Class of 2008 taps Baker ‘Honorary Wildcat’

By Mike Ford, The Delphos Herald
Published:  Monday, June 2, 2008 (5 months, 3 weeks ago)
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Cassie Kemper receives her diploma during Jefferson High School’s graduation Friday night at the middle school auditorium.DELPHOS — From her mother’s knee to reading to her own children and those of her community, this year’s Honorary Wildcat always knew what she wanted to do in her career.
After 34 years in education, Jefferson High School Librarian Linda Baker will retire when the academic year concludes. The majority of her career has been invested in Jefferson students since she came here in 1980.
The award is given to a member of the Jefferson community who is not a Jefferson graduate.
Senior Class President Melissa Clevenger says the class appreciates Baker’s willingness to be patient and listen to them when they need someone to talk to.
“She’s part of all of our lives. She attends many extra-curricular activities and is always there for us. If anyone has a question, she’s there and can always recommend a good book,” Clevenger said.
Colleague and senior class advisor Joyce Larimore says Baker not only has a good listening ear but also offers a centering presence.
“The kids know her for her patience; I’ve never heard her raise her voice or say an angry word but she’s very honest. If you want to know what she thinks, just ask and she’ll tell you,” Larimore said.
Baker is very honored to be embraced by this year’s graduating class. However, the warmth goes both ways.
“I feel very close to this community. The students here have accepted me as one of their own and I will continue to follow their activities in sports and other things. I will still feel the pride when they do well. They’re part of me,” she said.
Baker grew up in the rural community of Iberia, located between Marion and Mansfield. In addition to loving athletics, she also loved reading and credits her mother for inspiring her career choice.
“My number one priority was to be a teacher. That was ingrained in me by my mother who never got to go to college and had always wanted to be a teacher,” she recalled.
From the 35-member class of 1961, Baker continued her education at Bowling Green State University and began her career as a physical education teacher at Bucyrus. She spent four years there, a year at Lorain Admiral King High School and another year at Marion Taft Middle School. At that point, Baker stopped teaching to focus on her two children.

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