December 2021 Newsletter
Virtual Trivia
Make plans to join us online for our 2022 Parkway Virtual Trivia Night on Saturday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m. Anyone with online access can participate, so get your far-flung friends and family to join you online for this fun event. Early Bird Rate (good through the end of 2021): Tables of 8 are $160; mulligans (6) are $20. Be one of our event sponsors and get your name/logo on screens while players contemplate their answers. Proceeds will benefit PAA programs that include Granting Dreams for Parkway students and recognition for exceptional teachers and operations staff. Purchase tickets or become a sponsor here.
Networking Night
Join us on the second Tuesday of each month for an all-alumni networking event. Hear from alums about their current work and meet other Parkway alumni in our community. The next meeting is set for January 11th. To attend, email parkwayalumni@parkwayschools.net to be added to the meeting invite list.
Parkway Alumni Association Hall of Fame Nominations
The Parkway Alumni Association is seeking nominations for the 2022 Parkway Alumni Association Hall of Fame class. Parkway graduates chosen for the Parkway Hall of Fame are those who have made a noteworthy impact on the lives of others through their work in their respective career fields or through their unique contributions to their community. Please provide details of the nominee’s accomplishments that qualify this individual for Parkway Hall of Fame distinction by addressing the topics listed below. Including a letter of recommendation that makes this person a compelling nominee is encouraged. Letters and additional supporting information will need to be submitted separately by emailing them to Sandy Riutcel, PAA executive director, at sriutcel@parkwayschools.net. Online submissions can be completed here.
Granting Dreams Applications Now Open!
The Granting Dreams application is officially open and ends on Monday, Feb. 14, at 11:59 p.m. thanks to your generous support! The Granting Dreams program offers three grant opportunities for Parkway students who have a dream to learn outside their regular classroom: Dream Grants for Parkway K-12 students, Thomas Phelps Entrepreneurship Awards for students (grades 9-12) interested in business, and John Baker Music Scholar Awards for band students (grades 10-11). We are looking forward to seeing the applicant's dreams come true this year!
Esstman Grant Recipients
Six teachers have been awarded Parkway Alumni Association Esstman Grants to enrich educational experiences for students. Highlighting one, Kim Bihr, Oak Brook reading specialist, purchased a stationary bike students can pedal while reading, listening or completing assignments!
Remembering Coach John Schnell
It is with great sadness we share that Coach John Schnell passed away at the age of 97. Coach was one of the original teachers when the Parkway School District was formed. He was the head coach for football and golf, and taught history and driver's education. When asked what his favorite sports team was, he always answered with a proud "the Parkway Colts". He was a loyal Colts fan up until his death. Click here to read the wonderful memories that were posted about Coach.
Parkway Receives National Tennis Award
The United States Tennis Association - USTA (Official) awarded Parkway the 2021 St. Louis District Member Organization of the Year. USTA put us above all other organizations for our support and success of our junior programs, providing tennis courts for USTA St. Louis Adult Leagues, and our community outreach promoting the sport of tennis with free use of our facilities.
Superintendent Dr. Keith Marty and Mike Roth-Director of Activities and Athletics, accepted the award on Parkway's behalf.
Missouri All-State Choir
Earlier this month, our high school students accounted for 11 of the 24 Missouri All-State Choir slots during the St. Louis All-Suburban Choir performance!
In addition, Parkway fielded 68 members of the mixed honor choir and 13 in the treble choir.
Claudia Cooke Named NCAA Division III National Player of the Week
Congratulations to Central High alum Claudia Cooke on being named NCAA Division III National Player of the Week by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association.
Cooke's award was based on her play in the pair of weekend wins over Muskingum University and Earlham College. In those games, Cooke piled up combined statistics that included 37 points, 26 rebounds, seven blocks, two steals and six assists. She recorded double-doubles in each game and shot a combined 68.0 percent (17-of-25) from the field.
West Grad Receives Prestigious Marshall Scholarship
Parkway West grad and now Senior at Washington University, Abdullah Kuziez, 21, has received the prestigious Marshall Scholarship, which provides American students the opportunity to earn an advanced degree in the United Kingdom. Kuziez plans to earn a master’s degree in biomedical engineering at the University of Oxford as part of his ongoing search for cancer treatments that are both effective and accessible. http://ow.ly/3Cza50HaUQn
USS Oakland Under Command of West Grad
A 1999 Parkway West High School graduate is now the commanding officer of USS Oakland (LCS 24) Blue Crew.
Cmdr. Derek C. Jaskowiak officially took over during a change of command ceremony on December 3.
The USS Oakland is an Independence-variant littoral combat ship. It is designed to operate in near-shore environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. It is also capable of “supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence. http://ow.ly/He0G50HaWtm
Adonica Coleman's - PN'91 Event Business Takes Flight
Columbia-based A2D Events was established in 2011. The company specializes in corporate, fundraising and community events. Tune in to hear A2D Events owner Adonica Coleman's - PN'91 story and so much more! >> http://ow.ly/Pq7F50HaUZz
Missouri Family Physician of the Year Names Central Grad
David A. Miller, MD (Central '79) was honored with the 2021 Missouri Family Physician of the Year Award by the Missouri Academy of Family Physicians during their 73rd Annual Meeting held November 12-13, 2021, at Big Cedar Lodge near Branson, Missouri. The award honored his, more than, 30 years of practicing family medicine in the greater St. Louis area -- including solo practice, group practice, urgent care medicine, volunteering at a free clinic, service to multiple organizations and boards, and teaching medical students and residents.
Pierson Represents The Greater St. Mark Community Empowerment Foundation
The Greater St. Mark (GSM) Community Empowerment Foundation will host its second annual Mix, Mingle and Mentor Luncheon at 11 a.m., Monday, Dec. 20, at St. Louis Community College Florissant Valley. Former state Rep. Tommie Pierson Jr (PN-'91) said the event’s goal is to inspire and support recent high school graduates and college students from throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. “I recall being a college student and wishing I had access to more mentors with whom to connect and seek guidance,” Pierson said. “I realize that high school graduates need that extra support and positive network.” http://ow.ly/J9Jc50HcwiG
Class Reunions
Many grads are putting together class reunions for this fall and next spring. Don't miss your opportunity to share in the memories and build the future. Find your class reunion information or start planning one!
Class Memoriam
Parkway Alumni Association extends condolences to family and friends of the following Parkway alumni and staff. CLICK HERE to read more.
Class Notes
Find out where Parkway grads are making their mark in the world. See our latest class notes here.