CLEARLAKE OAKS – Children at East Lake Elementary School (ELES) will benefit from the kindness and generosity of Katherine Erdahl now and forever. “Katherine”s Books” will ensure that the support this amazing woman had provided children throughout her life will continue long after her death.
A special presentation was held on Friday in the ELES library recognizing Erdahl”s countless contributions to education. A collection of classic Dr. Seuss books, named in her honor, will ensure the stories she had loved to read to the children will be shared with many generations to come. In addition, a check for $2624 was donated in her memory for purchase of books to fill the new library.
A beautiful plaque commemorating Erdahl”s contributions will hang in the library to ensure her love for children, especially the students of East Lake, is never forgotten. The plaque was crafted by Carl? High School student Paige Salvante, who said it was her honor and privilege to create the piece for someone whom she said was so obviously loved.
Salvante”s sentiments were shared by Konocti Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Bill MacDougall. “As you look around this room you know that Katherine affected us, not only today but also in the future,” he said. “She will always be felt in this room.”
Many shared memories and thoughts of Erdahl during Friday”s event. Sixth grade students who had first met Erdahl as kindergarteners express their gratitude for have been influenced by such a wonderful person. “She was very sweet. She tutored us and she always read for us on Dr. Seuss”s birthday,” Sadie Sheldon said. “We all loved her very much.”
Spring Moore said she is thankful for the assistance Erdahl had given her when she was struggling with math. “In kindergarten I had a little trouble with addition then she helped me through it and I started getting good grades on it,” she said.
Jeremy Meade-Malley said she had taught him how to use an Etch-A-Sketch and how to spell. “She helped me with my spelling and after she helped me I was able to spell. That”s why I made it through the Spelling Bee,” he said.
Teachers shared memories of Erdahl”s happy smile and cheery presence. “She had a cheery presence. Often she would walk into a chaotic situation and it would just calm itself,” one teacher said. Another said, “She gave the best hugs!”
Debbie Waters, Erdahl”s niece who traveled from the Bay Area to attend the event, expressed pride in her aunt”s concern for children. She said Aunt Kay had always been very supportive of her as a child and throughout her life, no matter how far or how close they were from one another. Another niece and a nephew of Aunt Kay shared similar memories.
School board trustee Carolynn Jarrett reminded the crowd that Erdahl had been instrumental in the passage of Measure G and the creation of the new ELES library. “Not only did she help build the library, now she”s helping to fill it with books,” she said.
The $2624 donation was a result of contributions by numerous family members and countless friends. The Kiwanis Club of Clearlake, which Erdahl had been an active member of, also contributed greatly and the CalNevHa (California Nevada Hawaii) Kiwanis District provided the matching funds. Gratitude was also extended to the Clearlake Elks Lodge No. 2299 for its monetary contribution.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
