Brookings School District is proud to spotlight alumnus Billy McMacken, a member of the BHS Class of 1986, whose career and life journey reflect the lasting impact of teamwork, perseverance, and community connection.
What is your profession?:
I own and operate 9 newspapers in Illinois. I have spent my entire working career in the newspaper industry.
Tell us about your life after high school:
After high school, my path wasn’t a straight line—and that turned out to be a good thing. I stayed close to sports and competition, which taught me discipline, teamwork, and how to handle both wins and losses. Those lessons carried into every part of my life.
I eventually found my professional home in journalism and local media, spending decades learning the business from the ground up. I worked as a sportswriter, then moved into leadership roles that balanced storytelling, business decisions, and community responsibility. Covering high school sports and local events showed me how powerful local journalism can be when it’s done with care and integrity.
Some of the most meaningful experiences came later—guiding newspapers through ownership transitions, mergers, and even difficult shutdowns. Those moments reinforced that leadership isn’t just about numbers or strategy; it’s about people, trust, and honoring the communities you serve.
What accomplishments are you most proud of from your time at BHS?
Well, as my wonderful teachers could tell you, I wasn't the greatest student mostly because I didn't apply myself as well as I should have. My biggest source of pride from my high school years was participating in Bobcat sports. I had the time of my life.
What is your favorite Bobcat memory?
My favorite Bobcat memory isn’t tied to one game or moment, but to the feeling of being part of something bigger than myself. Competing with teammates, wearing the Bobcat name with pride, and sharing everyday moments in the locker room and on the field shaped who I am. The lessons—accountability, teamwork, and pushing through adversity—have stayed with me long after high school. The friendships and shared experiences stand out most, and they’re what I still carry today. Those Bobcat years laid the foundation for everything that came next and remain a source of pride and gratitude.
What advice do you have for current students who want to make the most out of their experience at BHS?
Don’t feel pressure to have everything figured out right now. Very few people do—and those who think they do often change course anyway. Focus on working hard, showing up on time, and treating people well. Those traits matter more than any single class or job title.
Say yes to opportunities, even outside your comfort zone. Sports, clubs, part-time jobs, volunteering—these teach teamwork, accountability, and resilience in ways a classroom sometimes can’t. And if you stumble, don’t panic. Mistakes and setbacks aren’t failures; they’re teachers. What matters is how you respond and what you learn.
Finally, stay connected to your community and the people who support you. Relationships matter. In the long run, success isn’t just about where you end up, but the people you help and the impact you make. Work hard, stay curious, and remember—your story is just getting started.
Brookings School District is proud to celebrate alumni like Billy McMacken, whose Bobcat roots continue to influence meaningful work and leadership in communities beyond Brookings.