Over 200 people came to a July 8 gathering to express their gratitude for outgoing Superintendent of Schools Becky McFall’s leadership of the school district through multiple building projects and Covid. Past teachers, administrators, and community members joined current staff and friends to celebrate Dr. McFall’s tenure at the Lincoln Public Schools.
The event started off with a performance by the LPS Step Team of students from Hanscom and Lincoln led by METCO Director Marika Hamilton. The steppers displayed their art form of making a capella-style beats with their body to create an experience that brings together dance, music, and community. They entered the Learning Commons wearing gray wigs and chanting “Will the real Dr. McFall please stand up, please stand up, please stand up!” They performed several dances including “Joyful” and were encouraged by loud audience applause.
Those who paid tribute to McFall with heartfelt words, smiles and tears included Matt Reed and Blake Siskavich (co-presidents of the Lincoln Educators Association), Hanscom Middle School Principal Erich Ledebuhr, Director of Educational Operations and Technology Rob Ford, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jess Rose, Col. Taona Enriquez and Chief Master Sgt. Alan Weary of Hanscom Air Force Base, and past School Committee chairs Jennifer Glass, Tim Christenfeld, and Tara Mitchell.
The current School Committee capped off the evening by presenting Becky with a pillow quilted by Lincoln resident Dilla Tingley and surprised Becky by informing her that the Learning Commons will be named after her. John MacLachlan, Chair of the School Committee unveiled a brass plaque that commemorates the McFall Learning Commons.
Dr. McFall is retiring this summer and Dr. Parry Graham will become the new superintendent as of July 1.