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Catherine Ostos goes from Minnesota to Costa Rica

Marissa Kuehn
Photographer

When walking into the classroom of study skills teacher Catherine
Ostos’s visitors will notice a collage on the wall displaying photos
and letters from past students. After 30 years of teaching, Ostos
will be retiring at the end of this school year. The letters and pictures
on this board represent some of the things she will remember most fondly.
Ostos said, "Every student who has kept in touch with me all these years
are my best memories."

Graduates and past students have written letters to her explaining what they are currently up to. Students who have gone on to college or who just want to keep in touch are posted on this special board. During her 30 years of teaching, Ostos taught a variety of subjects and has been the advisor for the past six years for STARR/SPAA.

Ostos said, "Some of the subjects I have taught throughout the years include history, English and I’m currently teaching study skills."

Her study skills class focuses on students who have learning disabilities. These students have IQ’s that range from average to genius levels, but may have dyslexia or another obstacle that Ostos helps them overcome.

Not only is Ostos a teacher and advisor, but to many, she’s more. Junior Ayann Abdalla added, "I’m going to be sad when Ms. Ostos retires. She is like a mom to me because on my first day of school, I knew I was different, but she helped me through it."

Ostos will miss her students as well. However, she is beginning a new adventure in her life by becoming a massage therapist. Starting in Jan., Ostos will be attending 12 weeks at a school in Costa Rica.

Ostos added, "I want to be a message therapist because after 30 years of teaching, I wanted to do something to bring peace and serenity."

Photo by Walker Nyenhuis