Debby Landers changed the lives of hundreds, maybe even thousands of kids during her 32 years working at Cato-Meridian Central School. Many kids who were struggling, either at school, home or with life in general were lifted by Debby and guided on a course to a successful graduation. She knew that kids sometimes make poor choices, sometimes caused by influences beyond their control. Debby encouraged kids to pick themselves up and push forward. Because of her dedication to help these kids, most graduated and went onto college, trade school, or just a successful path in life.

Debby worked with at least 2 generations of kids, sometimes guiding children of kids she had worked with in years prior.

Debby died of cancer in December of 2021 after only 2 years of retirement. She asks that a scholarship be awarded to a student each year that has struggled in life but has shown the commitment throughout high school to successfully graduate despite their challenges. Debby’s legacy will last for years at not only the Cato school district, but also the entire community of Cato.