By Julie Barzilay

Performing arts teacher Mark Hilt was hospitalized for over three weeks last month for surgery related to a kidney ailment, performing arts department head Rees Pugh said.

Hilt entered the hospital on Wednesday, Oct. 8 and underwent surgery that Friday. He returned to teach his orchestra classes Monday, Nov. 3.

Daniel Faltus, who has worked with the performing arts department previously, began substituting for Hilt’s classes on Thursday, Oct. 16. Hilt’s responsibilities relating to "Into the Woods" were shared by performing arts teacher Shawn Constantino and accompanist Chip Colvin.