Retiring Hinsdale Central Staff Honored by D86 Board

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

Among the Hinsdale Central retirees are English teacher Alexis Colianni (34 years of service), guidance counselor Barbara Plantz (30 years), FACS teacher Margaret McMahon (20 years), and physical education department chair Skip Begley (16 years).

Begley, who also coaches the freshman girls soccer team, said Monday was a “great day to be alive and be a Red Devil.”

“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.

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

“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.

The Hinsdale South retirees include special education teacher Joe DeFalco (33 years of service), physical education teacher David Jackson (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).

“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.”