In advance of our 2025 Hall of Fame gala, we are highlighting this year's remarkable honorees. Join us in honoring Catherine “Kitty” Neale and other inductees at the Hall of Fame Gala on May 1. Tickets are available now.

Catherine Neale

Catherine “Kitty” Neale taught Spanish at Bird High School for 21 years, sharing a new language and new frontiers with thousands of Skyhawks. She left another district to join the original Bird High faculty — and serve as the inaugural chair of the world language department — when the school opened in 1978. Described by colleagues and students as kindhearted, professional, tactful, supportive, realistic and fun, Kitty pushed students to achieve their best and was a role model for teaching and living. She mentored multiple student teachers and inspired countless Bird High students to choose teaching as a career. Educational ripples that began in her classroom continue to spread into the world today.


The 2025 inductees this year include: Katherine Baugher, Bessie Cooper, Kathy Kitchen, Catherine “Kitty” Neale, Brad Peebles and Linda Wood. Learn more about all our honorees on our Hall of Fame page.