Cathy Weichler is the embodiment of the term "Pioneer Pride."

The Lampeter Elementary School volunteer heaps effusive praise on the Lampeter-Strasburg (L-S) School District.

Cathy won't say that she plays a part in what makes the school system special, but Lampeter Elementary teacher Jody Stauffer will.

"Cathy knows everybody and talks with everyone she sees in the hallways," Stauffer said. "She's just a sweet lady that everybody enjoys interacting with."

Cathy has been volunteering in L-S schools off and on since the mid-1980s and has been serving in Stauffer's art classes for several years.

"I have enjoyed every minute of volunteering because the elementary schools are such happy places," said Cathy. "It's a good place to be."

Stauffer said the grandmother of 10 comes in an average of once a week and sorts paintbrushes, sharpens pencils, cuts out tracers, takes down bulletin boards, fills paint, and assists students. Cathy also matches colors for mounting artwork, which takes nearly an hour to complete per class. "I have 18 classes, and Cathy can get four or five classes done in a day, which helps me a lot," said Stauffer, who starts her day teaching an art survey class at the high school before coming to Lampeter Elementary to work with first- and second-graders.

Cathy began volunteering at Willow Street Elementary School in the mid-1980s when her youngest child, Matthew, started kindergarten. "I thought, 'Now what do I do?'" Cathy said.

Teacher Sue Fehr approached Cathy and asked if she would help at the school. Cathy aided Fehr and other teachers and then worked with first-grade teacher Michelle Gilger for a while. Gilger sent an email asking if any other teachers needed help in the classroom, and Stauffer gladly accepted. Cathy has been assisting Stauffer exclusively over the last several years. "Cathy is no longer just a volunteer," Stauffer said. "She has become a friend."

Stauffer lauds Cathy's willingness to try new things. In April, Cathy attempted to work with papier-mache, but now readily admits she did not enjoy the experience. Cathy does delight in working with Stauffer. "Jody is a wonderful teacher," she said. "They're all wonderful teachers. It's a wonderful place to be. It's a happy, happy place."

Cathy liked correcting papers and listening to kids read during previous volunteer jobs, but she really appreciates the chance to help in an art classroom. "With art, students can make fun things," she said. "They think it's fun. They don't consider it work. They still think they've got to be good. They are so kind, and it's fun to be around them."

All five of Cathy's children - Scott; Tom; Leanne Wolgemuth, a teacher at the high school; Chris; and Matthew - attended L-S schools after the family moved from New Jersey. "The kids all told me when they got married and they were on their own and had kids, they would be back in this school district before their kids started school. And they came back."

Of Cathy's 10 grandchildren, eight attend L-S schools, and Catherine Wolgemuth and triplets Brady, Joey, and Danny Weichler will graduate in June. Cathy's kids and grandchildren were all active in sports, and Cathy could be found at nearly every game no matter how bad the weather was. She braved the bitter cold to see Danny play in the state championship football game last fall.

Alayna Weichler, the youngest of the group, is a freshman who plays volleyball and is on the track team.

"I was so proud that (my kids) wanted to come back here," said Cathy. "The teachers are so kind, and they care so much about the children. You can just see how much they care about these kids."

Cathy plans to continue volunteering for many more years. "I will be here as long as they want me," she said. "It's very fulfilling. I love being here."