March 2025 Newsletter

Each year, the Parkway Alumni Association proudly celebrates the educators, staff, and community leaders who make our district the incredible community it is. The Parkway legacy is one of dedication, excellence, and impact—shaped by those who go above and beyond to support students and strengthen our schools.

Through the Parkway Staff Awards, we honor these outstanding individuals with well-deserved recognition and a monetary donation in appreciation of their contributions. From the Albert Award, which highlights exceptional early-career educators, to the Light of Parkway Award and Teacher of the Year, these honors reflect the heart of Parkway’s enduring commitment to excellence.

Join us as we recognize the inspiring individuals who continue to shape the Parkway story!

The Light of Parkway award is designed to recognize the district’s extraordinary operations staff members (non-certified) who help create a positive and caring environment. The award, presented by Parkway Alumni Association, honors the memory of Sandy Finch, a former Parkway bus driver known for her exceptionally upbeat attitude and helpful interactions with students, staff and parents.

2025 Light of Parkway award winners:

Amir Karabegovic, Central Middle – Head Custodian

Carolyn Schenck, Henry Elementary – Administrative Assistant

Latonia Wynn, North High & Administrative Center – Custodian

Each year, the Albert Award is presented by Parkway Alumni Association (PAA) to three exceptional first through fifth-year Parkway teachers. These rising stars are recognized for the energy, enthusiasm, innovation, and inspiration they bring day in and day out to their students and colleagues.

Elementary: Sam Slane, Barretts Elementary – Fourth Grade

Middle: Jamie Brown, Southwest Middle – English Language Arts

High: Adam McDaniel, North High – English Language Arts

Congratulations to the eight individuals selected as 2025 Pillars of Parkway! Since 1972, this prestigious award has been presented annually to individuals who’ve made a long-term commitment and provided outstanding leadership and service to the Parkway community.

✧ Gretchen Bertz – Community Volunteer, West Area

✧ Kira Brennan – Library & Innovative Systems Support Specialist, The Nines

✧ Dr. Randy Eikel – Assistant Principal, Central Middle

✧ Tim Kirn – Community Volunteer, West Area

✧ Dr. Keith Marty – Superintendent, Administrative Center

✧ Diane Peterson – Lead Mental Health Specialist, The Welcome Center

✧ Rabbi Brigitte Rosenberg – Community Volunteer, District

✧ Dr. Courtney Yeager – Spark! Teaching & Learning Program Director, The Nines

Let's root for the home team! Tickets are confirmed for Sunday, June 8, as the St. Louis Cardinals take on the LA Dodgers at 1:15 PM! ⚾ Each discounted ticket includes a hot dog & soda.

June 8th game giveway includes a Rawlings Kids Glove Giveaway for fans 15 and younger.

Join us for a fun-filled day with the Parkway community at Busch Stadium! Click here to purchase your tickets before they sell out.

⛳ Save the Date! Parkway Golf Tournament ⛳

📅 Saturday, September 13, 2025
📍 St. Peter's Golf Club *NEW LOCATION!*
⏰ 7:30 AM Shotgun Start

Join us for a day of golf, fun, and community! Enjoy a BBQ pork steak & burger bar lunch immediately after your round, followed by an awards presentation. Don't miss out—mark your calendar and stay tuned for registration details!

Join us for a special reunion celebrating Coach Staub’s First Five Parkway North Football Teams! This is your chance to reconnect with teammates, share memories, and huddle up with Coach Staub during North High’s 2025 Homecoming Weekend.

📅 Weekend Schedule
Friday, September 12, 2025
🏟 Homecoming Game | 6:00 PM – Cheer on the Vikings!
🍻 After-Game Gathering – Enjoy food, drinks, and good company.

Saturday, September 13, 2025
🍔 Picnic & BBQ | Noon – 4:30 PM – Location TBA

To receive future invitations and updates, email Kenny Fine at KennyDavinFine@proton.me.
Please include any contact info for teammates you’re in touch with—we want to reach as many players as possible!

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,

Spring is in full swing, and at the Parkway Alumni Association, that means we’re deep into award season! Over the past month, we’ve had the incredible opportunity to grant student dreams through out-of-the-classroom experiences, support teachers with grants for classroom enhancements and continuing education, and honor the dedicated staff who make Parkway such a special place with the Light of Parkway Awards.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there! As we look ahead, spring sports are in full stride, students are preparing for final projects, and soon, we’ll be celebrating the Class of 2025 as they embark on their next chapter. Graduation season is always a time of reflection and pride, and we can’t wait to officially welcome this new class into our Parkway alumni family.

If you haven’t had a chance to explore some of the incredible initiatives we support, I encourage you to visit the Parkway Alumni website and discover how we continue to make an impact. Whether through mentorship, scholarships, or grants, there’s always an opportunity to give back in a way that aligns with your passions.

Thank you for being part of this incredible community!

Kennedy Graf
Parkway South '15
President, Parkway Alumni Association

Michael Thompson [PNH '18] has officially signed with the Pirates! Thompson most recently participated in rookie minicamp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in May 2024. A highly sought-after recruit from Parkway North High School in St. Louis, MO, he attended three colleges after his standout high school career. Read more about his journey here.

Meet Central High senior Samantha Taylor, a future changemaker destined for a breakthrough in science and medicine.

Samantha recently earned a $1,000 scholarship and third place overall at the Academy of Science K-12 Science Fair Honors Competition for her presentation, “Panobinostat HDAC Inhibition and its Impact on Tumor Growth in PRC2 Loss vs. PRC2 Retained MPNST.” The Academy’s awards recognize rising stars in STEM and their pursuit of innovation and solutions through investigative science.

Fellow Central High students Serena Huang, Neelaveni Neelam Sathish and Sathya Venkatasayee were among 25 named semifinalists in the K-12 Science Fair Honors Competition. Congratulations, Colts!

Championship mindset, gold medal results for South High sophomore Camron Duffield, who captured a Class 4 state wrestling title at 138 pounds this weekend! Duffield became the first Parkway boys grappler in a decade to reach the top of the state podium and the sixth Patriot all-time.

He was dominant from start to finish at Mizzou Arena, going 4-0 and finishing the state tournament with the most total match points among all classes and wrestlers.

Joining Duffield with podium finishes were Central freshman Erin Delling, state runner-up in Class 2 Girls at 135 pounds, and Central sophomore Ali Mohsen, fourth overall in Class 3 Boys at 175 pounds.

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.