ORLANDO, Fla. — There is a woman in Central Florida who is the definition of never giving up, no matter how old you are.
For nearly 50 years, she has walked into the same place to go to work, and the reason why will surely make you feel good.
What You Need To Know
- Linda Cato has worked at Pershing School since 1977
- She started as a volunteer, then applied for paid positions
- She works in the library and media center and loves to help children
- Cato considers herself a grandmother-like figure to the kids at Pershing
Her name is Linda Cato, and she is an extra-special 92-year-old lady. She works in the library at Pershing School in Orlando.
"There's nothing like the children. They're so happy to see you," Cato said as the reason for still working.
Cato started at Pershing in 1977, not long after moving to Central Florida. Her son started at the school, so Cato started volunteering so she could get a feel for how the school would be. Not long after, she applied for a paid position in the cafeteria. Cato went on to work as a P.E. clerk, became a paraprofessional, and now it's full circle. She is back in the library helping children.
"They come in and they see someone like you, and I'm like the grandmother, you know what I mean?" Cato said.
She fixes the binding on books, sorts others on their shelves, and if a poster needs to be laminated, she'll get that done, too.
Cato is loved by so many people at the school.
Her tenacity, resiliency and work ethic is what prompted the school to come up with the "Linda Cato Award." It will be given to someone each year who matches those characteristics.
Cato is not stopping, either.
"I probably will keep going 'til they have to carry me out," Cato said.
She said she wants to keep going because it keeps her active, and that's her advice to everyone.