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JUNE 22, 2026— Palmyra-Macedon Intermediate School has been named a National Gold Star School by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), an exciting honor that the school celebrated last Wednesday with a high-energy, surprise red-carpet awards ceremony.

The title places the school in the top half of one percent in the country. Out of more than 88,000 elementary schools across the United States, PMI was one of just 47 learning communities selected for the prestigious award this year.

To mark the achievement, school leaders secretly transformed the gymnasium into a star-studded gala dubbed the "PMI Schoolies". Students and staff arrived to find a formal stage with dramatic uplighting, a custom balloon arch, and a red carpet where classes posed for professional paparazzi photos alongside a surprise guest appearance by the Pal-Mac Red Raider mascot.

During her address Wednesday morning, PMI Principal Jenn Check said "This is less than half of one percent and is an incredible honor. We are so, so very proud of you."

So What Is This Honor?

According to the NAESP, the gold star program recognizes elementary and middle-level schools that demonstrate excellence in leadership, innovation, commitment to student success.

PMI was then evaluated under NAESP’s "Three Pillars of the Principalship" framework, which include an established culture, empowered people, and optimal systems. All three involve some form of student and family engagement in both academic and emotional support, among other fields.

According to an official congratulatory message from the NAESP, the program highlights schools that build a thriving school community by investing in inclusive, high-performing learning environments that promote more than just academic achievement. 

The "PMI Schoolies" Celebration

While the decked out gym was apparent to every student who walked through the doors, the actual nature of the event was kept a tight secret.

To enhance the overall theme, staff members were encouraged to dress up for the occasion as part of a secret staff spirit day.

As the event started, principal Check quizzed students on different award shows like the Oscars and the Grammy Awards, and the pageantry surrounding those events. She then announced the school received the honor, and revealed that she and a dedicated team of advocates secretly pursued the application to highlight the school's culture on a national stage.

"I am so super proud of every person in this school, of all the learning that happens, and how everyone works together to make this such a special place where we focus on being kind, safe, problem solvers, learners, and helping everyone feel like they belong," Check said. "I know this about our school and I know you know this about our school, but that wasn’t enough. I wanted everyone in the whole country to know about our school."

The application was a true community effort. Check credited key recommendation letters written by school librarian Mrs. Kristin Robinson, District Superintendent Dr. Bob Ike, and local parents Mrs. Viens and Mrs. Budziszewski for helping secure the honor.

A Lasting Legacy of Success

Before dismissing classes, Check distributed commemorative gift bags to every room. The bags were filled with gold star stickers, gold star stress balls, and a formal gold star award plaque to display.

She reminded the assembly that the trophy is simply a reflection of the daily dedication of the students and staff.

The ceremony then concluded with Check leading the entire student body in an echo chant of the school’s core six agreements:

"We are kind. We are safe. We are problem solvers. We are learners. We are an important part of PMI. We belong."

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