News Hub

DEC.9, 2024—The Pal-Mac Board of Education recently recognized a special member of the Pal-Mac community for her efforts to help students achieve their dreams.

Joan DeCann, founder of the Palmyra-Macedon Chapter of Dollars for Scholars, was presented with the prestigious Friend of Education award at the Board's meeting at the Middle School.

The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the Pal-Mac educational community.

DeCann helped establish the Chapter in 1988, creating a lifeline for Pal-Mac graduates pursuing higher education. The nonprofit organization has since become one of the most successful chapters in New York, raising scholarship funds, establishing endowments, assisting with college readiness and financial aid, and distributing scholarships annually.

The program has awarded nearly $3 million to more than 2,500 students, some of whom are first-generation college attendees.

“Her work has literally changed people’s lives,” Board member Sarah Newman said.

Newman formally awarded DeCann the award.

DeCann worked in the District as a counselor at the high school, and retired in 2010. Her commitment to the Chapter's mission remained unwavering.

She continues to meet monthly with the chapter’s Board of Directors, coordinating the annual Phone-A-Thon, reviewing applications, selecting scholarship recipients, and planning the awards ceremony—writing its script herself.