Orient-Macksburg community meets for final farewell before school district dissolves
The Orient-Macksburg School District held an all-school reunion Saturday, offering former students and teachers one last chance to walk its halls and bid farewell as the district officially dissolved due to low enrollment and financial issues.
The event drew attendees from across the country, including states as far as Montana and Maryland.
Among the participants was Lois Frederick, a beloved teacher in her 90s who began teaching in the district in 1951 and spent 17 years shaping young minds.
"A lot of memories," said Frederick.
Reflecting on the community’s pride in the school, Frederick expressed the collective heartbreak of saying goodbye.
"Something that we really miss. I think our community is so proud of our school and our little town. We are all going to miss it," Frederick said.
For many attendees, memories came flooding back as they reminisced about their school experiences.
"I miss it. I wish I could come back and go one more day through the halls. All the memories are flooding back," said Jessica Cassel, a 2009 graduate.
As the gyms filled with laughter and halls echoed with footsteps, the sentiment was unanimous: The school was more than a building — it was the heart of the community.
Highlighting the school’s former glory, alumni of the Orient Macksburg softball team came together on the field that had been their second home.
The team had once achieved remarkable success, winning 25 consecutive conference championships, and for many, this reunion was a bittersweet moment.
Team members carried out a final tradition, playing catch on the field where they spent countless summers, cherishing memories of dedication and teamwork.
"I'm pretty excited. Maybe a little teary-eyed," said Meg Haines, a 1989 graduate.
Echoing a sense of resilience, many attendees recalled years of rumors predicting the school’s closure.
One individual shared that the school had been rumored to close for nearly 50 years, yet it persevered, demonstrating a testament to community determination.
As they stood together to celebrate its legacy, attendees acknowledged the long journey that brought them to this emotional farewell.
Looking forward, those in attendance expressed hope that the school buildings could be repurposed for the benefit of the community.
