Mandarin Oaks Elementary has named their multi-purpose room in memory of Kathy Felton, the school’s much loved physical education coach who passed away in 2008.
In honor of Coach Felton, the third, fourth and fifth-grade students, along with school faculty, hosted a special ceremony. Friends and family of Coach Felton were in attendance as her co-workers and students shared their special memories of her.
Principal Patricia Carson reminded everyone of Coach Felton’s kind and loving spirit, and thoughtfulness toward others.
"Coach Felton was always interested in the health and well being of us all - her students as well as her peers," she said. "She did everything she could to make sure we exercised frequently and ate healthy meals; she truly cared about each of us."
Coach Felton was instrumental in establishing a health program for the faculty, staff and students. She strived to provide new programs, established health clubs and encouraged all students to reach their highest levels of physical achievement.
One student remarked that Coach Felton always pushed her to succeed and told her to never give up. The student encouraged the audience to think about the good times they shared with Coach Felton and to remember all she did.
Principal Carson said the naming of the multi-purpose room in memory of Coach Felton was appropriate, as it was her "home away from home." It was also the place where Principal Carson told Coach Felton that she had been selected as the school's 2005/06 Teacher of the Year.
During the ceremony, the fourth-grade chorus presented songs in Coach Felton’s honor. Dr. Amy Lingren, the district's Chief Officer of K-8 Education, joined Principal Carson to present a plaque in tribute of Coach Felton that will hang in the multi-purpose room.
"The Mandarin Oaks family will miss Coach Felton every day, and we appreciate all that she did for our school. She always put her students first, and encouraged all of us to be the best we can be," said Carson.
Coach Felton's daughter Danielle, who attended the ceremony, thanked the Mandarin Oaks community for their support and recognition of her mother.
"My mom loved this school and the students very much, and she would be honored at the support of faculty, staff and students."
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