PROCTORVILLE — Representatives from Hospice of Huntington were at Fairland Middle School Wednesday morning to pick up a check for $2,000 to be used for a Laurel Leaf on the Bridge of Caring Donor Wall in honor of Candy Haugen.

Candy’s Army, along with the help of Fairland West Middle School, was able to raise enough money for the leaf.

“We never anticipated when we were raising our daughter that we would use these resources,” Carol Haugen, Candy’s mother, said. “It’s been a real honor to know that Fairland Middle has been there for us in our darkest times.”

Fairland Middle School assistant principal Evelyn Capper has been involved with Candy’s Army and the things that they have been doing each month in Candy’s honor.

“It was an honor to be able to have met and work with Candy,” she said. “It’s humbling that students came together to be able to get something tangible for Candy at the Hospice of Huntington. She taught us that everyday is worth doing your best.”

Hospice of Huntington knows the importance of helping people get through hard times, as it is where Candy spent her last days.

“Hospice of Huntington is here to help people of all ages and all of their families,” Melanie Hall, president and CEO, said. “We are just honored to have the opportunity to help their family during this hard time.”

Along with Carol Haugen, Capper and Hall, others present for the check presentation were Candy’s father, Wally Haugen, Candy’s aunt Susan Hardesty, Fairland Middle School pincipal Aaron Lewis, Karen Dickson from Hospice of Huntington and superintendent of Fairland schools Roni Hayes.

“I feel like we have not only a caring staff, but our students on multiple occasions have stepped up when they needed to,” Hayes said. “This is one of those occasions. I’m really proud of what they have accomplished.”