The Macks Creek Alumni Association hosted the 67th Annual Banquet this past Saturday. This year’s banquet featured special recognition and honor of the 1975 graduates. Additionally, the graduates of the Class of 2025 were recognized along with the classes of 2015 (10th year), 2005 (20th), 2000 (25th), 1995 (30th), 1985 (40th), 1965 (60th) and 1955 (70th).
Photo Caption: Members of the honored classes share about life since graduation.
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. Ms. Melani Biggers was selected as Elementary Teacher of the Year and Ms. Marie Kelly was selected as the High School Teacher of the Year. Lastly, Mrs. Helen Peavey was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Biographies for Ms. Biggers, Mrs. Kelly, and Mrs. Peavey are below:
Elementary Teacher-of-the-Year - Ms. Melani Biggers
Photo caption: Macks Creek Elementary Teacher of the Year, Ms. Melani Biggers with the Nominating Committee Director, Mr. Craig Parrack after receiving her award.
Melani Biggers, who was voted the Macks Creek High School Teacher-of-the-Year in 2024, started her career as a K-12 music teacher at Macks Creek School 5 years ago. After performing at Main Street Music Hall for 10 years, Melani decided to take a different path with her passion for music by becoming an educator. It is her lifelong goal to foster a passion for music in her students. Melani grew up nearby in Stoutland. Her small-town upbringing helped her realize fostering a love of music in children and youth in a small rural school was exactly what she wanted to be doing.
Melani holds a bachelor’s degree in Education from Central Methodist University. 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!
High School Teacher-of-the-Year - Ms. Marie Kelly
Marie Kelly began her career as the MS English teacher four years ago after time in the private sector. On top of her teaching duties, Ms. Kelly is the Co-Sponsor of Student Council, a member of both the building and district leadership teams, and will take on the role of Advisor for the district's National Honor Society this coming year.
Marie's journey to teaching was an unconventional one. After a successful career in banking, Marie decided to pursue her passion for education. This decision was influenced by her years as a Boy Scouts leader, where she found inspiration while helping her two sons—both of whom earned the prestigious Eagle Scout rank. Her calling to teach grew from this leadership experience, and she made the bold decision to return to school and obtain her teaching certification. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in management from the University of Central Missouri and completed her teacher certification coursework at Central Methodist University.
Originally from Kansas City, Marie moved to the Lake area to assist her grandparents in Halfway, where she has enjoyed the close-knit, small-town lifestyle. A lover of literature, Kelly is an avid reader and writer, and she passionately shares her love for both with her students.
67th Hall-of-Fame Inductee - Mrs. Helen Peavey
Helen was born in 1952 to Ross and Fay Newton, both graduates of Camdenton High School. Helen attended all 12 years of school at Macks Creek. She also attended 2 1/2 years of college at Southwest Missouri State University.
In 1977 Helen married Walter Peavey. She and Walter had 2 daughters, Stephanie and Tiffany, who also graduated from Macks Creek and married alumni. Helen has a grandson who is currently attending Macks Creek school.
Helen has worked over the years for various companies including Tan-Tar-A (in the cost- accounting department), Welch Gas Co. (as a bookkeeper/secretary), and for Ozark's Crafts and Cedar Novelties. Helen served as the Macks Creek High School Secretary for 24 years before she retired in 2017. She recalls working with Shelly Aubuchon, Chris Welch, Mandy Newcomer, Brent Yates, Donna Moffit, Craig Parrack and Doug Kempker who all served as principals. Helen shared “it was my perfect job as I made many friends over the years with students, parents, faculty and staff!”. During her time working at Macks Creek School, Helen was also the Cheerleading sponsor for a few years and loved going to basketball games as she was a big fan. She loved her job and shared “the hours, days, weeks and years flew by.”
Helen enjoys fishing, swimming, kayaking, hiking, crafts and most of all, spending time with her family and friends. She is a member of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church. She is also an active member of the Branch Homemakers Club.
After Helen'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 Edna Green Preciado. Edna, from the Class of 1956, celebrated her 69th year since she graduated Macks Creek School! Edna fondly remembered her schooling. She still holds the Lady Pirates record for the most points scored in a single game. Nicknamed the “Green Hornet” by her classmates, she scored 56 points in one game! Lastly, a moment of silence was held for deceased alumni and veterans.
Photo Caption: Alumni Secretary Mildred Webster with Edna “Green Hornet” Green Preciado (Class of 1956)
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 27, 2026.
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