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DEC. 31, 2025—In 2025, the Palmyra-Macedon Central School District celebrated its 75th Anniversary with a year defined by the theme of excellence.

From record-breaking community support and elite academic research to a stellar year in athletics and the arts, and the birth of new traditions, 2025 stood as a definitive milestone in the district’s history. We're taking a look back at all of it!

I. 2025’s Definitive District Milestones

The year’s most significant stories were characterized by high-level institutional achievement and the emotional celebration of a 75-year legacy.

NASA Frontiers (January)

2025 graduates Maddie Sullivan and Richard Perry traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend the American Astronomical Society (AAS) Winter Meeting, the largest gathering of professional astronomers in the world. They were joined by longtime Pal-Mac High School earth science teacher Mr. Joe Perry. The trio worked on a several months-long research project alongside eight other teachers and 14 students across the country.

The project involved analyzing archival data from infrared space telescopes to study protostars, or young stars in the earliest stages of development. 

Their work, which gained significant media attention, was part of NASA-funded research through the NASA/IPAC Teacher Archive Research Program (NITARP).
 

Workplace Excellence & Leadership (April)

For the fifth time since 2015, Pal-Mac was named a Rochester Top Workplace by the Democrat and Chronicle/USA Today. It ranked fourth among large companies in the region. The award is based on an annual employee survey which evaluates categories such as employee engagement and job satisfaction.

Additionally, Superintendent Dr. Bob Ike received the Leadership Award for the same category.

Baseball's Back in Improved Digs (March)

On March 31, the District celebrated its renovated artificial turf baseball field with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Senior team members joined Board members and other leaders to officially open the facility, which ended a two-year period where the team played "home" games off-site.

A Record-Shattering Year for Dollars for Scholars (June)

In June, the community showed unprecedented support for the Class of 2025 by awarding more than $247,000 in scholarships to 88 graduates during the Palmyra-Macedon Dollars for Scholars (DFS) Award Ceremony. This marked the first time in the chapter's 37-year history that the total surpassed the $200k mark, which solidified Pal-Mac's program as one of the most successful in New York State.

75 Years of Pal-Mac Pride

As mentioned, the 2024-2025 school year marked 75 years of Pal-Mac, and the District celebrated all year long. In 2025, the party started at the Pal-Mac Primary School, as it celebrated the 75th day of school with a student-led morning meeting and a skit depicting the historic 1950 merger.

Throughout the year, the District also took a peek back into the archives as it shared several video, photo, and written throwbacks. Among the most popular features was a look back at a 1987 video titled "Pal-Mac and Proud of It," which gave a comprehensive look at the District and the community.

There were also several alumni stories, including 1951 graduate, Shirley Youngman. 1951 was the inaugural Pal-Mac class.

The Grand Finale (June 4)

The official anniversary day featured hours of special celebrations including a retiree luncheon, with more than 40 former faculty and staff in attendance. Visitors also walked through a "living museum" that included all sorts of Pal-Mac memorabilia and artifacts, as well as a wall of fun facts about the District's history.

The day was capped off with 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.

The night also marked the return of 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.

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II. Landmark "Firsts" and Cultural Returns

2025 was also defined by the birth of new traditions and the return of familiar ones.

The Inaugural "Level Up Day" (February)

The high school hosted its first-ever “Level Up Day,” which was designed to empower students to "level up" their academic and career plans. The day allowed students to explore a wide range of electives, from tech and business to the arts, and attend sessions on high-impact programs like the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, the NYS Seal of Biliteracy, and the Seal of Civic Readiness. 

Board of Education Welcomes its First Student Board Members 

The Pal-Mac Board of Education (BOE) expanded its commitment to student voice in 2025 by welcoming high school students Lily Cooley and Dane Hartwell as its first-ever student Board members. The duo was officially sworn in earlier this year, taking "a seat at the table" to provide a direct bridge between the student body and district leadership on policy and school climate.

Their roles extended beyond the local boardroom in late September, as they joined fellow student leaders from across the region for the Four-County School Boards Association’s Student Board Member Leadership Summit. 

 

The Great Cardboard Boat Regatta Returns (November)

After a brief hiatus, this beloved “Great Cardboard Boat Regatta" returned. Students in Mr. Jennette’s EDD class raced hand-built crafts, with the "USS Nemo" (piloted by Carson Lich and George Newsome) taking the top prize.

The event, which was live streamed, also featured boats from students in the Manchester-Shortsville (Red Jacket) CSD.

Return of Concert on the Green & All-County Instrumental Festival

The Pal-Mac band tradition of “Concert on the Green" returned to the high school bus loop lawn in June after a three year hiatus. The event featured live music from the Middle School and High School Bands on what turned out to be a gorgeous night.

Pal-Mac was also pleased to host the 2025 All-County Instrumental Festival for the first time in 12 years, welcoming 300 of the region’s best musicians, including several Pal-Mac student-musicians. Students had just six weeks to learn the music before coming together for the festival, which is known for its rigorous audition process.

Student Sparks First-Ever Intermediate School History Fair (November)

The historic Macedon Academy hosted another piece of history in November as it welcomed the first-ever Intermediate School History Fair. The fair featured research projects from 17 students across grades 3-5, with each setup covering a different topic from throughout history. The event was inspired by a comment made by current 6th-grader Lucille. PMI teacher Mrs. Karin Thomas then turned the idea into a reality, and it was a hit!

Innovation in the Hallways (April)

The Primary School introduced Hallway Math Tasks, part of the "Building Thinking Classrooms" model led by Mrs. Donoghue. The effort turned common spaces into collaborative learning zones and encourages students to tackle challenging math problems in more active and student-centered ways.

Driven for a Cause (October):

Senior Jonas Henley organized and hosted the “Revving Up the Band” event, which featured dozens of classic cars, live student-performed and DJ’d music, food trucks, a 50/50 raffle, and other vendors. The event served as a fundraiser for the High School Band, and was an extension of his Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) project, which is a function of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme

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III. Athletic Accolades: A Season of Champions

The athletic year was also marked by dominant returns and individual career-defining milestones.

Football Finishes as Undefeated Champions (November)

The Red Raider Varsity Football team capped off a perfect season in November by winning their second Wayne-Finger Lakes Independent League title in three years. Several Pal-Mac team members took home awards for their efforts in the game.

The 1,000-Point Legacy (January)

Senior Taryn Goodness reached the 1,000-point career scoring mark for the Varsity Girls Basketball team in early January. In doing so, she joined her brothers Paulie ('22) and Ian ('23) in the prestigious club.

 

Student-Athletes Secure Spots in State Championships

Several Pal-Mac winter athletes earned themselves a spot in the New York State Championships for their respective sports. First, wrestlers Zach Rooks and Luke VanGorden finished first in the state qualifiers, which clinched their berths for the second straight year. 

Next, varsity swimmer George Newsome clinched his second consecutive Section V title in the 500 Freestyle, which also clinched his spot in states for the second-straight year. Newsome has continued to break several school and other records along the way.

Varsity Tennis Member Receives Major Award

Pal-Mac Varsity Tennis team member Ella Eakins was the recipient of the Finger Lakes League’s Bill Coleman Award, which is given to a senior who is recognized as an ambassador of tennis.

Ella, who earned a spot in the New York State Qualifiers this season, was heavily involved, highly dedicated, and went above and beyond.

Mahnke’s reaches 300th win, Karns retires after stellar career

Varsity Boys Soccer Coach Chris Mahnke earned his 300th career victory in early September. Mahnke took over the program in 1999 and has led Pal-Mac to several winning seasons, including back-to-back Section V Championships in 2018 and 2019.

Additionally, Girls Varsity Soccer Coach Mike Karns retired from his position after a highly-successful two decades-long career of his own. Karns' teams won four Section V (Five) Championships and made several appearances in the New York State tournament. The most recent title happened in 2022.

 

Also of note:

• Pal-Mac Hockey player selected for Buffalo Sabres-backed showcase
• Four Pal-Mac lacrosse student-athletes sign National Letters of Intent
• 3 students selected for Rochester Ronald McDonald House Senior HS All-Star game

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IV. Individual Student & Staff Excellence

• History-Making Scholars: Lillian Boesel (Valedictorian) and Elise Tome (Salutatorian) led the Class of 2025.

 

• Seal Acquired: Tome and fellow senior Jayden Vinke became the first students in District history to earn the NYS Seal of Biliteracy. The seal is awarded to high school seniors who demonstrate a high level of skill in English and at least one other language.

• Service & Leadership: Seniors Phoebe Cole and Layla Steinruck received the W-FL Superintendent Award, while fellow senior Hayden Smith was awarded the Section V Winter Scholar-Athlete Scholarship.

 

• Student Jenna Lindstrom was honored with the 2025 Youth Leadership Recognition Award. The award, which is coordinated by New York State Senator Pamela Helming, recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional leadership and achievement in academics, athletics, music, arts, and/or community service. 

   

• 14 middle school students were inducted into 2025 National Junior Honor Society class

 

• Middle School student Nathaniel Santos and JoDee Zsembery earned a spot in the Wayne-Finger Lakes Regional Spelling Bee. Nathaniel and JoDee were among several other students from around our region competing for a spot in the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

 

• 5th grader Andrew K. received recognition for catching an incredible fish at 9.61 lbs and 24 ¾ inches at the Riedman Foundation Trout Derby. His big catch earned him a $500 prize and a 4-hour fishing tour on Lake Ontario!

 

• The Golden Apple: Kindergarten teacher Shana Dehn was honored with the WROC-TV Golden Apple Award, which recognized her for her impact  on her students.

 

• Heart of the District: The Intermediate School planned a sweet surprise for long-time staff member Mrs. Terri Hopkins in February.  Every single classroom in the building wrote her a message of gratitude on paper hearts. The effort was featured as a 13 WHAM Bright Spot. 

 

• Faculty, Staff Honored at Opening Day: The District celebrated several faculty and staff members for their efforts during the annual Opening Day ceremony in September. Awards included Staff  Member of the Year, Teacher of the Year, and Special Recognitions. Team members were also honored for their years of service. The day also featured an opening address from Board of Education President Laura Arrington, and Superintendent Dr.Bob Ike, as well as a special musical performance from the Rockin’ Red Raiders student band.

 

• Students of the Year: Morgan Adamson (High School), Aubrey Young (Middle School), Cecelia Lofgren (Intermediate School), and Xander Wood (Primary School) were each named the 2025 Students of the Year! 

 

V. Performing Arts 

The District marked 2025 with a series of high-profile performing arts performances and milestones. The year was anchored by significant honors including multiple All-State and All-County selections, and several performing arts awards related to our stellar stage productions.

On the stage, the district’s drama and music programs delivered standout performances that garnered regional acclaim. The high school production of "Mamma Mia!" was a centerpiece of the spring season, earning multiple "Stars of Tomorrow" awards from the Rochester Broadway Theatre League, including recognition for Overall Musical Production and Excellence in Student Orchestra. The school’s theatrical range was further showcased by the Drama Club's fall production of "Radium Girls," a poignant drama based on the true story of factory workers in the 1920s.

Meanwhile, the Middle School Drama Club brought the literary classic "Charlotte’s Web" to life in the spring. The group followed that up several thrilling sing along performances of "The Lion King Jr." in the fall. 

When they weren't winning awards, our music ensembles were putting together amazing seasonal concerts. Among the many stellar shows was the High School Band's "Cabaret Night" in February. The show doubled as a fundraiser for the band's first-ever trip to Nashville, which happened at the end of March.

The band wasn't the only high school ensemble to make a big trip in 2025, as the award-winning Select Choir traveled overseas to Ireland.

Our Middle School ensembles were also well-traveled, as they performed in their annual Rochester Lilac Festival concert in May, and took home outstanding judge scores at the Six Flags Darien Lake Music Festival in June.

VI. Alumni Excellence

Several Pal-Mac alumni were featured for making local and national waves this year.

In May, the District celebrated 2009 graduate Alex Ekstrom, who was inducted into the Section V Wrestling Hall of Fame following a standout career as a state champion. 1996 graduate Jeff Robinson was also formally inducted into the Section V Boys Swimming Hall of Fame.

This theme of excellence extended to 2001 graduate Dr. Christian Pulcini, a pediatric emergency medicine physician and author of the children’s book "The Family Squeeze." The book was released earlier this year, and was his debut book.

We also brought you the story of 2018 graduate Josh Moyer, who received the City of Geneva (NY) Police Department's Life Saving Award for his heroic actions in administering CPR and utilizing an AED to save a man’s life during a medical emergency.

2021 graduate Beau Fillion and 2022 Aiden Jerome also made headlines for their respective efforts in 2025. Fillion was recognized for being one of only three college interns working as an interpretive ranger at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. Jerome received recognition for jumping into to action to help trapped passengers following a tragic bus rollover on the New York State Thruway in August,

The District also celebrated the emerging talent of 2023 graduate Emily McFarlane, who earned a nomination for "Best Student Film and Best Costume/Set." at the New York Long Island Film Festival.

Also on the big screen, 2021 graduate Luke Medina's newest film "Renner" officially hit theaters in February! The film starred Frankie Muniz, and was co-written with his Luke's father, Marty! 

We also brought you the amazing story of 1970 graduate Jim McGinnis, who remains a community icon for his work at the Palmyra Community Center. The story was among our most popular throughout the entire year!

As you could see, 2025 was a major year at Pal-Mac, and we're so excited to share even more amazing stories in 2026!