News Hub

 

JUNE 5, 2025— The stories didn’t just echo through the halls at Pal-Mac, they sang.

On Wednesday, the District marked its 75th anniversary with a day that was equal parts celebration and a reunion of hearts and history.

The morning began with a retiree luncheon, with more than 40 former faculty and staff in attendance, including former Superintendent Jim Tobin, who led the district until his retirement in 2005.

They gathered in the High School Lower Cafeteria, not for a staff meeting or a professional development day,  but for laughter, shared memories, and lunch courtesy of the District’s Food Services team.

Teachers and administrators from Macedon Elementary (now known as the Intermediate School)

High School Math Teacher and Administrative Intern Chris Oaks (‘02) offered opening remarks before Superintendent Dr. Bob Ike addressed the group. 

Attendees tested their knowledge with a trivia quiz pulled from the history-laden wall decorations and shared favorite stories from their time in the district.

School Board members including President Laura Arrington, Vice President Dave Landon, Chad Lindstrom (‘96), Sarah Newman, Amy Boesel, and Gary LaBerge (‘61) were also in attendance.

Chad Lindstrom (center) pictured with two of his former teachers

Before the luncheon, the guests were greeted in the Performing Arts Center (PAC)  lobby with a living museum of sorts. Yearbooks. Photo albums. Old tech. A Pal-Mac flag, and much more were on display.

District Archivist Christina Serafin and several community members provided the artifacts for the display, which allowed everyone to take a trip down memory lane.

Retirees could also view a timeline of the District's history.

One former teacher said she’d spent “my whole life” in the building.

“It’s so wonderful to hear all of you talking to each other and feel the energy in the room,” said Superintendent Dr. Bob Ike. “Seventy-five years is a long time to honor as a school. Think about the hundreds of students who have walked through the halls and classrooms.”

Those halls were open Wednesday afternoon, as each school building welcomed alumni, staff, retirees, and community members for self-guided tours. Greeters stood by in every building, with some offering stories, while others simply soaked in the nostalgia.

The evening’s culminating event was the High School Select Choir’s Senior Night performance, which doubled as an emotional tribute to the 75th anniversary. Under the direction of Ms. Katie Fisher, both the Select and High School Choirs performed an eclectic set ranging from 90s pop hits to classical selections.

But it was the final two songs that bridged past, present and future.

Stepping back onto the Pal-Mac stage was Mrs. Ann Gatta Beaucage, the founder of the Select Choir and a former music teacher who retired in 2004 after more than 40 years of service. Beaucage traveled from Utah with her husband Dave,  also a long-time Pal-Mac teacher, to conduct the final two pieces of the night.

“I think Pal-Mac is unusually excellent,” she said. “I meant to come here for three or four years and planned to move on, but I didn’t  because of the students, the community, and the administration.”

Beaucage (lower middle) pictured with the assembled alumni choir

She wasn’t alone in making the journey back. Alumni joined current students on stage. The group rehearsed the night before to prepare for the joint performance. In a full-circle moment, three generations of one family helped bring the concert to life: Select Choir accompanist Scott Parker (‘93) performed alongside his mother, Jean, his predecessor in the role. Scott’s son, Joshua, a Pal-Mac grad, helped out as a page turner.

The McFarlane family brought even more legacy to the stage, with four family members performing: Cim (‘88), Jacob (‘21), Emily (‘23), and current student Nella. 

The McFarlane family (provided)

“It’s so wonderful to hear all of you talking to each other and feel the energy in the room,” Dr. Ike said “75 years is a long time to honor each year as a school. Think about the hundreds of students who have walked through the halls and classrooms!”

Dr. Ike addresses the retirees at the 75th Anniversary luncheon

As mentioned, the evening also recognized the graduating seniors of the Select Choir:

Morgan Adamson, Teagan Bross, Anakin Cathey, Isabelle Cole, Phoebe Cole, Ryan Fink, Ava Ribstein, Jenna Steines, Madeleine Sullivan, Sadie Thompson, Sabastian Villatoro, Logan Vogl, and Jairdan Whitney.

Seniors recognized on stage

The day may have been about celebrating a milestone, but real meaning could be found in the faces of those who returned, in the smiles exchanged over sandwiches and salads, in the voices that joined together in song, and in the moments when history and present day stood in harmony.

For 75 years, Pal-Mac has been more than a school district. It’s been a community, a family, a chorus.

And on this day, everyone came home to sing.

Special thanks to Amber Jenkins (‘98), Doug Blackall, Andy Wahl ('90), the High School Custodial Staff, Ralph Brongo (‘93),  Mr.Oaks, Paige Salmon, Tracey Nichols, Kris Murphy, and many others for their hard work and dedication to making this day possible.

A full photo gallery from the concert can be found by clicking here.

 

A full photo gallery from the luncheon can be found by clicking here.