FELLOWS SERVICE LEADERSHIP: THE LEGACY, THE FUTURE An integral link between our Hillcrest and Midway campuses for our oldest and youngest learners.
Parish Online parish.org
Parish is so fetch!
Mean Girls arrived at the Noble Family Performing Arts Center and brought kindness and a great time to Eller Hall.
https://bit.ly/ ParishArts_MeanGirls
Those Championship Seasons Boys Basketball and Girls Lacrosse brought home State Championships for the first time in their programs’ histories!
https://www.instagram.com/p/ C4B8DnfL-4_/
New Addition:
Hillcrest is having a Global Blast!
Global Blast brought together community members from different backgrounds and cultures to provide a platform to showcase their heritages and learn from one another. #belongingatparish
https://www.instagram.com/p/C7ZSEubMEAB4rFufQHrg0-7BZV8RazJk4SmSdo0
Taking the Parish Bridge to Graduation
Parish seniors spent the last few weeks of the school year shadowing careers that they might follow in the future.
https://bit.ly/2024_SeniorBridgeProject Dance Fever!
Students of all ages in the Parish Extend Dance Academy had a chance to perform their end of year “show offs” for friends and family!
https://bit.ly/Parish_Extend_Dance_Academy_Performance
Acing the Course
Brooklyn Bamberger ‘27 had a hole-in-one on the Par 4 6th hole en route to a 77. Parish Golf was another team that made a visit to the State Tournament in 2023-24.
https://www.instagram.com/p/C4HOkUFLf-L
Middle School’s Got Talent
The annual Middle School Talent Show brought out a wide array of performers that entertained their classmates from start to finish.
https://bit.ly/MS_Talent_Show
Carter Family Donates $1M for Endowed Scholarship
Kim and Tom Carter have generously donated $1,000,000 to Parish Episcopal School's endowment to establish the Carter Family Endowed Scholarship.
Kim & Tom first enrolled their son Matt (PDS ’96) at Parish Day School in fall 1987. They subsequently enrolled their two younger children, each to remain there for PreK - Kindergarten. They were a young family and Tom was just beginning his professional career; enrolling two children at once in a private school was a stretch for their family finances. When in fall 1993 they found it necessary to reenroll Matt at Parish, then Head of School Gloria Snyder awarded the Carters a small financial grant of $1,000 which made it possible for both children to remain enrolled at Parish. Tom never forgot that small act that made an enormous difference to their family.
"The financial aid gift we received from Gloria meant everything to us at the time,” said the Carters. "Now that we’re in a position to help other families, we want to be able to make that kind of an impact for future Parish Panthers by supporting the endowment to help ensure Parish’s financial assistance program, in perpetuity, in support of the students it impacts.”
Since joining the School, the Carters have been actively involved with and committed to the Parish community. Their generosity over the years has supported not only the expansion of grades and campuses, but has also benefited annual fund, athletics – allowing our baseball program to grow and flourish on Carter Field – and tuition assistance. It is this latter category that inspired them to make this most recent donation to Parish. Any independent school across the country will say that a robust endowment helps with long term financial stability.
Families like the Carters who recognize the importance of establishing our endowment create a legacy that supports our students, faculty and staff every day, investing important dollars into the School’s operating budget each year. We are grateful to the Carters for their foresight in supporting the long-term financial health of the School.
The Carter Family Endowed Scholarship will support a rising senior student’s full tuition and fees for their senior year. Eligible students will have moderate to significant financial need, demonstrate academic diligence and will be active participants in school life.
Read about the Carter’s dedication to Parish in this past May’s announcement: https://bit.ly/CarterFamilyEndowedScholarship
Parish Instagram
Vidigami
Blair Fellows service leadership: the legacy, the future
By Michelle Kurniali ’25 and Meredith Walker ‘25
Blair Fellows, named in honor of founding Headmistress Mary Loving Blair, is an Upper School program where juniors and seniors help Lower School teachers with their classes. Undoubtedly an important Parish Episcopal School program, Blair Fellows is also an integral link between our Hillcrest and Midway campuses. But how did such a unique program grow so popular?
In 2009, Karen O'Rear, retired Director of Community Service and faculty member, and Melissa Grabske, current Assistant Head of Lower School for Academics, formed the “Hillcrest Helpers.” The group, with inaugural member Kyle Hughes '10, went around the Hillcrest campus, serving as teachers’ helpers. This group was the first to a long legacy of what we now call Blair Fellows. Once the Midway campus was established and the highschoolers were relocated, the numbers began to rapidly increase, reaching 35 members within the next two years. Today, Blair Fellows has 74 members and continues to grow.
We also interviewed Maya Lunia ‘24, a leader on the Blair Fellows Board, who had a similar experience. Her favorite part of being a Blair Fellow was getting to know all of her 1st graders, as well as her host teacher, Jeni Munden. Specifically, she remembered how she felt watching all of her students perform at the Midway Winter Showcase, and getting to congratulate them afterward. “I felt very proud of them,” recalled Lunia. All of the kids were thrilled that their Blair Fellow had come to watch the performance.
The program, currently facilitated by Jennifer McGraw, Hillcrest's STEM Kitchen and Garden Coordinator, consists of Parish Upper School students who have a love for education and helping students and teachers, whether through teaching lessons to kids, doing projects on the weekends or sorting books in the library. Many seniors interested in pursuing education or other child-focused careers create partnerships with their host teachers, even using Blair Fellows for their Senior Bridge project in the spring.
Over the years, many of Parish's Blair Fellow Alumni return to the School and several have worked or are currently working at the School. For instance, Kallie Maschino ‘15 was a Blair Fellow in a PreK classroom and is now in her second year teaching 3rd grade at the Midway campus. We got to sit down with her as she shared her experience with us.
Ms. Maschino first joined the program (which at the time consisted of about 15 Fellows) not knowing whether she wanted to pursue education. However, according to her, being a Blair Fellow really helped solidify that she wanted to be a teacher. She visited Hillcrest just about every week, ultimately earning the Mary Loving Blair Foundation Award, a Parish scholarship fund that provides an annual award to at least one graduating senior who intends to pursue education in their undergraduate studies. Talking about her experience in the program helped her secure a job after college.
Fast forward nearly a decade later, now that Ms. Maschino is a Parish teacher, taking on a Blair Fellow in her classroom was a full-circle moment for her. When asked for her favorite part of having a Blair Fellow, she recalled a time when she had to step out of the classroom and one of her Blair Fellows led a discussion about strategies to solve a math problem. She appreciates how willing her Blair Fellows have been to take initiative and get to know the kids better, even during lunchtime.
“The program is something very special to Parish,” said Maschino. According to her, the program allows mixing between the grades and creates a real sense of community between both campuses.
Jacob Staveteig ‘25 works as a Blair Fellow in the Beasley STEM center at the Hillcrest campus. He initially felt nervous about the commitment of the program, but eventually grew to love and show willingness to dedicate more time for the kids. “I learned to communicate with my host teacher and the kids, and to manage my time for classroom visits,” explained Staveteig. His work in the program and the bonds he has created with teachers and students also inspired him to collaborate on a camp with the 2nd graders called Upcycle, using recycled materials to create new, functional things such as furniture. “I enjoy it,” said Staveteig. “It makes me feel good about giving back to my community.”
I, Meredith Walker ‘25, have also enjoyed my experience as a Blair Fellow immensely. I have become very close with my host teacher, Riley King, Hillcrest music teacher. Mrs. King has become an adult that I can go to for advice about life and high school. Additionally, I’ve enjoyed getting to know the kids in the choir class – big personalities, eccentric passions and all. They inspire me to be a better, more mature role model and to do the right thing instead of the easy thing. After a long day of grueling Upper School classes, it helps to be in a younger classroom. After all, sometimes the things we learn as children – keeping our hands to ourselves, being respectful and kind to one another, treating our surroundings with responsibility and care – are often the most important and overlooked rules of our lives.
As we learn from these experiences, Blair Fellows look to not only their personal futures but to the future of this important legacy program that we are so proud of. Next year, the Blair Fellows Board will continue to expand the program to meet more teachers’ and students’ needs, and continue to inspire future Blair Fellows.
Coordinated by Hillcrest Faculty member, Jennifer McGraw, Blair Fellows is a program of Parish Serves, led by The Director of Community Service, Shannon Longfield.
Kyle Hughes '10
Letter from Dr. Matt Rush
Dear Panther Nation,
I often wonder about the “what if” of a school. What if we could transform school so that students pulled up to the curb each morning and said “I HAVE to get out of the car. Today, I have the opportunity to change the world.”
During this past school year, teachers in all three divisions have voiced a deeply felt desire to make learning at Parish even more engaging and to center this learning in the opportunities, challenges and realities of life. Our mission to prepare students to thrive in a world that promises increased unpredictability and interconnectedness requires a kind of expertise that isn’t found at many schools. Our focus is to be more intentional about that challenge and to hold engagement and relationship building as keys to unlocking the potential inside each learner.
This past school year, many great things have taken place at Parish. While you likely (hopefully) follow along with highlights all year long, either through our social media news, divisional communication or direct involvement, I want to share a snapshot of some of the many milestones and accomplishments that hint at our efforts to broaden and deepen student learning at Parish.
SERVICE
Our students learn by serving others. In distinct and meaningful ways, they have helped improve the quality of life of others - a model we should be ever-mindful to keep before us.
• MS advisories took 28 service trips throughout the year to Anne Frank Elementary (5th grade), Cigarroa Elementary (6th grade), Feed My Starving Children (7th grade) and Community Partners of Dallas (8th grade)
• US students served more than 21K hours hours to various locations, both local and beyond DFW; that's more than $580K in economic value to the organizations they serve
• Parish Serves held three schoolwide drives for Make it Count (formerly Bea’s Kids), Loving Library and Cinderella Project benefitting Hope Restored Missions
CLASS OF 2024
• 116 seniors were accepted to 176 different colleges in 39 states, Washington D.C., Canada, Spain and United Kingdom
• 19 students were offered direct admission to prestigious business schools, conservatories and/or honors colleges/programs
• More than $11M dollars in scholarships and awards were granted to the Class of 2024
• Nineteen students will participate in NCAA athletics, and eight will pursue a degree in the visual or performing arts including theater, design, studio art, dance and architecture
EXCELLENCE IN LEARNING
• US NASA Lunar Rover team won the World Championship (see Ask Pete on pg. 5)
• MS Robotics Team made it to state for the first time in school history
• Four 1st place awards for Junior Classical League State competition and four students earned summa cum laude Gold Medal, with a perfect score on the National Latin Exam
• 8th grade Humanities students created public service announcement videos bringing to light social issues in modern society (ex. social media and mental health, depression, veterans and mental health resources, human trafficking and drug abuse)
• 6th grade Parish, Inc. students created products in an effort to find solutions to identified issues. Students prototype the products (which often takes many iterations), build marketing websites that support the product launch and then present to their class
• Lower School 3rd and 4th Grade Choir received a Superior rating at the Pride of Texas Music Competition
• 4th graders employed the scientific method and designed experiments to walk-test their hypothesis
• Year-long, hands-on observation and experiences in STEM at Hillcrest RALLYING POINTS
• MS Panther Leadership Awards, a thirst for learning, respect for others, putting others before self
• Parish hosted the first Print Fest and Steamroller Smackdown
• Annual Hillcrest Christmas Pageant and Primer Play
• Global Blast, Voices & Views and Global Blast, Jr.
• Community Dinners & Monthly Heritage assemblies
• Lifer Chapel
• Solar Eclipse Day 2024
• Boys Basketball and Girls Lacrosse both won TAPPS State Championships - the first in school history for both programs – and Football tackled an unprecedented Five-peat INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT
• Raised nearly $1.3M for this year’s Parish Fund
• Carter Family Endowment - $1M gift to help financial aid (see New Addition on pg. 2)
• Parents’ Association raised nearly $200K at the 2024 Gala: A Night in Vegas (see Gala spread on pg. 8)
• Senior parents raised more than $150K for their senior gift - providing new furniture to all US students in the tower commons areas
• Thanks to Athletic Booster Club and generous donors who helped fund a new scoreboard at Snyder Stadium
• Additional pledges to endowment for positions, programs and professional development
I never take for granted the trust you place in us by asking us to serve as partners on behalf of your children. I remain ever grateful for the countless ways you support this endeavor. Parish is a special place to work, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a member of this community.
I hope you are having a restful summer, and look forward to seeing you in August.
In partnership,
Matthew J. Rush, Ed.D. Allen Meyer Family Head of School
Ask Pete – How long is the NASA Rover challenge course?
Question submitted by 2024 Head of School for the Day, Isaiah G. ‘34
In April, Parish Episcopal School placed FIRST at NASA’s 30th Human Exploration Rover Challenge (HERC) at the NASA Marshall Space Center in Huntsville, Alabama. If you might recall, Parish took home the championship in 2021 and 2022 as well; however, this is their first time to place first in-person. (The 2021 and 2022 competitions were held virtually). In its 11th year, Parish Rover was awarded First Place Overall in the High School Division and the Project Review Award. This is Parish's seventh Project Review Award in eight years. Although awards are separated into high school and college/university divisions, Parish outperformed all but one university team. Per NASA’s news release, participating teams represented 42 colleges and universities, and 30 high schools from 24 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and 13 other nations from around the world.
The distance of the HERC competition course is approximately one half-mile and includes a simulated field of asteroid debris, boulders, erosion ruts, crevasses and an ancient streambed, according to the 2024 NASA HERC handbook.
The length of time it took Parish’s Rover team to complete the course for the 2024 season was five minutes and 56 seconds, the team’s fastest time on record! According to the rules and regulations, teams must complete the course within eight minutes, the real-world constraints of a limited oxygen supply. Of course, the competition is more than just the time it takes to finish the course. Teams are also awarded points for mission-specific task challenges and completing safety and design reviews with NASA engineers.
Year after year, Parish Rover team works diligently, almost immediately upon return from competition, to prepare for the next HERC challenge by exploring new ideas or reengineering their old ideas. For instance, the development of their wheels, from one breaking off their very first year (and last year) to now, and the innovation process from cardboard wheels to carbon fiber wheels. Let’s face it, to get a run time of 5:56, your Rover must roll!
Another important component to a winning Rover team is their STEM Engagement. The Rover team’s STEM engagement focuses specifically on Parish’s younger learners. The team creates spooky scientific explorations such as Ghost Bubble and Witch's Brew for younger Parish students at our annual Spooky Saturday. Additionally, Rover hosts two events each year for our Kinder-4th grade students at STEM Squad events. This year, our younger learners worked with members of the Rover team to code Sphero robots for an afternoon of Robot Bowling! In February, STEM Squad members worked through the Engineering Design Process to modify a LEGO Spike Prime Robot to successfully complete tracks of various difficulty, modeled from the course obstacles the Rover team experiences at competition in Alabama. It’s exciting to see the younger learners get the hands-on experience straight from the experts.
We are proud of our Parish Rover team and congratulate them on their World Championship. We can’t wait to see what they design next!
Class of 2023 Excellence in Leadership Award
Established in 2020 by an anonymous donor and endowed by the Class of 2023 Senior Gift, the Class of 2023 Excellence in Leadership Award honors and recognizes full-time faculty and staff members who successfully demonstrate Parish Episcopal School’s core values of Wisdom, Honor and Service as well as exceptional leadership skills in the following areas: a deep connection to the community; the propensity for integrity, courage, humility and fortitude as a leader; risk taking and tenacity; and the ability to think creatively and go the extra mile.
Desiree Gibson, Assistant Head of Lower School for Student Life
Always wearing a smile that matches the warmth in her heart, Desiree Gibson is considered “a quiet and tireless servant leader.” As any Lower School administrator will tell you, working with the School’s youngest learners on both campuses requires tenacity, adaptability, creativity, responsibility and poise. Desiree has all these qualities and then some! Those who nominated her for this distinguished award note that “the entire Lower School is kinder, stronger and just overall better because of her kindness and striving for excellence.” Her compassion and professionalism with students, families, faculty and staff, and her planning and leading IMPACT mindset lessons showcases her expert abilities and her desire for partnership and collaboration. A strong advocate for our school’s initiatives, her wisdom and discernment are always on display when making decisions to ensure Lower School programming is delivered to its fullest and with student growth at the core, both academically and socially/ emotionally.
Desiree works hard to make sure everyone is included, heard and seen. From her bright smile that welcomes all whom she encounters to her deep gratitude for those she works alongside, she is recognized as “a shining example” of Parish’s tenets of Wisdom, Honor and Service, and a most deserving recipient of the Class of 2023 Excellence in Leadership Award.
Nauslar Distinguished Service Awards
Established in 2018 by Terri and Dennis Nauslar, the Nauslar Distinguished Service Award honors and recognizes full-time faculty and staff members for distinguished service that embodies the mission of Parish Episcopal School. Recipients have demonstrated a commitment to excellence characterized by a nurturing spirit and evident care for students and the Parish community, and an alignment with our established criterion for professional excellence. Following are the 2024 recipients of the Nauslar Distinguished Service Award:
Cheryl
Howard, 2nd Grade Teacher
Enveloping her students in a nurturing embrace that extends far beyond the classroom walls, Cheryl Howard possesses a remarkable ability to forge meaningful connections with each student, recognizing their individual strengths, challenges and passions. With a genuine smile and gentle demeanor, she creates a safe and welcoming environment where children feel cherished and encouraged to be their authentic selves. “[Cheryl] is not just a teacher; she is a beacon of warmth, illuminating the path to a brighter future for each and every child.”
Ann Morgan, Upper School World Languages & Department Chair/ Director of The Academy
Whether as an advisor or a conduit of growth for Parish programs, Ann Morgan knows how to elevate the students with whom she interacts as well as forge knew paths of opportunities for them. As one community member wrote, “I personally cannot think of Parish without reflecting on all of the good deeds, small and huge, that [she] has done for the students.” From making a non-spoken language come alive in her classroom to building summer programs to meet the needs of students to allowing advisees an Amazon wishlist for snacks, Ann is a source of comfort and inspiration to her students and peers.
A quiet leader who wears many hats (teacher, department chair, coach, chaperone extraordinaire, etc.) and considered “a gold standard” for teachers to emulate, Kevin Rock creates a classroom that is both a fun and safe place to learn.
He’s a source of strength and ideas, constantly challenging himself to learn new teaching methods or change his curriculum to better suit a new group of students. He’s always thinking of how every lesson, conversation or assessment is in the students’ best interest and has noted to others “I never want to get bored or status quo” because it doesn’t benefit the student. He is equally admired for “how he talks to and about our students, maintaining true professionalism, while building strong relationships with them and his peers.”
Kevin Rock, Middle School Science & Department Chair
Milestone Years of Service
Wall of Service
The wall of service is dedicated to those that have served for 20 or more years at Parish. At Founders’ Day, four faculty and staff members were recognized as new additions to our Wall of Service. Thank you to each of these individuals for their 20 years of dedication to Parish
Upper School Learning Specialist 18 years of Service 2004–2010; 2012–2024
Hillcrest Receptionist 16 years of Service 2008–2024
Hillcrest Receptionist 17 years of Service 1994–1998; 2008–2011; 2014–2024
Thirty-nine years – that’s 3-9, nearly four decades – the longest tenure of any Parish Day or Parish Episcopal School employee, past or present. Sandy Brickert started her career at Parish in 1985 where she coached her daily Lower School P.E. classes in a hallway at the Hillcrest campus, before the Keith Gymnasium was built. Since then, she has put so much hard work and dedication into the physical education program offered at the Hillcrest campus. She started Fit Kids, an optional early morning program for children who want to get a few extra wiggles out before the school day starts. She also helped create and grow the Motor Lab into what it is today, giving younger Hillcrest learners a chance to develop their motor skills and building blocks to experience successful movement that contributes to self-esteem and confidence, both in P.E. and in the classroom.
Lower School Music, Midway 10 years of Service 2014–2024
Upper School Music and Choir Director 12 years of Service 2012–2024
Controller 12 years of Service 2012–2024
As Dr. Deana Dynis, Head of Lower School, pointed out, Sandy is often the first face our learners see in the morning, greeting them all by name and helping them start their day before heading into the gym to set up for the rotation of learners heading her way throughout the day. “Sandy is the epitome of a team player who often steps into gaps that exist when a member of the Lower School is out or running late,” stated Dr. Dynis. “She always does so with a smile, and she is celebrated in the staff newsletter for her intentional and random acts of kindness.”
Of course, Sandy shared her love for Parish and its community in other ways beyond the gym. She started 6th grade carpool helpers (now known as 2nd grade carpool buddies since the School expanded to the Midway campus), which gives older Hillcrest students an opportunity for leadership growth among their younger peers. She was integral to the start of FISH (Fun Individuals Sharing Happiness) committee, fostering fellowship among the Hillcrest faculty and staff. And the care she has for her teammates and peers is palpable.
“She loves P.E., she loves Parish and she loves Parish people, and I cannot imagine a life in Parish P.E. without Sandy,” exclaimed Nicole Eley, also a P.E. teacher at Hillcrest. “She has been the best mentor, teammate and Halloween costume collaborator. She is loyal, hardworking and honest. She has such a passion for teaching P.E., and you can see that in everything
Sandy Brickert: longest tenured retiree in Parish’s history (Continues on page 9)
she does!”
Keena Aderhold 3rd & 4th Grade LS Academic Support
Steve Hendricks
Hays Hendricks Gayle McMahon
Retirees
Amy Ariagno Director of Finance and Parish Plus
Andrew Jennings Head of Upper School
Tom Vezain Director of Information Technology
Judi Deneen
Lynda Coch
Trisha Freeman
2024 Parish Gala - A Night in Vegas
Parish Gala is the School’s second largest fundraising event and always proves to be a night of great fun and fellowship. This year the Parish community enjoyed a Night in Vegas which included dancing, casino games and even a visit from “The King!” Attendees were transported to the bright lights of the Vegas strip where they mixed and mingled, and bid on amazing auction items. This year’s event also included a very exciting raffle prize – free Parish tuition for the 2024-2025 school year!
Thank you to all who attended, donated, sponsored and volunteered to help with this important event for the School. We’re excited to announce that next year’s Parish Gala will take place on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at Gilley’s Dallas. More details to come this fall!
Milestone Years of Service
(continued from page 7)
“I will always love her and be grateful for her friendship that began [nearly] 40 years ago [when] Sandy and I came to Parish in the same year,” recalled Vicki Eastland, retired Parish faculty member. “When I was about to retire 14 years ago, I asked if/when she was going to retire. Her quick response? ‘…No! I can blow a P.E. whistle just fine from a walker!’”
As Dr. Matt Rush pointed out at this year’s Founders’ Dinner where Sandy was recognized for her service to Parish, Sandy Brickert has brought true joy to her colleagues and the many students she’s taught. While we know her shoes will be hard to fill (and her whistle hard to replace), we are excited for her in this milestone season and thank her for an incredible 39 years of service to the Parish community.
Parent Service Spotlights
Bondy-Lee: Lindsey Cleland (Charley ’33)
Lindsey Cleland is the 2023-24 recipient of the Bondy-Lee award, named in honor of Andrea Lee and Gabriella Bondy (the first two chairwomen of the Parish Day School (PDS) Mothers’ Club – now the Parents’ Association).
As Dr. Matt Rush announced Lindsey at a special Hillcrest chapel service in May, he noted for those in attendance, including our youngest learners, what it means to be a servant leader:
• A great listener: A servant leader puts the emphasis upon listening effectively to others.
• Showing empathy - putting yourself in others’ shoes: A servant leader needs to understand others' feelings and perspectives.
• Looking out before you look in: A servant leader is a steward who holds an organization's resources in trust for the greater good.
• Commitment to the growth of people: A servant leader is responsible for serving the needs of others.
• Community builder: A servant leader helps create a sense of community among people.
Lindsey encapsulates these qualities and so much more and her parent peers agree. One parent commented that “She embodies the spirit of this award. She selflessly gives her time to our school every chance she gets! . . . [She] does all of this with a beautiful smile on her face, and kindness and care for the students, faculty and staff. She surprises teachers with lunches and coffees just to show love and appreciation for them. She honestly just loves to be kind and her many hours of service and her loving, giving, cheerful presence has made our school so much of a better place!”
Lindsey’s service to Parish spans across many areas. She was on the 2nd grade Fly Up committee and is currently the 3rd grade fellowship lead; she’s been a Parish Fund volunteer for three years and has volunteered to help at events, in the lunchroom, in the library, at class parties and at faculty/staff luncheons; and she has organized volunteers in the lunchroom, art room and library, helping her fellow parents find a way to serve throughout the year.
We celebrate Lindsey in appreciation for all she has done and continues to do for Parish in serving the faculty, staff and students!
During the 1985-1986 school year, the Bondy-Lee Award was established in honor of the first two co-chairwomen of the Mothers' Club, Gabriella Bondy and Andrea Lee. This award is presented each year to the most outstanding parent volunteer for the Lower School. This honorary award reflects the faculty and staff‘s appreciation for a parent volunteer for the Lower School. This is a parent volunteer whose time and effort have been focused on our students. This parent has encouraged volunteering, supported the goals of the School and promoted good will. In addition, this parent has exhibited a good relationship with the children, faculty, staff and other parents. Some examples of the services completed by previous nominees are fellowship coordinators, lunchroom volunteers, Parents’ Association event chairs and co-chairs, library volunteers, art volunteers, Gala Committee members, helping with special events, etc.
Martha Johnston Legacy Award: Jennifer Willis (Blake ’20 and Taylor ’24)
Recognized at the Class of 2024 Senior Dinner, Jennifer Willis is a shining example of the “selfless service and boundless spirit” that embodies a recipient of the Martha Johnston Legacy Award.
Jennifer is someone who advocates for the School and, as one of its biggest cheerleaders, has always had Parish’s best interest at heart. Not only does her servant leadership show up in the numerous volunteer roles she’s held, it also shines through in the day-to-day of attending Parish when she “shows up” for the School to support events and students, and to seek knowledge to understand decisions to help her peers navigate information. One such example was during her leadership as Parents’ Association President during COVID-19 pandemic. Leading the PA was definitely not an easy role to have during the pandemic, but Jennifer was tireless in making sure the community felt connected and appreciated, and was the best leader for our parents during an extremely difficult time.
Jennifer served on the PA Executive Board, including during her presidency, from 2017 – 2022, and was a Crown Award recipient in 2018. She has served on various Gala committees from 2015-2022, including co-chairing Bingo Night in 2017 and 2018, and co-chairing the 50th Anniversary Gala Raffle. She has also been grade-level captain for Parish Fund, communication chair for Athletic Booster Club (20212023), co-chaired Senior Committee and was an original member of the Head of School Council (2018-2021). Outside of Parish, she is a regular volunteer with Dec My Room, helping to create personalized healing places for long term pediatric and young adult patients.
As a former preschool teacher, according to her husband David, Jennifer has always valued education, and that is evident in her support and advancement of the Parish experience. We are fortunate to have Jennifer Willis on our squad and appreciate her dedication to our school community.
Martha Johnston Legacy Award is given annually to a senior parent who has exemplified Martha’s (Natalie ‘13, Sam ‘15 and Joe ’17) selfless service and boundless spirit over an extended period of time.
(Continues on page 10)
Parent Service Spotlights (continued
from page 9)
Crown Award: Kristen Schultz (Jack ‘33)
Kristen Schultz was named this year’s Parents’ Association (PA) Crown Award winner. Kristen, who has served on the PA Executive Board as the Vice President of Communication for the past three years, was recognized in May by PA President Lisa Macaraeg (Kaitlyn ‘31, Harlow ’34 and Gray ’36).
Since the 2021-22 school year, Kristen has not only managed the PA communication processes, but improved upon them year over year, including refining the administration of the Fellowship Facebook groups that help keep our parents informed about all the great PA events and activities for their children. Macaraeg noted that “Kristen never hesitates to step in and use her creativity in support of all her PA Board peers. From fun Facebook announcements to designing Lookbooks for Gala attire, and lots in between, Kristen is a dedicated parent volunteer who continues to look for ways to enhance parent communication and showcase the great work of the Parents’ Association.”
Thank you to Kristen for serving her fellow parents in this role, and for always collaborating with the Parish Advancement and Communication teams in her efforts as well.
The Crown Award is given by the Parents’ Association (PA) President to a volunteer PA Executive Board member who has gone above and beyond during the current school year and shown great leadership to their volunteer cohort and support to the Parish community.
Meet our New Alumni Board Members
Daniela Acosta-Lane ‘08
Daniela is a dedicated professional with a master's in Social Work from the University of Denver. Throughout her academic and professional journey, leadership and service have been consistent themes. She has been recognized for her excellence in leadership, academic performance and service at both St. Edward's University and University of Denver. In 2017, she co-founded Stone Boutique and successfully managed all aspects of the business, culminating in its sale in 2022. Daniela's diverse background in social work and business has equipped her with the skills to connect with people, build relationships and navigate high-pressure negotiations. Having enjoyed Parish Alumni events since graduation, she is looking forward to the opportunity to utilize her leadership skills on the Alumni Board.
Mandi Powe Dillon ‘09
Mandi, a graduate of UT Southwestern Medical School and Baylor College of Medicine, is a dedicated Reproductive Endocrinologist Physician with board certification in OBGYN. Mandi is passionate about giving back to Parish. Her experience in organizing events, managing tasks and coordinating groups, combined with her effective communication skills, make her a valuable asset to any team. Excited to return from Houston to Dallas in 2025 with her husband and four-year-old daughter, Mandi looks forward to being more involved in Parish events and continuing to make a positive impact in her community.
Vinay Chemiti ‘15
Vinay, a University of Kansas graduate and Commercial Funding and Marketing Associate at Enterprise America, brings a wealth of experience and a deep connection to Parish Episcopal School. He has been a part of the community since 4th grade and graduated in 2015. With a strong desire to support future generations of Parish students and alumni, Vinay aspires to be a voice for the Indian community within the Alumni Board. His previous role at Ethos Education Group, teaching character development to students in Frisco Schools, left a lasting impact and fueled his commitment to giving back to youth. Now, with the time and opportunity to contribute, Vinay is eager to reengage with Parish and make a positive difference in the lives of students and alumni.
Claire Williams Caywood ‘17
Claire, a graduate of Dallas Baptist University, is a Couples Counseling Client Support Specialist with a passion for community service and leadership. Claire's experience in holding leadership roles throughout her professional career, as well as her active involvement in teen boards during middle and high school, showcases her commitment to making a positive impact. Her dedication to volunteering within her community reflects her commitment to service and helping others. Having recently returned to Texas from Pennsylvania with her family, Claire is eager to reconnect and give back to Parish.
Ben Soule ’19
Ben is a 2023 graduate of The University of Texas at Dallas and Market Director at NAI Robert Lynn Commercial Real Estate. Ben is excited to give back to the school he credits with changing his life when he enrolled as a sophomore. As the founder of the Men's Leadership Initiative (MLI) and a mentor to student athletes, Ben's commitment to personal growth, community service and leadership development shines through in all aspects of his life. His dedication to Parish and drive to connect and lead make him a valuable addition to the Alumni Board.
Inaugural Parish Alumni Service Award: Lauren
Ware Henderson ’07
Lauren Ware Henderson ’07 was recognized at this past spring’s Founders’ Dinner as the inaugural recipient of the Parish Alumni Service Award, given to recipients who have made significant contributions to the Parish community through their attendance, loyalty, service and commitment to the mission of the School.
Former Alumni Board President, Bart Freeman PDS ’80, presented Lauren with the award at the event and shared the following special remarks with attendees regarding her service to the School:
“Usually, an award is already in existence to be given out to a recipient. Much more rarely, a new award is inspired into existence by someone. Such is the rare case here. This new award was inspired by this year’s recipient . . . Now this might be a bold statement but . . . no alumni of Parish Episcopal School has given more to Parish following graduation than [Lauren]. . . She has the distinction of being among the 46 first high school alumni EVER from the first graduating class . . . Following graduation from college, she returned to serve on the Parish Alumni Board and assumed a position in the Advancement office where in 2021 she took over as Director of Alumni Relations. In those roles, she bled Parish colors of red and blue. . . . Her dedication is rivaled only by her sweet disposition. . . . One alumni recalls her ‘passion and deep love for Parish’ and describes her as embodying the definition of a true Lifer . . . [with] a tenure of service I believe that is unmatched by any PES alum . . . We would be hard pressed to identify any alum who has exemplified more loyalty, service or commitment to Parish than Lauren Ware Henderson . . .”
Distinguished Service Award:
Dee and Trey Velvin (Andrew ’12, Sarah ’14 and Will ’18)
Honored by Dr. Matt Rush at Founders’ Dinner, Dee and Trey Velvin were announced as this year’s recipients of Parish’s Distinguished Service Award.
During his remarks, Dr. Rush emphasized that “The Velvin family’s tireless efforts, unwavering commitment and impact on our school community has spanned four decades. Their dedication to volunteerism and service has inspired countless others to follow in their footsteps and give back to their community. Their involvement in our school has enriched the lives of countless students, teachers and staff members, creating a positive and supportive learning environment that is second to none.”
From Board service and board committees to school fundraisers, PA leadership and school leadership transitions, the Velvin’s love for Parish has been a constant. In addition to Parish, they dedicate their time, their love and their care to organizations across the DFW Metroplex, modeling for others what it means to give back to their communities.
“On a personal note, they have been amazing to me and Lacy in our transition to Dallas and to life at Parish,” said Dr. Rush. “Their counsel, even-tempered approach to life, and love for education and children is deeply valued and appreciated. . .
. . . To Dee and Trey, you’ve been walking examples of our Parish’s tenets of Wisdom, Honor and Service in all that you have done and continue to do for our School. On behalf of the School, THANK YOU!”
Meet the 2024-25 Board of Trustees
Michael Villa, Chair
Marty Debus, Vice Chair & Treasurer
Saira Habash, Secretary
Brian Bogard
Lynette Christensen
Sam Dwinell
David Fisk PDS '92
Bart Freeman PDS '88
Sarah Grohman
Tim Gross
Carrie Hoffman
Gunjan Jain
Jade Le
Biegel Macaraeg
Michelle Norman Winfred Parnell
Quincy Powell '07 Neal Shah
Pamela Wills-Ward
Nancy Ann Hunt, Emerita
Jay Madrid, Emeritus
Allen Meyer, Emeritus
Ex- Officio: Matt Rush, Head of School
Rev. Casey Shobe, Rector, The Church of the Transfiguration
Mat Thekkil, Sr. Warden
Monday, April 7, 2025 Cowboys Golf Club in Grapevine, TX www.parish.org/golfclassic For underwriting opportunities, contact Marla Buskin, mbuskin@parish.org
Editor
Managing Editor
Alumni
Digital
Photographer
Heather Mills
Bianca Araujo