Honoring Our 2025–26 HBCSD Retirees

Posted Date: 06/09/26 (04:00 PM)

As we close out another incredible school year, we pause to honor the extraordinary individuals who have dedicated their careers and their hearts to the students, families, and community of the Huntington Beach City School District (HBCSD). Together, this year's retirees represent an astounding 331 years of combined service. Their dedication, passion, and commitment have shaped the lives of countless students and made HBCSD the exceptional district it is today.

We are grateful for everything they have given to this community. As their HBCSD chapters come to a close, we wish them nothing but blue skies, warm days, and golden horizons ahead.

“This group of retirees has given our District something that cannot be quantified: decades of devotion, sacrifice, and love for their students and their craft,” said Superintendent Dr. Leisa Winston. “Each of them has left an indelible mark on our District, and their legacy lives on in every student they supported, every family they welcomed, and every colleague they inspired.”

Please join us in celebrating our 2025–26 Retirees.

Michael Andrzejewski

Principal, Seacliff Elementary School | 27 Years of Service

Michael Andrzejewski began his HBCSD journey on August 17, 1999, at Smith Elementary School, where he spent 11 years before leading Moffett Elementary School for eight years and Seacliff Elementary School for eight more. Over 27 years, he served with consistency and dedication, supporting students, staff, and families across the District. In retirement, Mr. A plans to return to the Midwest to be closer to family.

Cheryl Coullahan

Paraeducator, Moffett Elementary School | 20 Years of Service

For 20 years, Cheryl Coullahan devoted herself to supporting children and young adults with special needs, bringing joy, encouragement, patience, and understanding into their lives every day. Her passion for helping students grow in confidence, independence, and life skills has been a hallmark of her career. As she steps into retirement, she carries the hope that the love and skills she shared will continue to shape her students' journeys positively.

Donald Convery

Teacher, Dwyer Middle School | 27 Years of Service

Donald Convery began his teaching career in the 1990s and devoted more than 27 years to HBCSD. An experienced educator, he has maintained a commitment to students for more than three decades in public education.

Janette Dunn

Psychologist, Moffett and Smith Elementary Schools | 21 Years of Service

Janette Dunn served HBCSD students and families for 21 years as a school psychologist, providing essential support across Moffett and Smith Elementary Schools. Her expertise and care have made a meaningful difference for the children and communities she served.

Judith Durbin

Teacher, Dwyer Middle School | 37 Years of Service

With 37 years of service to HBCSD, Judith Durbin leaves behind one of the longest careers in the District's history. A math teacher who approached her craft with wit and wisdom, Judith is stepping into retirement, starting with sleep, followed by travel, gardening, reading, and time with family. As she puts it: "The lesson plans are complete, the pencils are down, and the clock finally belongs to me.

Adrienne Heberden

Paraeducator, Eader Elementary School | 21 Years of Service

Adrienne Heberden spent 21 years as a special education paraeducator, contributing far more than a career to the HBCSD community. She credits the District with providing the stability to raise two wonderful children and build a life she treasures. In retirement, she looks forward to casting a line on the water, working in her woodshop, and exploring the lakes and rivers of Central Oregon.

Gary Kowarsch

Paraeducator, Moffett Elementary School | 9 Years of Service

Gary Kowarsch served as a paraeducator, supporting students and helping build lasting memories along the way. As he moves toward the next exciting chapter, he carries with him the friendships and experiences that defined his time with HBCSD.

Ron Keenan

Teacher, Dwyer Middle School | 31 Years of Service

Ron Keenan gave 31 years to the students and staff at Dwyer Middle School, and he wouldn't change a thing. A beloved educator who has been part of the HBCSD fabric since 1996, Ron plans to enjoy family time, including a new granddaughter, along with travel, surfing, fishing, and camping. He leaves with gratitude and his signature spirit: "Aloha and blessings!"

Refugia "Ruth" Kennedy

Paraeducator, Eader Elementary School | 12 Years of Service

Ruth Kennedy served 12 years as a special education paraeducator. She retires with gratitude for the students, colleagues, and friendships she built along the way. Ahead lies quality time with a four-year-old granddaughter and travel adventures with her husband.

Robin Marino

Teacher, Dwyer Middle School | 30 Years of Service

Robin Marino spent 30 years at Dwyer Middle School, where her dedication and generosity of spirit shaped students and colleagues alike. As she reflects on retirement, she sees it as a beginning rather than an ending, one filled with possibility and gratitude. She plans to stay connected by supervising student teachers and looks forward to travel and wildlife photography, including a bucket list trip to Africa.

Theresa Martella

Teacher, Sowers Middle School | 19 Years of Service

Theresa Martella dedicated 19 years to the students of Sowers Middle School, leaving a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of learning from her. In retirement, she is excited to embrace her role as grandma to four grandchildren, plan a trip to Italy, and discover the new adventures that await.

Julia Prager

Library Media Technician II, Eader Elementary School | 11 Years of Service

Julia Prager came to education after a career in accounting and found her true calling as a school librarian. During her 11 years, she served on the LCAP Committee, School Site Council, and CSEA Executive Board. As she begins this new chapter, she looks forward to celebrating her 40th wedding anniversary, spending time with five grandchildren, and embracing new hobbies including watercolor painting, yoga, and pickleball.

Nick Tak

Information Technology Technician, District Office | 26 Years of Service

Nick Tak provided essential technology support to the District for 26 years, ensuring classrooms and staff had the tools they needed. His quiet, steady expertise has been a cornerstone of operations and is appreciated by all who worked alongside him.

Laural Thurkettle

Educational Support Assistant I, District Office | 17 Years of Service

Laural Thurkettle served for 17 years, bringing dedication to her role. Her behind-the-scenes contributions helped the District's work, and her presence will be warmly remembered.

Susan Webb

Teacher, Sowers Middle School | 23 Years of Service

Susan Webb spent 23 years at Sowers Middle School, offering her students a steady, caring presence. Her commitment to teaching and to community has been a hallmark of her career, and she carries the gratitude of countless students and colleagues as she steps into retirement.

As the sun sets on these remarkable careers, we are reminded that the best sunsets leave the sky glowing long after the light is gone. On behalf of our Board of Trustees and our entire community, we are honored to celebrate them and wish them a retirement filled with joy, adventure, and well-earned rest.