Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) is highlighting the journeys of its alumni through the IPS Alumni Spotlight. This initiative aims to celebrate former students and their achievements, with a recent focus on Catrina Barnett, a 2021 graduate of Arsenal Technical High School.
Barnett pursued higher education at Indiana University-Indianapolis, where she earned a Master of Library Science degree. Her career path includes experience in both K–12 and public library settings, including roles within IPS and her current position at the Indianapolis Public Library.
She was recently recognized with the Lillian Childress Hall Award and Scholarship by the Indianapolis Public Library Foundation and IU Indianapolis Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. The award acknowledges her dedication to education and public service.
Reflecting on her time at IPS, Barnett said: “Growing up in Indianapolis Public Schools, I was fortunate to have educators who genuinely cared about students.” She credited her teachers for inspiring her career path in advocating for educational resources.
Barnett highlighted two influential teachers during her time at IPS: Mrs. Feigert from Arsenal Technical High School, who encouraged her self-belief; and Mrs. Meyer, who motivated her to push beyond comfort zones in orchestra class.
Her experiences at IPS instilled values such as determination and leadership that have been crucial in her current role as an MLS graduate student and library employee. Barnett emphasized staying connected with the IPS community through collaboration on Shared System materials.
To current students at IPS, she advised: “Believe in your abilities… surround yourself with positive people who will encourage you.”
Barnett acknowledged challenges faced during school due to limited resources but noted that overcoming them taught perseverance. She now works for the Indianapolis Public Library while pursuing further studies focused on librarianship.
