At McCarthy High: Remembering Mrs. Kohrt

By Jim Davis - Florida Catholic

SOUTHWEST RANCHES | Pink-and-gray wristbands are popping up around Archbishop Edward A. McCarthy High School in memory of its theology chair, Catherine Kohrt, who died in April of brain cancer.

The $2 wristbands, marked "CK GOD’S ARMY," are being sold by the Respect Life Club at the school. “Pink was Mrs. Kohrt’s favorite color, and the gray symbolizes brain cancer,” said junior Mary Moran, a member of the club, who initiated the fundraiser.

“She was my friend, and I miss her,” Moran said. "I hope the money we raise will help others not suffer the loss of such a great person."

Kohrt’s teachings have inspired her students in several good works, such as collecting food for HOPE Outreach Center or volunteering with Amor en Accion. The latter was one of her favorite projects, said Kim Zocco, business and social entrepreneurship teacher at Archbishop McCarthy.

“She was devoted to helping people build a better life for themselves,” Zocco said.

During her illness, hundreds of people reached out to the Kohrt family, who live in Davie, said her best friend Sue McCrea. Kohrt had been a parishioner at St. Bonaventure, and had taught kindergarten CCD. She had also taught at St. Mark, McCrea said.

At the funeral Mass at St. Bonaventure, "hundreds of students and friends poured into the pews," McCrea added. She said they included not only high school students but former first-grade students, plus friends from her scrapbooking club and the horse community where she had been a “barn mom.”

"The people were as diversified as was Catherine’s outreach," McCrea said. "It was a wonderful tribute.”

To donate to the fundraiser, send checks payable to the American Brain Tumor Association in honor of Catherine Kohrt, care of Mr. Christopher Covone, Archbishop Edward A. McCarthy High School, 5451 S. Flamingo Road, Southwest Ranches, FL 33330.