Jean Cavanaugh recently attended a local soccer game where she witnessed something that made her eyes tear up a bit.
A 19-year-old man, whom she had helped with reading when he was younger, was talking with several boys. He was stressing the importance of education and a game such as soccer.
“Those little boys were wide-eyed,” Cavanaugh said. “This 19-year-old was passing along what we had talked about and what he had learned. It brought a tear to my eye.”
This anecdote illustrates one reason the 89-year-old Great Bend woman will be the grand marshal of this year’s Home for the Holidays Parade. The parade theme is “All I Want for Christmas is …”, which Cavanaugh completed by saying “for people to be healthy and happy, pursue an education, enjoy their lives and support other people.”
This is why Cavanaugh was selected for grand marshal, said Sarah Krom, community supports coordinator at Sunflower Diversified Services, which sponsors the annual parade. Sunflower, a non-profit agency, serves people with disabilities and delays in central Kansas.
“Jean Cavanaugh is all about education and being helpful to others,“ Krom said. “Sunflower is gratified that she accepted our invitation. Jean defines the term ‘community support.’”
The parade is set for 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30 in downtown Great Bend, on Main Street from 19th to Lakin. Awards will be given for best entry in the categories of: youth group; civic group; float that best depicts the theme; church group; holiday spirit; and the Grand Marshal’s Best in Parade.
While Cavanaugh doesn’t serve on as many boards as she used to, she continues to help Riley School children four mornings a week.
“I am so impressed with how well they read, especially when English is not their first language,” Cavanaugh said. “When I talk with them, I always plant the seed of how important education will be in their lives.
“And then there is soccer; that is my big thing,” Cavanaugh continued, noting her family donated the land for the soccer fields on 30th Street. “It all started when a teacher asked me to sponsor an indoor team. I got acquainted with the kids and have been going ever since.”
The 19-year-old she mentioned was one of those kids. “He didn’t know a word of English and now is on the college team at Barton Community College. And he was always on the honor roll. He came over and talked to me. How many would do that for an old lady?”
Cavanaugh said she was stunned to receive the grand marshal honor but was happy to accept. “You don’t get many surprises at age 89,” she laughed, noting Sunflower Diversified is a great organization that benefits everyone.
“Any time you help people with disabilities, you are not only helping individuals and families but everyone else too,” Cavanaugh said. “Sunflower supports people so they can be active in our community. They are just as important as anyone else and deserve our respect.”
Cavanaugh married Clair, a radiologist who served western Kansas until his death in 1994. They had five children who all earned advanced degrees.
Nevertheless, Cavanaugh stressed that while a college degree is crucial for some professions, it is not the answer for everyone. “Some people get turned off to education if they go to college,” she explained. “Sometimes people want to learn a trade. Either way, I always encourage them to consider Barton Community College.
“We have this great school right here,” she added. “I always encourage kids to go.”
While in her mid-forties, Cavanaugh earned her bachelor’s in business education and administration, and a master’s in guidance and counseling at Fort Hays State University. She was a substitute teacher at Roosevelt and Harrison junior highs for 16 years, and many students have benefited from Cavanaugh’s financial scholarships.
Currently, Cavanaugh is a member of the Bunker Hill KOOD-TV board, and serves on the Senior Center and RSVP Advisory Councils. She is also a member of the Commission on Aging, Silver Cougar Club and Prince of Peace Parish at St. Rose. In addition, Cavanaugh supports Great Bend Recreation programs, and funded the Jean Cavanaugh Wellness Center.
Cavanaugh is a current member and past governor of the Pilot Club.
Past affiliations include more than 30 years on the USD 428 school board; she also volunteered her time to the Golden Belt Community Concert, Clara Barton Hospital and FHSU Alumni Association. In addition,
Cavanaugh was president of the Kansas Medical Auxiliary for nine years at the national level.