Many do not realize that some of Wildcat Nation’s most beloved teachers were also students at Ukiah High. Dwight Cawthon, a UHS graduate and now veteran teacher, talked to UHS News about his experiences at Ukiah High School from a student versus teacher perspective.
Cawthon, whose plan was not always to return to UHS and become a teacher, describes visiting the high school to keep in touch throughout the years. He recalls receiving an email from the Vice Principal of Ukiah High, that there was a position opening within the history department. Cawthon described it as “destiny”.
Cherishing his time as a young wildcat, Cawthon mentions being a senior at UHS to be very ¨spirited¨, as his class won the spirit bell six times in a single school year. When asked about school dances Cawthon describes a room full of good energy and fun where live bands played. As a student at Ukiah High School, Cawthon participated in many dances and homecomings and was very involved in school activities.
Being a part of the class of 1982, Cawthon discusses the massive meaning of being the first class to step foot on the new Ukiah High School campus for four years straight. He expressed a ¨bittersweet¨ feeling during his senior year that was experienced by not only him but also his fellow classmates.
Being in a theater and acting in a play helped Cawthon come to know people, and encouraged him to take leadership in his senior year and ultimately become student president. As ASB president, Cawthon gave a speech during his ceremony and received his own diploma directly from his mom, which Cawthon states were a very ¨special¨ moment.
