August 2025 Newsletter

Dear Parkway Alumni and Friends,

I am delighted to present our 2024 Annual Report, showcasing the remarkable journey and accomplishments of the Parkway Alumni Association over the past year. It is with immense pride and gratitude that I reflect on the unwavering dedication of our Board of Directors and the enthusiastic support of the Parkway community. Together, we continue to champion programs that benefit Parkway students, teachers, and staff in meaningful ways.

Parkway is growing and thriving! For those alumni who have recently walked the halls of their alma mater, you've seen this firsthand—the energy, innovation, and excellence that define our district today. It’s truly an exciting time to support Parkway Schools.

This year, during our 30th year as an association, our programs reached and inspired countless students—from providing grants that fuel dream-learning experiences to recognizing the everyday heroes among our staff through initiatives like the Light of Parkway. We also proudly welcomed a new class into the Parkway Alumni Hall of Fame. These outstanding individuals exemplify what it means to be Parkway Proud—their achievements and character are the heartbeat of our community.

As you explore the highlights within this report, I hope you feel as inspired as we do. Your continued partnership fuels our mission and ensures that the Parkway legacy of excellence lives on for generations to come.

Gratefully,

Sandy Riutcel

Executive Director

Thanks to the incredible support of our alumni and the entire Parkway community, building improvements across our schools are in full swing—and the impact is being felt every day by students and staff. In November 2022, voters approved Proposition S, a $265 million bond issue dedicated to improving Parkway’s aging school buildings. This bold investment is not only addressing long-overdue infrastructure needs but also helping create safe, modern, and innovative learning environments for current and future generations.

While many of our schools have stood for decades—built on solid foundations of excellence, tradition, and community spirit—the life inside them is alive and growing. The energy in our hallways, the learning in our classrooms, and the spirit of Parkway pride continue to thrive. This wave of renovation is a testament to just how much our schools matter—and how deeply our community believes in the future of public education.

Each of these projects is more than a structural upgrade—it’s a reflection of the value our community places on education and a promise to the students and educators who fill these spaces every day.

Thank you for helping us ensure that Parkway schools remain a place where every student can thrive in an environment that is not only safe but truly inspiring. Together, we are building a brighter future—one classroom at a time.

Recently Completed Projects Include:

• New roofs at Central Middle, Hanna Woods, Henry, and Ross
• New windows, doors, and a parking lot at Hanna Woods
• Flooring upgrades at South High
• Classroom additions, elevator installation, fire suppression system, and storm shelter upgrades at River Bend Elementary (on track for completion in Summer 2025)

Exciting Projects Coming Soon:

• Central High: HVAC system replacement, new gym bleachers, and a renovated cafeteria
• Craig Elementary: A major remodel featuring new walls, lighting, HVAC, and more
• North High: Pool and locker room renovations plus a redesigned main entrance
• South Middle, Northeast Middle, McKelvey Intermediate, and more: All scheduled for significant updates

Register to play at the 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 lunch immediately after your round, followed by an awards presentation. Don't miss out—mark your calendar and register 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!

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.

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

To receive future invitations and updates, email Kenny Fine at KennyDavinFine@proton.me.

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 and Friends,

As the new school year begins, we’re excited to see our planning and preparations take flight—bringing unique programs and support directly into classrooms to benefit our teachers, staff, and students.

If you haven’t already, be sure to register for our upcoming Parkway Golf Tournament! This fun morning on the links is a perfect opportunity for alumni, Parkway educators, parents, and community members to come together. We’re especially thrilled to welcome our new superintendent, who will join us in celebrating the Parkway legacy and the impact our community continues to make.

We look forward to seeing you on the course and throughout the year!

Warmly,

Kennedy Graf
Parkway South '15
President, Parkway Alumni Association

Parkway West is proud to welcome Bill Tramel (PWH ’87) as the new head coach for the boys’ and girls’ swimming teams, starting May 2025. Tramel brings decades of elite coaching experience, including leadership roles at Marshall University, University of Minnesota, University of North Carolina, University of Georgia, and University of South Carolina.

During his tenure at Minnesota, the men’s team captured conference titles in 2005 and 2007 and placed 11th at the NCAA Championships multiple times. Tramel also coached Alex Wold, who went on to earn a spot on the U.S. National Team in 2009. A Parkway West alum, Tramel is thrilled to return home and continue building a championship culture in the pool for the next generation of swimmers.

The New Orleans Saints are just 60+ days away from their 2025 season opener, and Parkway North alum Brad Edelman (PNH ’78) remains a standout figure in the team’s storied past. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Edelman honed his skills at Parkway North before starring at the University of Missouri, earning first-team All-Big Eight honors in 1980 and second-team honors in 1981.

Drafted in the second round of 1982, Edelman became an immediate contributor, starting all nine games of the strike-shortened season and earning a spot on the All-Rookie Team. Over seven seasons with the Saints, he played 90 of 128 games, starting 87, and was a key part of one of the NFL’s best run-blocking units. His career peaked with a Pro Bowl selection in 1987.

Since retiring in 1989, Edelman has brought his football expertise to the airwaves as an analyst for WDSU-TV and has been inducted into the St. Louis Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.

St. Louis native and Parkway North alum Andrew Paul is celebrating big as part of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s first NBA championship since relocating to Oklahoma.

As the Director of Performance and Rehabilitation, Paul has spent ten years helping the team optimize player health and performance. His expertise played a key role in guiding the Thunder to the Larry O’Brien Trophy this past summer.

Sports on 4’s Jacob Cersosimo recently caught up with Paul to discuss his contributions to the team’s championship journey and the impact of his work behind the scenes.

Missouri S&T men’s volleyball head coach Ryan Thompson has announced the addition of five new recruits for the 2026 season, including two hitters, two setters, and a libero.

Among the new Miners are Cole Hoehn and Spencer Duvall, both graduates of Parkway Central High School.

• Cole Hoehn, Outside Hitter/Opposite, 6'2": Thompson noted, “Cole will add depth to both the left and right side for us. He has a big arm that will elevate the level of our gym right away. While new to the left side, he made huge strides this past club season.”

• Spencer Duvall, Setter, 6'3": Thompson added, “Spencer has great size and physicality for a setter. We saw him at our camp last summer, and while he’s already skilled, his potential is very high. We’re excited to have him in our gym for the next four years.”

With these additions, the Miners are setting up for an exciting 2026 season.

This month marked the official start for Parkway’s newest educators! New Educator Orientation is one of the many ways the district ensures these teachers feel supported, connected to key school staff and resources, and ready to make a positive impact from Day 1. We’re especially proud to see alumni returning to the classroom, bringing their Parkway experience full circle to inspire the next generation of students. Welcome back, and here’s to a great year ahead!

New superintendent Dr. Schneider felt right at home at Strings Camp! She instantly connected with the students through their shared passion for music and even dusted off her childhood cello to play alongside our talented young musicians.

She’s excited to continue meeting the students and staff throughout the district! Tune in to see the full video.

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.