The Daily Record
Triton Diamond Is Revealed
By BRENDA PEREGOY
For The Record
A diamond exists in a small office at Triton High School. Deeply treasured and coveted by other Triton High School departments, the Guidance Department has allowed only faculty members to view the diamond’s magnificent brilliance. If ever a student did catch a glimpse of the diamond, he could scarcely tear himself away from its radiance. Sadly, some seniors graduated this month having never viewed this highly-favored gem.
Cathy Byrd, Triton Guidance Department secretary, retired at the end of this semester. Having worked for THS for 21 years, this school’s diamond will share her many facets with her family and friends.
Mrs. Byrd stated, “I don’t really know what I’m going to do when I retire, but I do plan to work in the yard and enjoy my grandchildren.”
The 1967 Coats High School graduate attended Campbell University for approximately two years. She married the late Rev. Ronnie Byrd, and the couple of 43 years had two children: Jeremy, who graduated from Triton in 1992; and Melissa, a 1997 THS grad. Mrs. Byrd is the grandmother of five grandchildren.
Prior to her employment at Triton, Mrs. Byrd worked as a first-grade teacher’s assistant at Gentry Primary School for nine years. After discovering the county creation of the guidance secretary position, Mrs. Byrd applied for the THS job and was immediately hired.
“I thought my new job would be a big change,” commented Mrs. Byrd. “I was surprised it wasn’t. I learned fast that big kids are little kids at heart. Triton young people respond to love and respect — just like the little ones.
“But the duties of my job changed when I came to Triton. I register, enroll and withdraw students. I do a lot of paper work and filing. Yes, even with students’ records now in the school data base, I still do a lot of filing. Can you believe that this school used to have 55 file cabinets that contained all THS graduates’ records, and I worked with all of them until last year?”
According to the administrative assistant, Triton High School is an awesome place in which to work. She will certainly miss the people and her friends. She will also miss working with the students.
“I love working with the students,” smiled Mrs. Byrd. “Working with them has been a plus. Things are so much different now than they used to be. Families are constantly moving in and out of schools. Our students’ parents have different work ethics and priorities. However, I can honestly say that I leave this job knowing that the majority of students are good. There is hope for their future.”
Guidance counselor Ashlyn Thompson has worked with Mrs. Byrd the longest in her department.
Mrs. Thompson stated, “We have been very fortunate at Triton to be blessed with such an amazing lady in our building. Cathy Byrd is the epitome of all Class Storage, Real Estate
things good. She is a gentle force within our department and serves as our mother, grandmother, counselor, nurse and friend on any given day. Her commitment to our faculty and to our students over the years is unmatched. She will truly be missed.”
Mrs. Byrd, such a rare diamond, attributes her faith in God for her many blessings.
“Faith has brought me through everything,” she declared.
And the Triton staff and teachers desire that God continue to smile upon His radiant gem.
Byrd
