We were saddened to learn of the passing, on February 6, 2006, of long-time Mineral Springs teacher-and genuine character-Kate Bonino. Miss Bonino was a dedicated educator who put energy and originality into entertaining her students at the same time she was preparing them for the rigors of the next grade. With the slightest urging from her students, she would often regale them with stories of frogs, snakes, and sundry other denizens of the barnyards, swamps, and hollers, punctuating her tales with strange voices and unique vocal effects perfected over decades of performing before countless tittering fourth- and fifth-graders. At the 2004 Mineral School reunion, an older but still-vigorous Miss Bonino gave a performance that, while certainly not appropriate for her pupils "back in the day," delighted those in attendance. Always professional, outspoken, and tough when she had to be, she figured prominently in the history of Mineral Springs School (winning "Favorite Teacher" honors in 1955), and she will always hold a special place in the memories of those who knew her. Thanks, Miss Kate...and goodbye.
In Memoriam-Kate Bonino (1910-2006)