Florence E. Caveny (1900-1954) was born at Wood River, NE where her parents farmed and raised cattle. She graduated from Wood River School in 1919 and attended Nebraska State Normal School at Kearney, whose name would change to Nebraska State Teachers College at Kearney in 1921. Florence graduated in 1923 with her Bachelor of Arts in Education.
Florence’s first teaching job began while she was still earning her degree. She taught at the Schappsville School (East of Wood River in Halls County) from 1921-1923 where she was “one of 2 teachers in charge of grades 1 - 9”. (10th grade would be added to the Schappsville School the following year). After graduation, Florence taught in the Wood River school from 1923-1928. Florence and her students made the local newspaper in August of 1924. The news article recounts how Ms. Caveny’s students all gave her apples, and then she made apple pies and hosted a shower for the students to repay their kindness. Florence expanded the world for her students in many ways. In 1926 “Miss Florence Caveny’s 7th grade class [studied] Japan.” In 1928 Florence moved to Cheyenne, WY where she earned her Master’s degree from the University of Wyoming at Laramie. Florence taught in the Cheyenne School District for over 25 years before falling ill in October of 1953.
Florence Caveny instilled a love for learning and motivated many to pursue their dreams. Among these was her niece, Veronica Rowley. Veronica dreamed of becoming a teacher; she wanted to inspire others and make a difference in the world just as her Aunt Florence. Florence not only guided Veronica, but paid for her to attend the University of Nebraska to earn her Bachelor's degree in education. Veronica would later go on to earn her Master’s degree in Library Science. Florence Caveny is remembered and honored by her niece Veronica and by Veronica’s four children, whom all became teachers.
Florence’s first teaching job began while she was still earning her degree. She taught at the Schappsville School (East of Wood River in Halls County) from 1921-1923 where she was “one of 2 teachers in charge of grades 1 - 9”. (10th grade would be added to the Schappsville School the following year). After graduation, Florence taught in the Wood River school from 1923-1928. Florence and her students made the local newspaper in August of 1924. The news article recounts how Ms. Caveny’s students all gave her apples, and then she made apple pies and hosted a shower for the students to repay their kindness. Florence expanded the world for her students in many ways. In 1926 “Miss Florence Caveny’s 7th grade class [studied] Japan.” In 1928 Florence moved to Cheyenne, WY where she earned her Master’s degree from the University of Wyoming at Laramie. Florence taught in the Cheyenne School District for over 25 years before falling ill in October of 1953.
Florence Caveny instilled a love for learning and motivated many to pursue their dreams. Among these was her niece, Veronica Rowley. Veronica dreamed of becoming a teacher; she wanted to inspire others and make a difference in the world just as her Aunt Florence. Florence not only guided Veronica, but paid for her to attend the University of Nebraska to earn her Bachelor's degree in education. Veronica would later go on to earn her Master’s degree in Library Science. Florence Caveny is remembered and honored by her niece Veronica and by Veronica’s four children, whom all became teachers.