Benton Heights School of the Arts is bidding a heartfelt farewell to a dynamic duo whose combined 68 years of dedication have shaped countless young lives: Holly and Frank Casstevens. As they start their retirement, their story is one of serendipity, shared passion and a steadfast commitment to education and the arts.
Their story began with a blind date on March 9, 1996, arranged by a mutual friend. Holly, originally from Pennsylvania, had moved to Union County a year earlier to teach at Prospect Elementary. She instantly connected with Frank, a veteran music educator who had been inspiring students since 1987. “The rest was history,” she said with a smile.
Frank began his career in Union County with Monroe City Schools, teaching kindergarten through fifth-grade music. In 1993, just a few years before he met Holly, Monroe City and Union County schools merged to form Union County Public Schools. In his early years, Frank rotated between campuses, including Benton Heights and East Elementary, every two weeks.
After seven years at Prospect, Holly transferred to Benton Heights in 2003, drawn by the school’s year-round calendar and a district incentive program.
Working in the same field created a unique dynamic at home. “It’s certainly conversational dinner talk, probably to our detriment sometimes,” Frank said with a laugh. “But the good news was we understood each other well.”
“Education is a 24/7 job,” Holly added. “It’s special to have a partner who understands that side of you.”
Their presence at Benton Heights often sparked curiosity among students, especially those who had known both over time.
“It’s funny when our fifth graders—who’ve been here since kindergarten—finally put it together: ‘Wait, you two are married?’” Holly said.
Reflecting on their careers, both expressed pride in the growth of UCPS. Holly praised the district’s investment in professional development, including her participation in the North Carolina Teacher Academy—a statewide program that was discontinued.
“Union County is always on the cutting edge,” she said.
Frank emphasized the transformation of Benton Heights into an art school. He recalled partnerships with Arts in Education and the opening of a new performing arts center in 2018.
“Being the only elementary school with dance and theater has been exciting for me—I love creativity,” he said.
As they look ahead, both plan to stay active in education and service. Holly will return to tutoring part-time at the Huntington Learning Center in Weddington—a full-circle moment, as she began her career with the company while living in Pennsylvania. Frank will continue to deliver private piano lessons, take on a role with a local church and explore other performance opportunities.
“I’m very blessed. My faith is strong, and I’ve always believed in finishing strong,” he said.
Saying goodbye wasn’t easy. Holly, an interventionist teacher, had the chance to offer more personal farewells. Frank, who teaches every student at the school, shared the news during his final week of instruction. One-fourth grader begged him to stay: “Mr. Casstevens, please stay one more year! I’ll be in fifth grade—we can go together!”
The Casstevenses leave behind a powerful legacy.
“The school isn’t the building—it’s the people,” Holly said. Frank added, “Children don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
06/25/2025
