About Us

CAWNY History:

Many thanks to Dr. June Stillwell for submitting this history.

CAWNY's Beginning

In the 50's, the NY State Education Department provided regular fall teachers' meetings in various parts of the State, identified as "Zones". In 1959, the Western Zone learned that no future teachers' meetings would be held by NYS . Since in most school districts, there was only one Latin teacher, the "Zone" meeting had become a vital place to exchange ideas, learn of new procedures etc. and would be sorely missed.

An eager group of Latin teachers banded together to decide how they could meet on a regular basis. One of the professorial mentors who encouraged teachers to form an "association" was Dr. F. Gordon Stockin, Classics Dept. at Houghton College. Dr. Stockin was an officer in the Classical Association of Atlantic States and the speaker at the 1959 meeting.

Coming Together

Throughout late 1959 and early 1960 a number of Latin teachers met regularly to work out details. Among these were: George Constantou, Donna Cadwell, Lillian Barrows, Rita Bauer, Margaret Widmer, Paul Becker, Edward Kruse ,Marion Glawatz, Sister Jeanne Therese and June Ulrich

(Stillwell). Planning meetings were conducted at Cleveland Hill HS, Clarence HS, Kenmore West HS et al.

Officers were selected: George Constantou agreed to be 1st president; June Stillwell became the Vice President; Edward Kruse was treasurer and Lillian Barrows Secretary- all for a term of 2 years. The first meeting

was officially held in the fall of 1960.

In 1962, June U. Stillwell became 2nd president, a position that lasted for the next 2 terms. ( Nearly all of the aforementioned people served as officers except Rita Bauer who passed away unexpectedly.) Donna

Cadwell served as Historian and after her death, materials were turned over either to Margaret Curran-(Orchard Park HS) or Tom Virginia-(Amherst HS & Nardin Academy).

CAWNY Today

Since then, many WNY Latin teachers have held office including: Charleine Riepe, Paul Romanowski, Tom Virginia, Margaret Curran, Patricia Stinger, Gail Taylor, Chris Walsh, Michael DelSignore, Karen Patterson (treas. for many years); Barbara Kuebler, (RecordingSec.) , Cathy Batt (corresponding secretary), Franny Antonidas, Gail Taylor, and many others.

CAWNY has also enjoyed the support of professors in the area's colleges and univeristies, such as Dr. John Peradotto from the University at Buffalo, Dr Thomas Banchich and Dr. David Dietz both from Canisius College, and Dr Michael Johnson, from Buffalo State College. Another great supporter of the Classics and CAWNY has been Sister Rosamond Schubert until her

passing in 2004.

A Lasting Legacy

Notably, CAWNY has had a locally written academic contest and has also published a newsletter compiled by Dr. June Stillwell. Paul Romanowski does most of the typing and page set-ups for the newsletter.