Former Honey Hollow Students, Staff Celebrate School's 50th Anniversary

Hauppauge school district closed the doors of Honey Hollow Elementary School in 1979, but its memories have lived on in the actions and achievements of its former staff and students.

Dozens of former Honey Hollow students and staff gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the school's grand opening in 1961 on Saturday at the Smithtown Elks Lodge.

Among those present were Connie Knott, a one-time teacher and former assistant principal; Kay Young, wife of late principal Robert Young, and more than 20 other staff members.

Groups gathered over a buffet to share memories of their first day teaching in the 'family-like atmosphere' created by Young at Honey Hollow, while students remember the air raid drills of the 1960s and sledding behind the school, where LIPA power lines stand now.

"It was a special time. It was such a good time to grown up in" said former student Elizabeth Mooney. "The schools simply don't have as much funding today."

Angie Carpenter, republican candidate for county executive, presented the Honey Hollow reunion committee with a proclamation declaring Aug. 6 as "Honey Hollow Elementary School Day" in Suffolk County.

Islip Town Supervisor Phil Nolan and Smithtown Town Supervisor Patrick Vecchio sent proclamation as well, recognizing the achievements of Honey Hollow through its students, that it laid a foundation for them to follow through as successful adults.

Geri Richter, current president of Hauppauge's Board of Education, had the biggest surprise of all, unveiling a time capsule from Honey Hollow's cornerstone dating back to 1962.

Check Patch later this afternoon for video of staff, students memories as well as a photo gallery of the time capsule.