Cathy Bennett is shown with PPCA Head of School Jason Cook.

Computer teacher Cathy Bennett is PPCA’s Teacher of the Year for 2020-2021 as noted at a recent Pearl Chamber of Commerce meeting by the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools.

PPCA Head of School Jason Cook noted the decision is always difficult with so many outstanding faculty members, but Cathy’s efforts when the pandemic shut down the school campus is especially noteworthy.

“Cathy did so much to help us,” wrote Cook in an email to faculty and staff. “(She) basically went from scratch and put together a plan to make sure that all students had technology devices, all received LMS training, and all were able to continue learning through their extended quarantine.”

He wrote that Cathy “was always available for a phone call, email, or text message.  We had conversations at all times of day, night, and even on weekends.  She never complained or told me to leave her alone.”

On staff at PPCA since 2014, Mrs. Bennett teaches computer to K5-5th grade and secondary students enrolled in her computer classes.

A graduate of Mercer University where she studied general business, she is also Yearbook advisor and sponsor of Bytes, Bots ‘n Beyond, a tech/STEM after-school club for elementary students.

Married to Rick Bennett, Cathy attends Journey Church but previously taught and coordinated Sunday School at the Church at Northshore where she was also assistant director of their summer camp for the Northshore Children’s Center.

Residents of Brandon, the Bennetts have one son, Josh, a graduate of PPCA.