Dedication, hard work, and overcoming adversity were a way of life for Kathy Messner Stevens. As a Catoctin High School graduate, she began an outstanding career involved in Catoctin youth track and field and developing proficiency in high jump, long jump, and triple jump that led to outstanding high school and college achievements. High school performances in cross-country and track earned her recognition as All- Area First Team in cross-country and track for four years. She was a 12- time Maryland state champion in the high jump, long jump, and triple jump, and held the Class 1A state record for the 300 meters, high jump and triple jump. With a scholarship to Penn State, a near fatal accident put her life on hold for more than seven months. Competing for Penn State, Messner- Stevens overcame a tragedy and again developed that gift of victorious competition and conquering a devastating misfortune.