Everyone can recall a special teacher that made a positive impact on their life. Maybe it was an elementary teacher, a high school instructor or a college professor or coach. No matter what level of instruction or what they taught, their influence affected your life and they are someone that you will always remember.
Such is the case of many alumni of Tri-County High School who recall the impact that Mrs. Kathryn Cleeton had on their lives, and how her influence continues long after high school graduation. Mrs. Cleeton taught instrumental and vocal music in the Tri-County School District from 1970 to 1984. A graduate of Trenton High School, Mrs. Cleeton attended Trenton Junior College and graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University earning degrees with a double major and teaching certification in Vocal and Instrumental Music Education K-12, and a Minor in Physical Education.
An accomplished musician herself, Mrs. Cleeton played most every instrument and had an unending patience for finding talent in the most unlikely students, encouraging the shy and otherwise reserved kids to participate in singing groups and musical activities that one might never have dreamed of joining. Many a farm boy or girl might find themselves in a group singing at state music competitions, and later comment that they would never have tried anything like that had it not been for Mrs. Cleeton.
Mrs. Cleeton taught music in many school districts during her teaching career including Kansas City, Milan, Green City, Smithville, Jamesport, and finally at Bishop Hogan Memorial School in Chillicothe.
As a young girl, Kathryn was affectionately known as “Pep” Shaw and anyone who knew Mrs. Cleeton would certainly understand why she received that nickname. She possessed the “pep” that allowed her to create her own musicals; many of which she wrote and choreographed for school and the community. The endless hours of rehearsals for such programs and school music competitions required more than just “pep”; it required talent and dedication that went far beyond her job expectations. For that reason, she made a long-lasting impact on the lives of students who went on to work in a myriad of diverse professions, always knowing that Mrs. Cleeton was their inspiration to dream the impossible and never give up.
Mrs. Cleeton truly left a legacy throughout the schools and communities in which she served. In addition, the proud mother of two outstanding daughters: D. Ann Cleeton Wright and Kimberly Cleeton, sharing her love of music with both of them and so many others. She passed away in 2013.
The Tri-County School District, in coordination with the Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri has embarked upon a scholarship drive to not only strengthen existing scholarships for their graduating seniors but also to establish new ones. We are pleased to announce that former students of Mrs. Cleeton have established the Kathryn Cleeton Memorial Scholarship. It is to be awarded to a Tri-County High School graduate, beginning in the spring of 2018. The emphasis of this scholarship is for a student pursuing a degree in education, or college music studies, either instrumental or vocal.
Persons interested in sharing their love for Mrs. Cleeton may contribute to the endowment of the Kathryn Cleeton Memorial Scholarship by mailing gifts to the Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri in care of Steve Maxey at 11005 North Hunter Avenue, Kansas City MO 64157. Your gift is tax deductible.
The impact of educators is tremendous and to Mrs. Cleeton, we thank her for her endless hours of making music and the impact she had on others. We know her family is very proud of her accomplishments, as are the many students and the families touched by her talent and love. We hope you will join in this worthwhile effort and “help her music to continue on.
