Kathleen Navarre: the Heart and Soul of Dimond

Dimond has been one of the most fortunate schools when it comes to its students and staff. There is one particular woman who has shaped Dimond into the amazing school that it is. 

Math teacher Kathleen Navarre has been a part of the lynx family for the past 20 years. It is no secret that she is the heart and soul of Dimond High School. 

It has recently been announced that her journey at Dimond has come to an end as she will be retiring and leaving behind her legacy.

Zavier Hajdukovich, a senior on the basketball team, said, “My favorite memory with Ms. Navarre is when it was my last high school basketball game for Dimond. We lost that game and she came up to all the seniors and gave us a hug and was super supportive.”

Most people can agree that Dimond sports have had endless support from Navarre and would not be as successful as they are today without her.

In the last few years she has not only been a teacher and coach, but Dimond’s athletic director as well.

Kristen Melican-Nevala, an English teacher here at Dimond, says, “I think she does a lot for our school and she does a lot of things that people don’t see behind the scenes, so there are big shoes to fill.”

Navarre was a part of the first coaching staff back in 2006 when flag football became a new sport at Dimond.  

Ellie Cunningham, a sophomore on the flag football team, says, “Flag has meant a lot to me over the years and I’m very grateful that I can say I was coached by one of the best. She also helped me find a love for the sport I never knew I had.” 

It will be hard for all athletes to lose one of their biggest supporters. Although she will not be able to make it to all events, she will likely try to help out as often as she can. 

Navarre said, “I’ll likely run track, but flag football is still up in the air so I may volunteer if the opportunity arises.”

Students can always count on Navarre if they are ever having trouble. Most people would describe her as a friend, rather than just their teacher or coach. 

Cunningham said, “I’m very sad about her leaving, but very excited for her to start a new chapter in her life.” 

Do you ever wonder why Dimond’s graduations are so successful? Well, that is because Navarre plans and organizes those too.

The class of 2021 is lucky they had Navarre with them all four years of their high school career. 

“I think things are going to be very different without her, but she has definitely left her mark on Dimond and the students and will always be a part of our school and lives,” Cunningham said. 

As this school year comes to an end, make sure to say your goodbyes and wish her luck on her next journey. 

Hajdukovich said, “Thank you for everything you have done for me and the teams I have played for. I do not think Dimond would be where it is today without you.”