Schools

Retiring Hinsdale South, Hinsdale Central Staff Honored

The District 86 board thanked the Hinsdale South and Hinsdale Central retirees for their combined 316 years of service to the district.

The Board of Education honored on Monday night 12 certified staff retirees from  and who have served the district for a combined 316 years.

The retirees include special education teacher Joe DeFalco (33 years of service), , (33 years), special education teacher Randall Patterson (32 years), special education teacher Peg Vahldieck (30 years), social studies teacher Howard Wright (26 years), English teacher James Crandell (25 years), special education teacher Rosemary Hahn (19 years), and athletic director Timothy Feigh (18 years).

Alexis Colianni, a Hinsdale Central English teacher who formerly worked at Hinsdale South, said she was honored to have worked with a “hardworking, dedicated” group of people over her 34 years.

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“If you were there everyday and got to see what’s going on, I think you’d be very proud,” she said to the board.

In addition to Colianni, who worked with the district for 34 years, the retirees included guidance counselor Barbara Plantz (30 years), FACS teacher Margaret McMahon (20 years), and physical education department chair Skip Begley (16 years).

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“To come to this prestigious institution and to be treated with the dignity, pride and respect that is accorded so many people here is honestly a privilege and a pleasure,” Begley said.

“We thank you for all your years of service,” Superintendent Dr. Nick Wahl said. “Most importantly, [for all your] efforts on behalf of the young men and young ladies that were fortunate enough to call you their teacher. Thank you so much.”


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