Katherine Yvonne Dobbs is a 1981 graduate of Todd County Central High School.
After graduating from Todd Central, she started at Hopkinsville Community College before attending and graduating from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee. She then went on to earn a master’s degree in Secondary Curriculum.
Dobbs says her highest honor is being a mom to her children. Being an educator is also significant to her because of her grandmother Katherine Evans, who was also a teacher. As well as teaching, Dobbs also owned a restaurant called Chocolate, Strawberries & Cast Iron, where she says she met so many people and made so many new friends.
As for Todd Central, she says she values most the friendships that were forged there – in the halls, classes and sporting events. To this day, these are some of her dearest friends. She adds her time there is filled with precious memories, particularly traveling to Lexington, Kentucky for the Sweet Sixteen tournament. She has fond memories of band trips and competitions as well.
Dobbs also recalls the kindness of everyone at school when she had her first child as a junior in high school. She says the kindness of Mrs. Anne Reeves had a huge impact on her.
She says being elected as Senior Class Officer is a memory she will always treasure. At the time, she was going through difficult things for a young person to experience — she says her classmates’ faith in her made her have faith in herself.
To current students, Dobbs says you never know what paths life will lead you down so be as prepared as you can be. Enjoy your time at school, get involved, pay attention in math, and above all, be kind.
To current educators, she says to love your children like your own. When a child knows someone cares, they will move mountains for them.
Originally from Russellville, Kentucky, Dobbs now lives on Kwajalein Island in The Republic of the Marshall Islands and has six children: Kristy Oman, Elizabeth Carmichael, Katherine Howard, Major Jake Perdue, USAF, Luke Perdue and Julie Perdue.
Dobbs thanks the class of 1981 for helping make her the strong woman she is today.
Spotlights on Todd Central alumni are part of a partnership between WEKT and the TCCHS Alumni Foundation, Inc. To be featured, please visit the Alumni Foundation’s website to fill out the application.
