In September of 1992, Cathy Gerald walked into Percy Priest Elementary School for her first day of work. She was 19 years old, a recent graduate of Antioch High School, and was starting as a general assistant.
Thirty two years later, Gerald is walking into that same school - the only school she’s ever worked at - to work as a general assistant. She loves it, and the school loves her back. Gerald has become a fixture at the school, her colleagues referring to her as the “hero” of Percy Priest. 
“It was never about moving up to a higher position, but more of enjoying what I do and being happy doing it. As they say, ‘Love what you do.’ ”
Gerald is currently the longest-serving employee at Percy Priest. She’s loved all six principals she’s worked under and all the teachers and staff she’s worked with. But what she loves most: the students.
“Seeing these kids come in on their first day of kindergarten and watching them leave on their last day before going to middle school brings joy to my heart,” Gerald said. “Just knowing you had some part in helping them get through this stage of life.”
Caring for Everyday Needs
Gerald works in the main office and as a cafeteria monitor, but her job isn’t confined to those two spaces. She manages attendance, answers phones, assists with dismissal, helps in classrooms and much more.
“The most important job I do is caring for the everyday needs of our students while they are in our care at school,” she said.
Percy Priest Principal Dr. Russell Young said Gerald is an integral part of the Percy Priest family and that she embodies the values of the school.
“Cathy is always willing to help in any situation and is a true team player,” Dr. Young said. “When someone is missing, she immediately fills in any gaps. When someone has a question or concern, Cathy always listens intently and provides wise counsel… We cannot imagine our school without her.”
Over her 30 years of service, Gerald has seen countless students come through the doors of Percy Priest, and every now and then, one of the students will be a familiar face to her.
“The kids I had when I started are now bringing their own kids to school. It’s exciting when I see them come back with their own,” she said.
New Adventure Ahead 
She’s seen many things change over her time, but perhaps the biggest change will come in August of 2025, when Percy Priest’s new school building will open.
“This building, this is all I’ve known,” she said. “It’s bittersweet, but we’re ready for a new building. It’s going to be a new adventure.”
Gerald has never considered – and probably never will – going to a new school. Even with an almost hour-long commute from her home in Rutherford County and encouragement from her colleagues to try out a new school, she has always known Percy Priest is where she belongs.
“You can come in and talk to anybody, and they’ll do anything for you. It’s just a good feeling,” she said of the school. “It’s just one of those schools you don’t want to leave.”