October 2025 Newsletter

An elementary school reunion might sound unusual, but for a group of former Henry Elementary students, it made perfect sense. Those early years shaped their first friendships and memories — classrooms, playground games, and after-school adventures that built the foundation for lifelong connections.

For years, the group talked about organizing a Henry Elementary reunion, and this year, it finally happened. While high school reunions are common, this gathering felt especially meaningful — a chance to return to where it all began.

Principal Jodi Oliver led a guided tour of the school, taking the group through familiar spaces — classrooms, the library, art and music rooms, gym, and cafeteria — before ending on the playground where so many memories were made. Two former teachers joined the visit, and several classmates even had their photo taken in their original sixth-grade classroom.

Walking the halls brought back a rush of nostalgia — laughter over old memories, stories long forgotten, and a sense of childlike joy that transported everyone back to 1979–1980. These were simpler times, before cell phones and social media, when friendships were built face-to-face and after-school play lasted until dinner.

The experience reminded attendees how much — and how little — has changed. Now in their 50s, many have faced the loss of parents, friends, or even spouses, and they recognize more than ever how important these connections are. The reunion was not just about looking back, but about honoring the relationships that continue to shape their lives. The group plans to continue gathering annually, even without the school tour, to stay connected and celebrate the bonds that began decades ago. Because in the end, these reunions aren’t just about remembering the past — they’re about cherishing the people and moments that made them who they are. Check out our website to see more photos!

Thanks to a Suzy Zucker Esstman Educational Grant, students are bringing ideas to life with a new 3D printer! From functional classroom tools to sparking new passions, this technology is making a real impact. Students with no prior experience are now diving deep into 3D design, and staff members are discovering innovative ways to enhance their teaching—like printing attachments for violin bows to improve hand positioning! Amazing things happen when creativity and technology come together.

Experience the thrill of St. Louis Blues hockey live at the Enterprise Center—and make a difference while you’re at it. When you buy tickets through this special offer, $8 from every ticket sold goes directly to support PAA programs. Ticket sales now online!

November 3, 2025

• The Oilers come to town for a 7:30 pm game

• A great month to rally the team and give back

December 27, 2025

• Watch the Blues play the Predators at 7:00 pm

• Holiday hockey with a cause!

• Perfect for a family night, gift, or group outing

The Parkway Alumni Association is excited to partner with the Parkway 8th Grade Career Experience —and we’d love your help!

We’re seeking alumni from every industry—technology, healthcare, the arts, skilled trades, entrepreneurship, and more—to showcase their careers. You can host a booth or share your journey in a breakout session on December 16th from 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at Saint Louis University – Busch Student Center. We anticipate over 1,200 Parkway 8th graders!

Whether you lead a breakout session or host an interactive booth, your participation makes a lasting impact. It’s a fun, high-energy day—and one of the most rewarding ways to give back to the Parkway community. Email parkwayalumni@parkwayschools.net for more details or complete this short form to be contacted.

Mark your calendars and join us for Parkway Trivia Night at The Lodge Des Peres on Saturday, March 28 at 7 p.m.!

Bring your friends, family, and teammates for a night full of fun, laughs, and friendly competition. Whether you’re a trivia pro or just in it for a good time, everyone’s welcome!

Registration now open!

Nominations Now Open for the Parkway Alumni Hall of Fame – Class of 2026!

Do you know a Parkway graduate who’s making a big impact? Whether through professional success or outstanding service to their community, we want to recognize alumni who represent the very best of Parkway.

Established in 2004, the Parkway Alumni Hall of Fame honors graduates who have brought pride to the district through their accomplishments and leadership.

Inductees will be honored at the 2026 Hall of Fame Gala in St. Louis.

Nomination deadline: March 1, 2026

Help us celebrate Parkway’s legacy of excellence—nominate a deserving alum today!

Looking to reconnect? Our reunion calendar is updated monthly with events organized by graduating class and high school. Whether you're planning or attending, find your class and join in the celebration today!

Interested in our scholarship programs or want to create one to honor yourself or a loved one? Contact Sandy Riutcel, Executive Director of the Parkway Alumni Association, at 314-415-8074 (office) or sriutcel@parkwayschools.net for details. We're here to support your aspirations and ensure our alumni can continue their academic journey!

Dear Parkway Alumni,

As fall comes to a close and the holiday season approaches, the Parkway Alumni Association (PAA) is preparing for one of our favorite times of year — when we get to do what we love most: fund dreams and fuel learning.

Through our Granting Dreams and Esstman Grants programs, we’re proud to provide both students and educators with opportunities to explore, grow, and bring their ideas to life. These grants have a lasting impact across our Parkway community, supporting everything from classroom innovation to once-in-a-lifetime educational experiences.

If you’re new to the PAA, we invite you to visit our website and learn more about these incredible programs — it’s truly an honor to make them possible through the generosity of alumni and friends like you.

And as you look ahead to this season of gratitude and giving, please save the date for Giving Tuesday, December 2, 2025. This year, we’ll be shining a light on the Light of Parkway program — a celebration of the lasting legacy and connection shared by all Parkway graduates. You can even give early! Every gift, no matter the size, helps us continue to inspire dreams and strengthen our Parkway community.

Thank you for your continued support — and for being a vital part of the Parkway story.

Warmly,

Kennedy Graf
Parkway South '15
President, Parkway Alumni Association

There was plenty of positive publicity for Parkway to go around as North and South High came together as one for KSDK News’ fourth annual Tackle Hunger food drive.

Together, the Viking and Patriot communities collected 1,586 pounds of food and raised nearly $1,500 for the St. Louis-area high school football food drive benefiting Operation Food Search!

This fall Parkway demonstrated its commitment to safety by conducting a large-scale reunification exercise for the second year in a row. This is aimed at improving our preparedness to evacuate a school and reconnect students with families at an off-site location.

This year’s drill involved more than 70 of our staff from multiple departments, as well as first responders from St. Louis County Police Department and Metro West Fire Protection District, St. Louis County Missouri. Together, teams practiced every step—from site setup and communications to reuniting students with their families.

All four Parkway high schools were named to the 2025 Best High Schools list by U.S. News & World Report. Collectively, Central, North, South and West High are among the top 10% in the state of Missouri and the top quarter of all high schools across the country!

School rankings are based on college readiness, state assessment proficiency, state assessment performance, underserved student performance, college curriculum breadth and graduation rate.

UNC Charlotte professor’s new hip-hop conference celebrates cultural impact" - read article in the Charlotte Observer about PNH alum Ashley Tate and how she came to organize the inaugural hip-hop symposium at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. READ MORE >>

We need help at your school! We have openings for bus drivers, and many others for custodians and grounds crew employees needed to support our families. If you know someone who is interested, please share this with them. Interested applicants can call 314-415-8401 for more information or visit this website.