,” Cathy said. “I had some pretty incredible moments.”
Throughout her career, as a paraeducator, coach, and librarian, Cathy has treasured the relationships she formed with students, many of which have lasted long after they left her classroom.
“Like I did when I coached, I have made some lifelong relationships with our students,” she said.
As she reflects on her years in education, Cathy says there is one thing she will not miss.
“I will not miss lockdowns and all that goes with it,” she said. “Our students deserve better.”
Retirement brings mixed emotions.
“It’s so bittersweet to be retiring, but it’s time,” she said.
This summer will be spent close to home, tackling projects around the house with her husband. The family is especially looking forward to the first weekend in August, when all of their children and grandchildren will gather to celebrate Cathy’s retirement.
One message Cathy hopes to leave behind is the importance of reading.
“I hope my kids continue to love reading, and I hope parents will take time to read to their kids, of all ages,” she said.
A special part of this year’s retirements is that Cathy and fellow district retiree Tami Shaner are leaving together. The two have been friends since kindergarten, and their lives have remained intertwined through the years.
“Tami introduced me to Warren (Cathy’s husband),” Cathy said. “I love that we both retired together from jobs that impacted the lives of our sweet students.”
