Councilwoman Berland Honors Candlewood Middle Retirees

Huntington Town Councilwoman Susan Berland recently attended the Half Hollow Hills School District's Candlewood Middle School PTA Breakfast to present official proclamations from the Town of Huntington to Cathy Colligan, Donna Freck-Hasel, Judy Arth and Cathy Di Gennaro, all recently retired teachers from Candlewood. 

Cathy Colligan started teaching in Half Hollow Hills in 1980 and has worked with the school district for more than 33 years assisting students with special needs.

Donna Freck-Hasel has also taught in Half Hollow Hills for 33 years and leveraged her love of music as the director of the orchestra program at Candlewood. 

Judy Arth has taught in Half Hollow Hills for 34 years and dedicated her time at Candlewood to leading her students in chorus and musical productions.

Cathy Di Gennaro has taught students in every school in the Half Hollow Hills school district Italian and Spanish for more than 30 years. Cathy also served as the kickline advisor at High School West and was always willing to chaperone events for the students.

 “It was a pleasure to present these fine educators with proclamations,” Berland said. “They all greatly enhanced Candlewood Middle School through their guidance and commitment to excellence. Their contributions to Candlewood enriched the lives of those around them, students and faculty alike. They will be greatly missed and we wish them all the best in their future endeavors.”