The Macks Creek Alumni Association hosted the 66th Annual Banquet this Saturday. This year’s banquet featured special recognition and honor of the 1974 graduates. Additionally, the graduates of the Class of 2024 were recognized along with the classes of 2014 (10th year), 2004 (20th), 1999 (25th), 1994 (30th), 1984 (40th), 1964 (60th) and 1954 (70th).
Members of each honored class shared memories.
In addition to a variety of other traditional festivities, the Alumni honored Teachers of the Year and inducted a new member into the Hall of Fame. Mrs. Katie Danek was selected as Elementary Teacher of the Year and Ms. Melani Biggers was selected as the High School Teacher of the Year. Lastly, Kristy Eidson was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Biographies for Mrs. Danek, Ms. Biggers, and Ms. Eidson are below:
Elementary Teacher-of-the-Year - Mrs. Katie Danek
Katie Danek has worked for the Macks Creek R-V School District for the past 5 years between preschool, 3rd grade, and Title I Reading. Mrs. Danek says that she appreciates working in the district because of the relationships she gets to cultivate with her colleagues and students. She shared, "Moving into the position of Title I Reading teacher this year has been a great experience as I get to work with smaller groups of students and focus on more specific reading goals." Mrs. Danek currently resides in Roach with her husband Scott and daughter Elliette. She says that she is looking forward to this summer and all of the Lake activities, zoo and library trips, and vacations with her family. "Winning Teacher of the Year is like the icing on the cake to a very rewarding school year, and I am truly humbled that my colleagues nominated and then voted for me - Macks Creek is such a wonderful place to be," she commented.
High School Teacher-of-the-Year - Ms. Melani Biggers
Melani Biggers started her career four years ago as Macks Creek School's K-12 Music Teacher. After performing at Main Street Music Hall for 10 years, Melani decided to take a different path with her passion for music, hoping to instill that same passion in students. Melani grew up right down the road, in Stoutland, which helped her to realize bringing music to a small rural district was exactly what she wanted to be doing. Melani holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Central Methodist University and in her free time she still performs throughout the Lake area. She is looking forward to what the future holds at Macks Creek and is excited to continue to build a strong music program!
Macks Creek Secondary Principal Jason Trusty added, “Ms. Biggers brings a lot of love and enthusiasm for music to her classes. She has really worked to grow our music programs, and this year she was able to start a marching band and a pep band. She is always willing to lend a hand and help out in any capacity here in our District. She is a very valued member of our staff and we are excited to see what continues to do with her programs!”
66th Annual Hall of Fame Inductee
Ms. Kristy Eidson was inducted into the Macks Creek School Hall of Fame at this year’s 66th annual Alumni Banquet. Kristy was born in 1979 to Stephen and Patricia Eidson, both Macks Creek Alumni. She attended all thirteen years of school at Macks Creek and graduated as Salutatorian in 1997. Kristy attended the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2001 with a double major in Business Education and Spanish. She received a Masters in School Counseling from Lincoln University in 2004, and a Specialist in Education in Teacher Leadership from Missouri State University in 2024.
Kristy enjoys hiking, painting, and spending time with family and friends. She is an active member of Lower Prairie Hollow Missionary Baptist Church where she plays piano and she has a 15 year old son, Calvin, who currently serves as her chauffeur whenever possible.
Kristy has been an educator for 24 years, teaching and counseling at Horizons Laker Educational Center in Camdenton, Tse’ii’ahi Community School on the Navajo Reservation in New Mexico, Warsaw High School, and Macks Creek School, where she is currently teaching Business and Spanish classes and is the Yearbook and FBLA advisor.
Congratulations Kristy on your induction to the Alumni Hall of Fame! We are grateful for your service to Macks Creek School and our entire community!
After Kristy's induction, first time attendees, those traveling the greatest distance, the oldest graduate, Macks Creek School teachers past and present, and past and present school board members were all recognized. This year the oldest graduate in attendance was Hilda Charlton Campbell. Hilda, from the Class of 1955, celebrated her 69th year since she graduated Macks Creek School! Lastly, a moment of silence was held for deceased alumni and veterans.
Alumni Treasurer, Jill Hostetler with the banquet's oldest alum, Hilda Charlton Campbell.
Alumni heard various presentations throughout the evening.
The Alumni are grateful for everyone who was able to attend this year’s banquet to make it a tremendous success! Alumni Association President, Ms. Kristy Eidson wishes to invite all alumni to mark their calendars to plan to attend next year’s banquet which will be June 28, 2025.
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