Daughters of the American Revolution honor TWF’s Dr. Katherine Bihr
On the heels of America’s Independence Day, Tiger Woods Foundation gives three cheers to our very own patriot Dr. Katherine Bihr, vice president of programs and education. On May 18, Bihr was the recipient of the Daughters of the American Revolution’s Women in History Award, presented by the John Greenleaf Whittier Chapter at the Friendly Hills Country Club in Whittier, California. Bihr joins the ranks of several famous recipients including Rosa Parks.
Shiryl Boerlin, First Vice Regent of the John Greenleaf Whittier Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), nominated Bihr for the award. The women met two years ago when Bihr spoke at the John Greenleaf Whittier Chapter and later arranged a tour of Anaheim’s Tiger Woods Learning Center for chapter members. Since then, a handful of the member’s grandchildren have attended summer classes at the learning center.
“JGW Chapter is proud to have Kathy as a member and honored to give her the award for all she has accomplished in the 10 years of TWLC,” Boerlin said.
The award truly was a proud achievement for Bihr as well.
“I appreciate being nominated for this award by the ladies in the John Greenleaf Whittier Chapter of DAR,” she said. “They are actively engaged in ensuring educational opportunities for young people and have been tremendous supporters of our work at the Tiger Woods Foundation.”
The Women in History Award commemorates distinguished women in America’s history. According to Boerlin, the National Women’s History Project was founded in 1980 to broadcast women’s historical achievements. The NSDAR established the Women in American History Committee in 2005, and since that time NSAR has honored women who have made historical contributions to their communities.
“The database for these women represents 19 states and 136 women,” Boerlin said. “Their accomplishments range from the first woman pilot of a U.S. airline to Rosa Parks. The National Society and local chapters nominate and honor many women in different fields — those which are education, social, religious, political, scientific or cultural innovators.”
Bihr, who has worked in education for more than 25 years and has been at the helm of the Tiger Woods Learning Center for nearly 12 years, has served as an education innovator and advocate for her community and beyond. Throughout her career, she has shown a deep commitment to education equity for young people of all backgrounds and economic classes.
“Education gives hope to our nation — to develop a citizenry that is committed to the ideals of freedom and equality,” Bihr explained. “I am honored to call myself an educator and am thankful every day that I have the opportunity to help young people be their best and pursue their dreams. To be recognized for doing what I love is humbling. I think what meant the most was receiving this award in front of my family — and my mother, the most extraordinary woman I know. I am grateful for her belief and support in me, and for always encouraging me to pursue my dreams.”
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