Parker COMMENCEMENT 2019 | HEART OF CAMPUS COMPLETION | 37TH GALA
SUMMER/FALL 2019
THE MAGAZINE OF FRANCIS PARKER SCHOOL
Parker Moment Nearly 500 Parker parents, alumni, and friends came together on the Linda Vista Campus on May 11, 2019, for the School’s 37th annual gala. Presented by the Parents Association and chaired by Erik Keskinen, the Country Palooza gala (together with the Day of Giving) raised a total of $1,237,742 for faculty professional development and student financial assistance. Read more on page 21.
The Parents Association Presents
Saturday, may 9, 2020 an evening to benefit parker students tickets on sale january 7, 2020 francisparker.org/gala chaired by liz zborowski
Head of School Message
Above: Upper School teacher and Grade 12 Dean Paul Esch poses with graduating students just before the commencement ceremony.
Connected. There is nothing that matters more than the relationships we share with one another. It is the investment in those relationships–truly connecting with one another–that will bring riches to us all. At Parker, this sentiment rings especially true and is the reason we selected “Connected” as the annual theme to set the tone and priority for the 2019-20 school year. The theme stemmed from a piece I came across in last year’s Middle School Yearbook by Rob Hansen ’87. He writes:
“Parker is a busy place. We’re all running around, trying to keep up–even trying to excel. Rightfully, we are focused on our own responsibilities. We would do well, however, to remind ourselves where we need to invest: relationships. If we invest in relationships, we will be rich. We will be wealthy in ways difficult to see, but easy to feel, and just as importantly, easy to share.”
In this issue of Parker Magazine, we highlight some of the wonderful connections that take place daily at Parker. The stories and images contained in the following pages truly enhance the theme, allowing our community to reflect on the past year as we also look eagerly ahead to 2020. Perhaps no event illustrates Parker’s connectedness like Commencement. The smiles, the hugs, the lasting relationships between faculty and students. Take a look back to June 1, 2019, when we came together to celebrate the culminating event for 130 Parker students—graduation. Our Linda Vista Campus was transformed earlier this year with the completion of the Heart of Campus campaign and the new Student Life Center, a place that has truly become the center of our Linda Vista Campus. We also reminisce about one of our favorite events– Parker’s Gala. The 37th installment, “Country Palooza,” saw everyone in their finest western wear connecting with one another in support for student financial assistance. Several longtime faculty and staff retired or moved on from Parker this past year. Each individual profiled in
the “Parker Transitions” section has been vital in growing and maintaining connections within our community. They will be dearly missed. We also celebrate fall athletics with recaps of all Parker teams, many who found great success this past season, including Varsity Football, who won their first sectional championship since 2009 and Cross Country, who went undefeated in league play and saw the boys’ team win the Coastal Conference Championship and the CIF Division V Championship–they ultimately placed third in the CIF state meet in Fresno. As always, many thanks to you for your interest, generosity, and for your part continuing to make and grow the relationships that truly make Parker connected.
With gratitude,
Kevin Yaley Head of School
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Contents 08
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The afternoon of June 1, 2019 marked a milestone in the lives of 130 Parker students—the culminating moment of their school career—graduation.
Parker’s Linda Vista Campus is transformed with the completion of the Heart of Campus.
Commencement 2019
Student Centered
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Parker’s 37th Gala, Country Palooza, raises support for student financial assistance.
Jimmy and Jennifer Anklesaria are Parker’s 2019 Henry F. Lippitt II ’29 Award recipients.
Country Palooza Gala
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Parker Magazine SUMMER/FALL 2019
Parker’s Highest Honor
Parker Magazine SUMMER/FALL 2019
Francis Parker School Kevin Yaley, Head of School
Departments 04
Editor
Lori Foote ’94
Parker Highlights
Copy Editor
The latest news from around the School.
Barb Fokos
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Fall Athletics
Updates from Parker’s fall season sports teams.
Contributors
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Parker Transitions
Photography
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Alumni Class Notes
Matt Piechalak
Celebrating retiring Parker Faculty and Staff.
Lori Foote ’94 Earnie Grafton Rob Hansen ’87 Nancee Lewis Matt Piechalak Courtney Ranaudo
The latest updates from Parker alumni.
Our Mission
Non-Discrimination Statement
The mission of Francis Parker School is to create and inspire a diverse community of independent thinkers whose academic excellence, global perspective, and strength of character prepare them to make a meaningful difference in the world.
2019-2020 Board of Trustees
Thank you, Donors
2018-2019 Report on Philanthropy
The Parker community is distinguished by the generosity of our families, friends, and supporters. The 2018-2019 Report on Philanthropy, which honors and recognizes our exceptional community of donors, is now available online at francisparker.org/report.
Robert Gleason, Chair Susan Lester, Chair Elect Jeannette Aldous, M.D. Will Beamer ’89 Ayse Benker Diana Casey Randall Clark Estela de Llanos Kristie Diamond Rich Effress Graeme Gabriel Robert Howard Randy Jones Ted Kim Jennifer Levitt Noelle Khoury Ludwig ’91 Patsy Marino Samir Singh ’96 Kate Deely Smith Meghan Spieker Traci Stuart Mary Taylor Sarah White Caroline Rentto Wohl ’86 Kevin Yaley
Francis Parker School is an inclusive community where diversity is welcomed and celebrated. We seek talented students, families, faculty and staff from different backgrounds. The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability, creed or national origin in the administration of its admissions, tuition assistance, employment determination or other procedures or programs.
Inclusive Language Statement
Francis Parker School is committed to the use of inclusive language. This pledge extends to our communications. We practice the use of writing styles and language that are free from bias and sensitive to people’s abilities, disabilities, ethnic and racial designations, cultural differences, and gender identities. Parker Magazine is published two times each year by the Communications Office as a School community magazine. Address correspondence to: communications@francisparker.org
On the Cover
Henry Trotter and Harrison Handley, both Class of 2031, snap together coding blocks to make an on-screen character walk, grab, and jump its way through a magical world. Students learn real programming concepts by linking physical coding blocks into sequences, loops, and ‘if/or’ actions. Sharpening these skills builds confidence and prepares kids for an increasingly digital world. SUMMER/FALL 2019 Parker Magazine
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Parker Highlights Parker Lands a Spot on Newsweek’s ‘Top STEM High Schools’ List Parker has been ranked among the top STEM schools in the country, according to Newsweek’s “Top STEM High Schools 2020” report released in November 2019. The School landed at No. 195 out of 500 schools ranked and grabbed the highest spot among independent schools in San Diego. The State of California had 82 schools ranked on the list, including top-ranked Stanford Online High School. “This is such great news,” says Dr. Monica Gillespie, Parker Head of Upper School. “At Parker, STEM is part of our DNA with expert faculty who inspire our students and generations to keep asking questions and creating solutions. Combine dynamic and expert faculty with talented and curious students and the result is discovery, design, and action.” “Children are natural STEM students,” Newsweek Global Editor in Chief Nancy Cooper states in her introduction to the report. “They love to explore the properties of sand and water, to build towers (and knock them down), to count their Halloween candy or track sports statistics. We need to make sure that innate drive, curiosity, and creativity aren’t lost along the way.”
Board of Trustees Annual Meeting On June 3, Parker’s Board of Trustees held their annual meeting at Parker’s Linda Vista Campus. During the meeting, Susan Lester was confirmed as the incoming Board Chair. During her time on the Board, Susan has chaired the Finance Committee and served on the Diversity and Inclusion, Compensation, and Executive Committees. Above: Members of the 2019-2020 Board of Trustees.
Read more online at francisparker.org/news 4
Parker Magazine SUMMER/FALL 2019
The election also confirmed three new trustees; Jeannette Aldous, M.D., Estela de Llanos, and Samir Singh ’96. Outgoing trustee Shakha Gillin, M.D. was recognized for her leadership and service to the School. Learn more about Parker’s Board of Trustees online at francisparker.org/BOT
Parker Highlights
Student Safety and Security Student safety and security are top priorities for the School. This commitment to providing the safest possible environment for students and faculty prompts the School to stay up-to-date with the best practices in organizational safety.
In the Spotlight: Day of Giving
To that end, the School is working this year not only to review and revise our overall emergency response procedures but also to adopt the ALICE preparedness solution as an improvement to a traditional lockdown response.
Day of Giving 2019 was the most successful campaign to-date because of the overwhelming generosity of our School community.
This options-based approach teaches community members, in age-appropriate ways, to assess an emergency and deploy the right action for the situation that presents itself. Over the summer, 42 Parker faculty and staff members volunteered to complete a two-day training program to become certified ALICE instructors, and earlier this fall, all faculty and staff completed the first all-School ALICE training session.
The goal for this year—the sixth annual Day of Giving—was to reach 900 family donors in 24 hours.
Faculty and staff continue to work on the School’s overall emergency response procedures with the goal to train students on the options-based approach by the end of the school year.
The School received 1,075 gifts to raise a total of $575,000 for Parker teachers from more than 900 donors. The gifts included $350,000 in challenges and matches. Parker’s Lower School smashed the $25,000 divisional challenge with 96-percent participation. All gifts on the Day of Giving support faculty salaries and professional development.
self-study update
Thank you, Parker families!
Parker’s self-study document has been completed and was submitted to the California Association for Independent Schools (CAIS) for review. The CAIS visiting committee will hold its accreditation visit from Feb. 2 to 5. The re-accreditation process includes a written self-study based on 16 standards and six sections that focus on all aspects of the School. The report is followed by an on-site visit by a team of CAIS educators who assess the study’s effectiveness in fulfilling the School’s stated purposes. Following the visit, the committee will issue a report detailing the School’s accreditation status.
Above: Day of Giving campaign chairs show their school spirit.
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Parker Highlights
End-of-Year Awards At the end of each academic year, the School recognizes faculty and staff who demonstrate excellence at Parker. Listed below are the award winners for the 2018-2019 school year. Dethloff Family Fund for Excellence in Teaching Jennifer Dorsey Bob Hurley Shorty Virgen Mulliken Family-Lane Foundation Endowment for Teaching Excellence Kevin Dunn Dr. Sara Gongaware Elise Marinkovich W. Lee Pierson Endowed Faculty Summer Sabbatical Seniority Grant Nancy Anderson Parker Spirit of Excellence Awardees Amy Belknap Letty Robinson Bridgett Besinger Chris Sanders Laurie Brae Karishma Sinnott Erica Buechner Aimee Tanner Mike Cain Christen TedrowRob Campbell Harrison Barry Cheskaty Theresa Tran Carrie Dilmore Cindy DiPiero Lori Foote ’94 Gwen Giek Chris Glover Heather Gray Ryan Griggs Denver Guess Marsha Gygax Jeremy Howard John Hulsey Alia Jaywook Kristy Keith Debbie Kempinski Adelina Leyva Chris McGrath Stephanie Oberle 6
Parker Magazine SUMMER/FALL 2019
Parker Moment Parker Lower School students line up for the Homecoming parade. This year, the event was held on a Friday evening.
“In this place we have made great friends, learned from the wisdom of our teachers, and cultivated our diverse sets of talents in ways that impacted the communities around us.” Valedictorian Victoria Comunale ’19
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“I have learned so much here at Parker. Little details I have ignored are now the big picture. Things like S.T.R.I.V.E. have helped me never take the small things for granted.” Penelope Diamond-Pott, Class of 2026
It’s like a dream come true. I’m so proud of these kids and my coaches.”
“WATER POLO IS LIFECHANGING AND ITS POSITIVE IMPACT AT PARKER WILL CONTINUE TO EXPAND.” Sam Busby
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“The School allowed me to pursue my personal passions and blend them into my teaching, which was mutually beneficial to the students, myself, and the community.” Tom Crowley
Matt Morrison ’05
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“Parker has a unique way of cultivating not only its students’ love of learning, curiosity, and knowledge, but also of building a profound sense of self-awareness and character, as well as a deeper awareness of the world in which they live.” Jack Douglas, Class of 2023
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THE CLASS OF
COMMENCEMENT
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Parker Magazine SUMMER/FALL 2019
Commencement
Pictured top row left to right: Brooke Seay ’19, Peter Bowden ’19, Cesar Fernandez ’19, Jason Dykstra ’19, Michael Carandang ’19, Michael Campagna ’19. Front row left to right: Sidney Kuerbis ’19, Maya Espinosa ’19, Grace Winn ’19, and Victoria Comunale ’19. Photo by Courtney Ranaudo.
The afternoon of June 1, 2019 marked a milestone in the lives of 130 Parker students—the culminating moment of their school career—graduation. For 36 of those students, Parker had been their second home since the age of 4 or 5, and on this afternoon, along with their classmates, they walked the campus of Francis Parker School for the last time as students and for the first time as graduates. As nearly 1,600 family and friends found their seats for the ceremony, Parker leadership, members of the Board of Trustees, and Parker faculty and staff entered the ceremony filled with anticipation to watch the graduates make their way to their seats on stage.
“In this place we have made great friends, learned from the wisdom of our teachers, and cultivated our diverse sets of talents in ways that impacted the communities around us.” — Valedictorian Victoria Comunale ’19
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Commencement
WE BELIEVE IN YOU The ceremony began with an address from Head of School Kevin Yaley. His message of belief in the students of the graduating class harkened back to one of Parker’s finest headmasters, affectionately known as “Happy.” Happy charged Parker’s faculty and staff with a simple request:
“Believe in your students to such an extent that they will believe in themselves. For there is no greater gift we can give them than to believe.” Kevin reiterated to the class, “For as long as you have been a part of our lives, we have believed in you. And on this day— your graduation day—on behalf of everyone here today, I wish to give you again the most important gift captured in four simple words. We believe in you.”
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Kevin then welcomed the student speakers, Valedictorian Victoria Comunale ’19 and student speaker Grace Winn ’19 to the stage. Both addressed their classmates with reminiscent reflections of their time together and the family that they have become.
A LIFE OF LOVE AND SERVICE Congressman Juan Vargas took to the stage to deliver the keynote address. The Congressman shared messages of love and generosity with the graduating class, encouraging them to “choose a life of love and service to others,” emphasizing how a mindset of love and generosity can create a wonderful life.
“Be generous to a fault, forgive others, and love the best you possibly can. In the end, it really does pay off.” — Congressman Juan Vargas
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2 Photos by Courtney Ranaudo. 1. Valedictorian Victoria Comunale ’19 2. Keynote Speaker Congressman Juan Vargas 3. Left to right: Evan Morgan ’19, Suraj Srinivasan ’19 and Eleanor Hansen ’19 4. Commencement Speaker Grace Winn ’19 5. Laurent Cotter ’19 6. Left to right: Andrew Brown ’19, Carlos Heredia ’19, and Bryce Dethloff ’19.
Commencement
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middle SCHOOL PROMOTION On June 13, 2019, members of the Class of 2023 were promoted from Parker’s Middle School. Surrounded by friends and family, the ceremony included speeches by students Jack Douglas and Kian Mehrayin, as well as musical performances from students of the promoting class. Head of School Kevin Yaley, Head of Middle School Dan Lang, and Head of Upper School Dr. Monica Gillespie each addressed the students, family, and friends in attendance.
2 Photos by Nancee Lewis Photography. 1. Jack Dougles, Class of 2023, addresses classmates during Middle School Promotion. 2. Members of the Class of 2023. 3. Left to right: Addison Smith and Emma Anderson, both Class of 2023, perform “Found Tonight” by Ben Platt and Lin-Manuel Miranda. 4. Left to right: Nyla Brown and Aubree Dethloff, both Class of 2023, perform “Best Day of My Life” by the American Authors. 5. Josh Wyly, Class of 2023, performs “Trio in E-Flat,” an original song he composed for the ceremony. 6. Left to right: Shea McGrath and Evan Clark, both Class of 2023, perform “Trio in E-Flat.”
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“Parker has a unique way of cultivating not only its students’ love of learning, curiosity, and knowledge, but also of building a profound sense of self-awareness and character, as well as a deeper awareness of the world in which they live.” — Jack Douglas, Class of 2023
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lower SCHOOL PROMOTION On June 14, 2019, members of the Class of 2026 were promoted from Parker’s Lower School. Surrounded by friends and family, the ceremony was highlighted with speeches written and presented by students from the Grade 5 class. Given a writing prompt of “What Parker Means to Me,” students Ethan Black, Mark Blair, Audrey Deliz, Penelope Diamond-Pott, Nicholas Kim, and Danika Yam, all Class of 2026, were chosen by School leadership to share their thoughts at the ceremony. Included here are quotes from some of the essays.
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“The people and staff at Parker are so understanding and accepting. Everyone here emphasizes kindness and empathy. We even have a whole week dedicated to learning about kindness! I think that Parker has taught me to become a more understanding person. Parker has lifted me up to be a better human being.” — Danika Yam, Class of 2026 2
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“I have learned so much here at Parker. Little details I have ignored are now the big picture. Things like S.T.R.I.V.E. have helped me never take the small things for granted.” — Penelope Diamond-Pott, Class of 2026
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“Parker has taught me many lessons. One of them being S.T.R.I.V.E. Parker wants us to follow S.T.R.I.V.E and make us better people and I feel like that has really shaped me into becoming a better person.” — Nicholas Kim, Class of 2026 4
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Photos by Studio M Photography. 1. Members of the Class of 2026 2. Danika Yam, Class of 2026 3. Penelope Diamond-Pott, Class of 2026 4. Nicholas Kim, Class of 2026 5. Audrey Deliz, Class of 2026
“Drama made me more confident. P.E. taught me to believe in myself. Library taught me to have a huge imagination. Chinese showed me to be patient when learning things. Science showed me that asking questions is a good thing, especially when you don’t understand anything that they are talking about. Design taught me to keep trying. Lastly, my homeroom teachers taught me kindness; how to be kind to myself, and to others.” — Audrey Deliz, Class of 2026 SUMMER/FALL 2019 Parker Magazine 15
STUDENT
CENTERED HEART OF CAMPUS CAMPAIGN TRANSFORMS LINDA VISTA CAMPUS 2019 marked the completion of Parker’s Heart of Campus campaign and the grand opening of the Student Life Center. The space has transformed the Linda Vista Campus by adding new meeting rooms, the Parker Cafe, outdoor terrace, central plaza, amphitheater, and a two-story underground parking structure. Read on to see inside these wonderful new spaces.
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Photo by Earnie Grafton SUMMER/FALL 2019 Parker Magazine 17
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a look inside
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1. The Purdon Family Lobby welcomes guests to the second floor of the Student Life Center and proudly displays the donor recognition wall. 2. The Samikoglu Family Room meeting space and outdoor balcony. 3. State-of-the-art kitchen in the Parker Cafe. 4. Casey Family Room and Marino Family Room. 5. Outdoor dining terrace. 6. Alumni "P" in the Parker Cafe recognizes alumni donors to the Heart of Campus campaign. 7. P1, the first level of underground parking. 8. Parker Cafe food service area. 9. P2, the second level of underground parking. Photos by Earnie Grafton.
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ribbon cutting In April 2019, Parker welcomed parents, students, current and retired faculty and staff, and current and former members of the Board of Trustees, along with supporting family, friends, and neighbors to the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Student Life Center. The occasion celebrated an exciting and transformational moment in Parker history. 1. Joined by Parker Leadership and members of the Board of Trustees, Upper School ASB President Julia Bernicker ’19 (center-left) and Middle School ASB President, Shea McGrath, Class of 2023 (center-right), cut the ribbon to officially open the Student Life Center. 2. Parker families tour the Parker Cafe. 4. Past trustees and family reconnect at the ribbon cutting ceremony. 5. Director of Food Services Jose Santiago (right) tours guests through the new state-of-the-art kitchen facilities. 6. Retired Parker faculty and staff returned to Campus to see the new spaces. 7. Guests read the names of Alumni campaign donors on the Alumni P in the Parker Cafe.
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Photos by Nancee Lewis Photography.
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1. Savannah Philyaw ’13 and 2. Brandon Scott ’01 perform songs for Upper School students during lunch. 3. Students applaud spirit week flash mob dancers. 4. The Homecoming dance took place at the Student Life Center. 5. Athletic Director Anthony Thomas leads the spirit week flash mob dance. 6. Orion Samikoglu, Class of 2022 jams with Brandon Scott ’01 during a lunchtime performance.
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Photos by Nancee Lewis Photography. Keynote speaker Tyler Bernardini ’07 shares his Parker story with Gala attendees.
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The Parents Association’s 37th Gala, Country Palooza, together with the efforts of Parker’s Day of Giving, raised $1,237,742 for student financial assistance and faculty professional development and salaries. By every measure, the event was a spectacular success. As gala chair Erik Keskinen explains, “Like so much of country music, the Parker community is about family, and a family is never happier than when it is in harmony.” The themes of ‘family’ and ‘harmony’ were ever-present on the evening of the gala. The evening opened with a showcase reception of food and fun located at the School’s newly-opened Student Life Center. The opening reception allowed guests to peruse the premium silent auction items all while enjoying games, music, and food from a variety of local food trucks. Guests soon moved to the Field House which had been transformed into a country-themed dining pavilion. All of this formed the backdrop for the Gala’s featured speaker, Tyler Benardini ’07, whose words brought to life the true spirit of the Parker community.
“The beauty of Parker is that each of us has our own ‘basketball court’—it may be a theater stage, robotics lab, art or dance studio—and each of us has our own ‘Coach Tomey’—an advocate, coach, mentor. Once you are a student on this Campus the opportunity to make the most of your educational experience is before you.” —Tyler Benardini ’07
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Country Palooza Gala Tyler reflected on his lifelong dream of becoming a professional basketball player and how Parker prepared him for the challenges of balancing his academics with his athletics pursuits. Tyler shared that it was his Parker experience that provided him the tools to succeed academically in college and on the court:
“No matter where our life’s path may take us, it will always be our Parker education that provided the foundation for us to do great things and realize our dreams.” Upon graduation, Tyler attended the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in economics. In each of his four years at Penn, Tyler was a starter on the basketball team and received the honor of Ivy League Rookie of the Year in 2008. Tyler was invited to be a member of Penn’s prestigious Friars Honor Society. After Penn, Tyler was offered a chance to live his dream as a professional basketball player when the Carlsbad native was recruited for the Italian Basketball League as a guard on the Mapooro Cantu team. Two years later, he accepted a position with the Leicester Riders in the United Kingdom. The Riders earned the title of League Champion three times during Tyler’s five years with them. A team captain for two years, Tyler received MVP accolades in 2015, 2016, and 2018. With a desire to further his education, Tyler earned a Master of Science with a concentration in international management from Loughborough University, UK in 2016. Tyler began his career working as sales director for the Leicester Riders Basketball Club where he managed sales, marketing, and promotion strategy. Recently he joined Morgan Stanley London’s office on their foreign exchange sales team. Tyler currently lives in London, with his wife, Emily Hunt Bernardini. He serves as Ambassador to several nonprofit organizations including Hope Against Cancer and Alex’s Wish. n
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Country Palooza Gala
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Parker Moment Parker’s Drama Club kicked of their 2019-2020 season in November with a production of “Xanadu.” Join them in February for “Silent Sky.”
Photo by XXX.
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FOOTBALL
FALL SPORTS
The Varsity Football team won a sectional championship for the first time since 2009, and also claimed the Pacific League Championship. The Lancers rebounded from a rocky start to the season to win its final four regular-season games, including a thrilling 58-50 victory against rival La Jolla Country Day on Senior Night to win the league title. The team finished league play 4-0 and earned a No. 4 seed and a first-round bye in the CIF Division 5 Sectional playoffs. Parker defeated No. 5 Crawford, 44-20, in the quarterfinals; upended No. 1 Vincent Memorial, 34-22, in the semifinals; and outlasted No. 2 Castle Park, 24-21, in the
championship game.
Above: Members of the varsity football team celebrate after clinching the CIF sectional championship.
CROSS COUNTRY Parker's cross country team finished with an overall record of 8-1 and went undefeated in league play with a 3-0 mark. The boys’ team won the Coastal Conference Championship and the CIF Division V Championship. They ultimately placed third in the CIF state meet in Fresno. The girls’ team finished in 4th place in CIF, their top finish of the season. Top performers included Kenan Pala, Class of 2022; and Spencer Seay, Class of 2021, for the boys, and Savannah Gordon, Class of 2020; and Alexa Gibson, Class of 2022, for the girls.
Above Top: Members of the Boys Cross Country team after placing third at the CIF state meet. Below: Kenan Pala, Class of 2022 placed fourth in the boys Division 5 final and earn all-state honors at the state meet at Woodward Park in Fresno.
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“Both teams had a very successful year,” says coach Matt Schellenberg. “The girls had a full varsity team at each race and consistently improved on their times as the season progressed. Our boys worked hard as well and have been state-ranked as No. 2 in Division 5.”
Above: The Girls Volleyball team set up for a spike against a tough competitor.
BOYS WATER POLO
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Boys water polo continued its rise to greatness in just its third season. The Lancers finished the season with an overall record of 17-12, including thrilling lateseason wins at Del Norte, 8-7; and against High Tech San Diego, 7-6, in overtime. The team defeated Mira Mesa, 10-6, in the opening round of the CIF San Diego Sectional and outlasted Oceanside, 108, in the seminal match to reach the championship for the second consecutive season. Ultimately, Parker was defeated, 15-7, by Mt. Carmel in the title game.
Girls volleyball finished with an overall record of 8-17 and a 2-8 mark in league play. The Lancers had their best showing in the HUDL Tournament, where they placed top 10 in the silver division and had a great victory over Otay Ranch. It was a trying season for the team, which was plagued by injuries.
GO LANCERS!
Above: Members of the Boys Water Polo team go for the score during an intense game.
“Still, we competed until the last point in our CIF Playoff match,” says coach Audra Dent. Our coaching staff saw great improvements in both individual [play] and team play, as a whole.”
GIRLS GOLF Girls golf finished with a 5-10 record and a 4-4 mark in league play. Each player achieved personal bests, came together to overcome adversity and played with a great deal of joy. At the season-ending conference championship, they achieved the best performance of the year and made the top 10 teams in Division 2.
Above: Practice makes perfect for members of the Girls Golf team.
“I’m very proud of our captains Cate Hasler, Class of 2020 and Davis Sinnott, Class of 2022,” says coach Jack Klein. “The great play and attitude of all of the players this season was awesome.”
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GIRLS TENNIS
FALL SPORTS
Girls tennis took third place in CIF Division 2 and lost in the CIF Semifinals, 10-8, to eventual-champion Pacific Ridge in the team championship. Singles Celerina Chao, Class of 2023, and Anisa Stone and Makaylee Dahms, both Class of 2022, made it to the quarterfinals in the individual championship. Parker’s regularseason MVP for singles with the most wins was team captain Caitlin Rowlings, Class of 2020, and the team’s MVP with the most wins for doubles was Anisa Stone and Makaylee Dahms.
Above Top: Girls Tennis team members are all smiles for the camera. Below: A powerful swing on display during competition.
“I’m so proud of the heart and hard work these girls displayed in season, and in the championships,” says head coach Tracey Plascencia. “They showed great fight to get to the semifinals and were gracious young women in defeat. I’m looking forward to another amazing season next year.”
Cardenas-Marouf, Class of 2022; and Ryan Fox, Class of 2023, won to clinch the victory.
Above: Members of the Boys Sand Volleyball team pose for a picture after a successful match.
BOYS SAND VOLLEYBALL Boys sand volleyball finished with a 3-2 league record. They opened the Division 1 playoffs with a 4-1 victory over a physical San Marcos team. The No. 1 team of Ben Sheres and Mark Tankersley, both Class of 2020, won a hard-fought three-game match over a strong Knight team. The Lancers continued to roll in the semifinals with a 3-2 victory over a talented team from Mission Bay. The No. 2 team of Andreas 28 Parker Magazine SUMMER/FALL 2019
The Lancers defeated Carlsbad, 3-2, to win the County D1 Championship. The No. 5 team of Rafter Sprague and Leonard Daniels, both Class of 2020, swept through their opponent as they did all season. The No. 4 team of Rodrigo Gallardo, Class of 2020; and Joey Diamond, Class of 2021, played their best match of the year and rolled to a huge victory. With all beach spectators watching, the No. 3 team of Jackson DeWitt, Class of 2022; and Chris Nawrocki, Class of 2021, won in three very close, exciting games to clinch the title. “Our team made substantial improvements over the course of the season,” says coach John Herman. “By the end of the year, our team could play with anyone in the county. The strength of our team was the number of boys in our program who can play. Very rarely did our teams, five through ten, lose all season.”
Athletic Highlights Parker expands Weight Room Parker’s recently-upgraded weight room now boasts seven brand new half-rack workout stations, new dumbells and Olympic plates, and an updated design that retained the space’s featured slogan, “Our Family vs. Their Team.” The new facility officially reopened at Homecoming 2019. The entire renovation project took four months to complete. “The space was made up of two separate rooms,” says Athletic Director Anthony Thomas. “We took down a couple of walls to make it one big space. This allows for multiple teams to get in there [together] and use the facility.” “In order for our kids to compete at the highest level, our strength and conditioning program must be at the center of what we do,” Anthony explains. “A consistent program can prevent injuries and [when] student-athletes get bigger, stronger, and faster, that will ultimately lead to better play.” The new weight room will benefit more than studentathletes—all Middle and Upper School students take some form of physical education during the school day. The weight room is a “showcase piece” that demonstrates Parker’s commitment to athletics, Anthony says.
Above: Varsity football players lift weights during a morning workout before playoffs.
Girls Water Polo Girls Water Polo began its inaugural season in December 2019. Following a third successful season on the boys’ side, Parker Water Polo Head Coach Sam Busby decided it was time to establish a girls program. The first season features 15 varsity games–three more than were originally scheduled. The girls are training hard and approaching every game with focus and determination. The longterm goal is to establish water polo as a key sport at Parker. “Water polo is life-changing and its positive impact at parker will continue to expand,” says Sam.
Above: Girls Water Polo is Parker’s newest sport. The girls began their season earlier this month.
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Parker Transitions
FOREVER PART OF THE PARKER FAMILY
BY MATT PIECHALAK
Longtime Parker Receptionist Monica Sawaya-Godfrey bids farewell to Parker after a 30year career at the School. “If someone came in and was having a bad day, I would give them a cup of coffee and listen,” says Monica, who left in August after 30 years of calling Parker her home. Monica and her husband, Christian, moved to Dallas to be closer to her daughter, Ysabella ’15. Her son, Gabriel ’18, is currently a college sophomore and will stay in San Diego to finish his post-secondary education. When asked for the appropriate term to describe her departure, Monica declined to use words like “leaving” or “resigning.” “I cannot use those words,” she says. “I’m starting a new adventure.”
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Monica was originally hired as the Upper School attendance secretary and eventually moved into the administration office. “I really only planned to stay here part-time because, at the time, I was pursuing a career in acting,” Monica says. Monica was grateful for the flexibility Parker offered and would go backand-forth to Los Angeles for auditions. She took vocal lessons, shot commercials, and did print work for a Mexican fashion magazine. Once married with kids, her pursuit of acting tapered, but Parker remained her home. “The community was just so wonderful, I thought, ’I can’t leave here’,” she says. “I stayed for 30 years.” For anyone associated with Parker, Monica was the face of the School and a welcoming presence on the first floor of the Peters Family Building. n
“No matter who you were—long-time colleague, first-year faculty member, parent, alumni, or simply someone who had lost their way along Linda Vista Road—one thing was for certain; when you entered the building, no matter what the day or circumstance, you would be greeted with a welcome and a smile that made you feel as though there was no one more important than you.” — Head of School Kevin Yaley
Parker Transitions
FROM COACH TO EDUCATOR
BY MATT PIECHALAK
For two decades, Marc Thiebach was an instrumental part of the Parker community. He wore many hats, including that of an administrator, teacher, advisor, coach, and friend. As he begins his new role as principal at The Nativity School in Rancho Santa Fe, Marc reflects on his Parker experience.
two head coaching positions and was offered both—one at Parker and the other at The Academy of Our Lady of Peace. He chose Parker, and his decision eventually led to a 20-plus-year career at the School. Marc’s first two years were dedicated to coaching and, in 2000, he was hired as Upper School Associated Student Body (ASB) and yearbook advisor.
Coaching prep sports was what initially attracted Marc to a career in education.
“That job was perfectly aligned; those two positions, as one, are a perfect match,” he says.
“Coaching is teaching and teaching is also coaching,” says Marc, Parker’s former Upper School Associate Head of School and Varsity Girls Soccer coach. “You can’t have one without the other.”
Marc spent 10 years active in ASB and is extremely proud of the work he helped accomplish.
Marc began as an off-campus coach in 1998 after hearing about an opening from two Parker students who played on his club soccer team. He applied for
“We really built a program and a curriculum of meaningful work around student input,” he says. “Students had a seat at the table to be a part of the process. They wanted to be a part of it for the right reasons.”
During his tenure at Parker, Marc went on to hold several other positions, including activities director, dean of students, and Upper School Assistant Head of School. Marc began his career in education working at Good Shepherd in Mira Mesa, where he spent 11 years in several capacities, including athletic director and vice-principal. When he came to Parker, he figured it would be a place “to gain five or six years of experience” before returning to a Catholic school. “Once I got to Parker and began growing and developing, I never thought I was going to leave,” he says. “I look back on all the work that we did there. Parker allowed me to grow for many years. I created lifelong relationships and now I’m going to former students’ weddings and meeting their firstborns. Parker is a very special place.” n
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Retiring Faculty and Staff
Debbie Burzynski Director of Transportation Coming to Parker was a natural fit for Director of Transportation Debbie Burzynski, a Buffalo, NY native who had no local family when she and husband, Larry, moved to San Diego in 1974. “Parker was our family,” Debbie says. Debbie started at the School in 1975 after a brief stint working in Fashion Valley. Larry, a marine who had previously been stationed in San Diego, had friends who were bus drivers for Parker. Later, Larry worked as a bus driver for the School and also completed his student teaching at Parker. At the time, it was easy to become a bus driver. All you needed was 10 hours behind the wheel and a written test, Debbie says. “I remember driving in circles around the track in the canyon below the Linda Vista Campus,” she recalled. Photo by Rob Hansen ’87
Parker was small when Debbie began. She recalls that drivers were instructed to pick up each student that requested bus service at their home, which was often challenging. “Each driver had to map their route, which in the late 1970s required a large map book and pencil and was formalized on typewritten carbon paper,” she says. “The routes were strange and changed every time a new student enrolled.” After three years as a driver, Debbie spent a year doing office work before being promoted to assistant manager of transportation. In 1991, she was promoted to director. Among her biggest accomplishments at Parker, Debbie says she’s proud to have been a part of policy changes, including increasing safety, student protocols, and building relationships with vendors. Debbie has always served as a “staunch Parker ambassador,” says Head of Lower School Bob Gillingham, who came to the School along with Debbie in the 1970s. The Buffalo native was instrumental in the School community, and made “phenomenal contributions” in her decades of service to Parker, Gillingham says.
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Debbie says she will miss the social aspect of the job and the people she worked with, as well as the problem-solving aspects of the job. “I think my creativity helped me complete each day, but I also learned how to become a ‘Type -A’ person,” she says. In retirement, Debbie is excited to garden, cook, read, hike, and explore the zoo. She is also planning to learn more about photography and is picking up the bagpipes—an instrument that has always fascinated her. Looking back, the job was all about the people and building relationships, Debbie says. “Give people a chance and don’t judge or assume. Keep your sense of humor and laugh as much as you can—especially at yourself.” n
Retiring Faculty and Staff
Diane Bergel Upper School Administrative Assistant Prior to starting at Parker, Upper School Administrative Assistant Diane Bergel had a wealth of experience working with young children. Interacting with the older kids was a new experience for her. “My first day I had all the seniors come in and line up alphabetically,” says Diane, who retired after 33 years at the School. “The first senior walks up and he’s huge—I’m only five-feet and he’s more than six feet. I’m holding a note home for him and I walk up and pin it to his shirt so he doesn’t lose it.” Diane came to Parker from public schools where her experience included office work, coaching, and teaching. “Parker was totally different than it is now,” Diane says. “The person in my position did everything. There were very small classes. I think the first graduating class was roughly 50 kids.” Diane says she will miss the Parker students most. “They’re amazing and they connect with you and are very curious,” she says. “I learned to learn from them.” “Diane’s positive approach to her job and her love of our students kept a smile on her face every day, and this went so far towards making the faculty feel both cared for and appreciated,” says Upper School Social Studies Teacher Chuck Wineholt, who met Diane 25 years ago. Diane took pride in event planning at Parker, and spent many years planning the commencement ceremony, which takes the entire year to coordinate. “I’ll never forget my first commencement at the Mission Hills Campus,” she says. “One kid was late because of a tennis tournament and he forgot his suit. I made my husband switch clothes with him. He said, ’this is the last time I come to a commencement’.” Along with event planning, Diane had many other important duties, including commanding respect from the copy machines, Chuck jokes. However, her greatest contribution, he believes, was her “ready smile and unflappable nature.”
Top: Diane Bergel from the 2019 Cavalcade. Above: Bergel as pictured in the 1982 Cavalcade.
“No matter how crazy things became, Diane had a positive, calming presence that always let me know that everything was going to be OK,” he says. Diane will also miss her coworkers, who are more like friends and family. n
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Retiring Faculty and Staff
Dave Johnson Upper School Science Teacher When Upper School Science Teacher Dave Johnson began at Parker in 1978, the 25-year-old taught four courses. “I was hired to teach PE, World History, Grade 7 Math, and Grade 9 Biology,” Dave says. “I spent a lot of days in the public library prepping.” The graduating class at the time was 35 students. The technology of the day was chalk and a blackboard, Dave jokes. Dave received his teaching credential from Point Loma Nazarene University; at the same time, California Proposition 13 passed, reducing property tax rates and ushering in a hiring freeze for public organizations, including school districts. Luckily for Dave, Parker was looking to grow, and he joined an intimate staff. Dave took on many roles during his 40 years at Parker, including being the lone physiology teacher, a stint teaching Marine Biology, and Associated Student Body (ASB) director. “One of the things I always respected and enjoyed [about Parker] is you could take on as much responsibility as you wanted, but you could also say ‘no’,” he says. In retirement, Dave is already focused on staying active. He is halfway through his volunteer training program at the San Diego Zoo, he will soon be an usher at Padres games, and the avid biker is planning mountain biking trips with friends. “I need structure,” he says with a laugh. The personal connections are what Dave says he’ll miss the most about Parker. “When [students] seek you out and you’ve made a real difference in their life or career choice,” he says. “That’s special. Those are the warm fuzzies.” n Top: Dave Johnson is all smiles at the 2019 end of the year retiree celebration held at the Mission Hills Campus. Above: Johnson as pictured in the 1982 Cavalcade.
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Retiring Faculty and Staff
Tom Crowley AP Economics and 3-D Art and Design Teacher Tom Crowley came to Parker as a 25-year-old and quickly realized it was going to be a natural fit. “The School allowed me to pursue my personal passions and blend them into my teaching, which was mutually beneficial to the students, myself, and the community,” says Tom, who worked at Parker for 28 years. During his tenure at Parker, Tom also taught a variety of other subjects including AP European History, AP World History, and Honors World History. He coached five sports— including the Roller Hockey Club—and was Parker’s Director of Global Studies from 2006-2019. Tom has a great deal of passion for Global Studies, which he explains started following several student trips to Asia and East Africa in his first years at the School. “It was organic from all the things I was interested in,” says Tom. “Global Education [at Parker] began with a shift from tourism to engagement.” Tom will continue to be involved in growing the program and believes Parker can—and should—be a model school for Global Studies, both on the West Coast and nationally. Tom has fond memories of building the 3D Art Program with Steve Cook and Barry Cheskaty and the Nature Club, and is appreciative of how the School has emphasized diversity. “Parker had made early efforts to be more reflective of the community we are in,” he says. “We worked hard to create concerns about diversity.” In retirement, Tom is already keeping busy. This summer, he participated in an eight-day, 500 mile bike ride on the East Coast with his mentor Steven Branfman, who was also his high school 3D art teacher at Thayer Academy in Massachusetts. They rode for “Team Kermit” in support of cancer research and Steven’s late son, who used a Kermit doll for comfort during chemotherapy.
Top: Tom Crowley reflects on his time at Parker at the end of the year retiree celebration. Above: Crowley as pictured in the 1992 Cavalcade.
On the bike trip, which traversed the East Coast Greenway, Tom says he reflected on his time at Parker, and his drive to get back to creating art. In addition to his own studio plans, Tom is working on a commission for Parker that will be housed outside the Student Learning Center. “A lot of my thinking was about getting the creative juices flowing,” Tom says. n
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Retiring Faculty and Staff
Steve Cook Middle and Upper School Ceramics Teacher Middle and Upper School Ceramics Teacher Steve Cook says he will miss students who discovered and created “deep meaning through the arts.” “I’ll miss students who brought alert curiosity, unflinching intellectual rigor, and a persistent work ethic to the studio,” he says. Steve taught visual arts at the School for more than 20 years. Most of all, Steve says he enjoyed the daily opportunity to work with a variety of aesthetics developing in his students. “I ran an educationally progressive program that emphasized a student-centered curriculum with strong teacher oversight in order to imbue each student’s process with high academic standards—both technically and aesthetically,” he says. Along with ceramics, Steve also wrote curricula for the department, taught Martial Arts for 10 years with a focus on traditional Chinese and Filipino systems, and worked with developers and School leadership to help shape the vision for the School’s art studios. “I had the opportunity to influence the design of the studios, as well as ensure the existence of the gallery and dance studio,” Steve says. Steve brought his knowledge, respect, and passion for all creative endeavors to Parker, says Barry Cheskaty, Visual Arts department chair and Woodshop teacher. “He clearly understands the important roles and relationships of all artistic expressions, and how each contributes to the identity of a particular society or culture,” says Barry, adding that he sees Steve as a “renaissance man.” Barry met Steve in 1999 when he joined the School as the ceramics teacher. Steve is a “straight shooter,” a “plain speaker,” and a devoted family man and explorer, says Barry. “I see Steve as just the kind of man Lewis and Clark would have wanted along in their exploration of the vast and rugged American frontier,” he said. In retirement, Steve plans to work in his studio, spend time with family, and may continue to run academic trips abroad to Asia and Africa. n 36 Parker Magazine SUMMER/FALL 2019
Top: Steve Cook guides students during ceramics class. Above: Cook during the Upper School Global Studies trip to India in 2014.
Retiring Faculty and Staff
Stacey Zoyiopoulos
Amy Eversole
Middle and Upper School P.E. Teacher and Girls Golf Coach
upper school Science Lab Assistant
Stacey Zoyiopoulos’ path to Francis Parker School is a serendipitous story.
When Amy Eversole started at Parker in 1998, she had no experience as a lab assistant.
“I was complaining to my boyfriend—now husband—about my job and he asked me, ‘what would your dream job be?’ I told him that I would want to teach physical education at Francis Parker School, but that the [teacher] has been there forever and she’s never going to leave.” Three days later, Stacey received a call from a friend at the San Diego County Office of Education, informing her that the teacher, Fran Styles, was retiring. Styles was the School’s first female athletic director. Stacey accepted the job, and spent 25 years at Parker teaching physical education across all three divisions, and coached numerous sports, including Girls Golf. Middle School Athletic Director David Glassey met Stacey more than 20 years ago when she began as Lower School physical education teacher. Stacey brought to Parker a commitment to the kids and the faculty, David says. “Whatever she did, it was always better because she was involved,” he says. David, who has been with Parker for 48 years, worked with Stacey when she took a job in the Upper School. Additionally, Stacey says she is grateful to Parker for giving her the unique opportunity to travel, including trips to France, China, Peru, Cambodia, Chicago, and Washington D.C. “I feel lucky to have traveled the world and to see the kids experience international travel—it was really exciting.” n
“I was not a science person,” says Amy, who retired this past year after two decades of service to the School. “I grew into it.” Amy, originally from Ohio, moved to San Diego in 1982 when her husband, Thomas, accepted a job at Parker. Thomas was a Physics teacher and department head for the Upper School. Amy worked 15 years at the Old Globe Theatre prior to working at the School. After deciding against retirement, she filled the role of lab assistant with Thomas’ encouragement. “I already knew a lot of the teachers,” she says. “I thought it was a great school and we were pleased to work here.” The School’s population has grown considerably since the early 1980s, making the need for lab assistants more necessary. “If you’re teaching three classes and you want to do a lab in all of them, that could add another four hours [without a lab assistant],” she explains. “To have somebody who helps them get all set up is important.” Amy is a very meticulous person that brought a high commitment to excellence at Parker, says retired Science Teacher Rose Hanscom. She prepared labs, ordered materials, prepared solutions, and helped the department function seamlessly. The work of a lab assistant is varied and always physical, two characteristics that Amy loved about the job. Amy and Thomas, who retired from Parker in 2008, recently moved to Calimesa and plan to spend more time at their home near Big Bear Lake. n SUMMER/FALL 2019 Parker Magazine 37
Retiring Faculty and Staff
Laura Southworth
Inez Thomas
Upper School Administrative Assistant
Director of Community Outreach
Laura Southworth, former Upper School administrative assistant and Athletics secretary, says she built lifelong friendships during her more than 20 years at Francis Parker School.
Inez Thomas began working at Parker in 2002 as a volunteer charged with bringing more diversity to the student body at Parker.
Laura was forced into early retirement in January 2017 due to health issues. She says she is doing much better now and is focused on her physical health and spending time with her family, including regular baking sessions with her son, Will.
“Kids want to be around someone who is different [than them] and they need to know how to treat each other,” Inez says.
Building relationships with students is one of the things she’ll miss most about Parker, Laura says. “Knowing how we affected the kids by taking care of them and knowing we were there for them.” Laura came to Parker in 1996. “I was a single mother and I liked the idea of going to a school and working Monday through Friday,” she recalls. “I got to Parker and it was such a family feel. Everyone cared about everyone [else].” “Laura’s strengths were her organization, work ethic, and commitment to her job,” says Marc Thiebach, former Upper School associate head of school and current principal at The Nativity School in Rancho Santa Fe. Laura was always present for the students, parents, and her colleagues, Marc says. Additionally, she gave her personal time to help with School events. “What I learned from her is that taking the time to just hang out with your colleagues over some music, conversation, or food and drink helps build better relationships and a more supportive work environment,” he added. n
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The work was always important to Inez, who was already a part of other volunteer organizations, including The Links Incorporated, the YMCA, and Jack and Jill of America, an organization dedicated to “nurturing future African American leaders.” Inez’s role at Parker involved a large majority of time at schools and community programs reaching out to students of color. When students joined the student body, she was also instrumental in helping students adapt. She developed the African American Affinity Group, a student community group intended to help students better transition to the School, she says. Inez was also a big part of Umoja, a club whose mission is to “discuss African American culture along with making other connections to other cultures.” “It’s a synonym for ʻunity’,” she says. Inez says she is satisfied with the legacy she is leaving at Parker and hopes that future faculty and students will continue to spread a message of diversity and inclusion. n
Grandparents AT PARKER
The morning of Nov. 21, 2019 may have begun with rain showers, but the clouds couldn't keep Parker families from attending Lower School Grandparents and Special Friends Day. Starting with performances from Grades JK through 5, guests delighted in the joy spread by Parker students. Afterwards, grandparents had the chance to visit their students’ classrooms and learn more about the magic that happens inside those spaces. Save the Date for Middle School and Upper School Grandparents and Special Friends Day on Wednesday, Feb. 12. Invitations will be sent out in early January. Photos by Matt Piechalak.
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Parker’s Highest Honor
JIMMY AND JENNIFER ANKLESARIA RECEIVE HENRY F. LIPPITT II ’29 AWARD
The Henry F. Lippitt II ’29 Award is Parker’s highest honor bestowed on a member of our community who distinguishes themself for ongoing service and a commitment to excellence in education at Parker. An alumnus of the Class of 1929, Henry demonstrated extraordinary dedication to the School through his work as a volunteer and trustee. In May, the Henry F. Lippitt II ’29 Award was presented to Jimmy and Jennifer Anklesaria. The Anklesarias have been an instrumental part of Parker since they joined the School community in 1997.
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Jimmy served on the Parker Board of Trustees from 1999-2011. He served as Board Chair from 20052008 and was a vital member of several committees, including finance, strategic planning, and board governance. His work also supported the Development, Commitee and the School’s work around diversity and inclusion, admissions, and developing scholarship opportunities for students. Jennifer is an active volunteer and has been a vital part of organizing Parker History Day. She is a member of the National History
Day with the San Diego County Advisory Board. During the last two years, Jennifer has organized a series of workshops through the San Diego Public Library to help support students with creative projects and has formed a variety of lineage organizations, including the Daughters of the American Revolution. The Anklesaria’s are the proud parents of three Parker graduates– Zubin ’10, Jasmin ’14, and Avi ’18. n Pictured left to right: Head of School Kevin Yaley, Jimmy and Jennifer Anklesaria, Board Chair Robert Gleason.
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parker
REUNION On April 27, alumni from the classes of 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, and 2004 celebrated their milestone reunions at class gatherings across San Diego.
class of 1979 Left to right: Chris Trepte McGregor, Warren Jones, Nina Severance Wichman, Jeff Cass, Cate Gilman, Sue Greenway. Photos by Bauman Photography
class of 1989 Back row left to right: Adam DiGiacomo, Derek Vosskuhler, Jen Goode, Jim Goode, Bob Ogle, Steve Fambro, Marc Applbaum. Middle row left to right: Kelly Vosskuhler, Tom Tobin, Jessica Rentto, Dave Rentto, Garth Gartrell, Buffy Loftin Gartrell, Tricia Fambro, Megan Moir Bowman, Dave Johnson, Will Beamer. Front row left to right: Becky Anders DeSalvo, Belle Keith Drouin, Fiona McMillan, Gina Herrera Duggan.
class of 1999 Left to right: Jamie Wittert Neagle, Chris Ringewald, Abby Heilbron, Alfonso Grey, Greg Hoover, Vanessa Otero, Santiago Hernandez, Peter Weinrib, Adam Silberman, Allison Gontang Komiyama, Stefani Saragosa Wessel, Bijal Patel-Weintraub, Laura McLean, Olivia Nocon Nouskajian, Martha Belo, Whitney Currier, Nick Carter, Michael Moreno, Erin Hale, Grant Bostrom.
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class of 1984 Back row left to right: Toler Goodwin, Phil Adler, Monique Soares Kraft, Kathy Gooding Valverde. Middle row left to right: McDermott Coutts, Paul Frye, Todd Harvey, Kendall McIntyre Galli, Elizabeth Campbell Gimber, Ted Gildred III, Isabelle Estes Nelson, Jenny Hansen Tobin, Frank Tobin. Front row left to right: Amy Smith Hall, Karen Halverstadt Miller, Amy Swartz Zantzinger, John Romero.
class of 1994 Back row left to right: Robert Goldberg, Sue Marrone Moerder, Amy Haven, Mark Byrne, Jared Clorfeine, Tom Crowley, Chad Burlingame, Michael Jensen, Laura Prenner Martel, Sara Pangallo Wood, Darin Martel, David Ruyle. Front row left to right: Barry Cheskaty, Carol Obermeier, Fernanda Segura de Rodriguez, Leslie Hazard, Joe McLeod, Alexis Dean McLeod, Allison Bell Hoyt, Robert Barone.
class of 2004 Left to right: Peter Storniolo, Paul Esch, Steve Evanco ’03, Carli Smith, David Miller, Noelle Nassir Miller, Allie Barry Hobson, Mike Chalker, Jesika Reiner Chalker, Tom Gros, Kristen Koehrn Gros, Derek Hobson, Melissa Vassiliadis, Marie Cotton. SUMMER/FALL 2019 Parker Magazine 43
Class Notes updates 1. Brian Keyser ’87 is owner of Casellula restaurant, ranked in July 2019 as number 1 of 9 Great Theatre district restaurants for before or after your show by the New York Times. 2. Author Scott Hylbert ’87 visited campus in August 2019 just before his book signing at Warwick’s La Jolla. Check out his novel, “Task Lyst,” and keep an eye out for Scott at a book signing event near you.
5. Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Millay ’90 retired from the U.S. Air Force in June 2019 after 23 years of service. He and his family will remain in South Florida, having recently purchased a home in Broward County. Ryan sends his best wishes to all past classmates and current and future Francis Parker students and family.
6. Teacher Ari Gass met with Bella Cady ’18 and Sofia Carrillo ’18 on Campus at Middlebury College during their homecoming weekend.
8. Trevy Kiy ’09 recently set up an all-star Parker alumni studio session in Brooklyn, NY alongside Alie Jimenez ’09, Jesse Kranzler ’09, Eric Ingram ’10, and Suzanna Ahern ’10 to record parts for his upcoming reggae/hiphop album. The first single from the project, “Nuff Smoke” (featuring Alie on backup vocals), is streaming everywhere online under the name Trevy James.
3. Sr. Kindergarten Teacher, Kym Farkas, pictured with her youngest grandchild, Louisa, in August 2019. 4. Cameron Songer ’11 lives in San Antonio, TX where he pursues his passion of sports as a digital content producer for KENS 5 (the local CBSaffiliated television station). He also works as a play-by-play broadcaster for high school sports in San Antonio and Austin. Cameron is engaged to be married in Summer 2020.
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7. Dave Johnson has jumped headfirst into retirement, most recently traveling to Hawaii for a well-deserved break with his wife, Terri.
9. Dr. Don Vaughn ’04 was special guest on the TV show The Doctors in October 2019 to discuss dopamine fasting where he discussed how a refresh of our overtaxed brains might benefit individuals.
BIRTHS
10. Alex Nicita ’16, Breanna Comunale ’18, Holden Enniss ’18, and Victoria Comunale ’19 at the Columbia University Parker Pizza Party on October 30, 2019.
IN MEMORIAM
13. Rob ’01 and Christine ’99 Landis welcomed son Hunter on July 8.
ANNIVERSARIES
11. Marc Sherman ’88 and Angela Sherman Adonis ’93 visit Parker with their family during Thanksgiving break to see the Heart of Campus.
Parker alumni are invited to share their news in Class Notes. We welcome wedding and birth announcements, career updates and professional milestones, personal news, photos with fellow Parker people, and obituaries. Send your note and/or photo to alumni@ francisparker.org. Please specify if your news is to be published only in the magazine, only on the alumni website, or both.
15. Dori Rodi-Shryock passed away on October 23, 2019 with her loving family by her side including daughter Melissa Leasure ’87. Dori was Parker Admissions for many years. She was much beloved for her impeccable taste, her love of bringing new families into the Parker Community, and her stories which centered on her cherished family. 14. Barry Cheskaty and his wife Cathy celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on November 22nd. They were surrounded by family and friends, including Juli ’92 and Andy ’95 and granddaughters Mati and Vivi, both Class of 2031. Barry has been part of Parker’s faculty since 1973. Dori Rhodi’s Memorial Service brought 18 Parker People together. Pictured left to right: Michael McNitt ’85, Jamie Ogle ’86, Holly Bauer ’87, Andrea Lamberti ’87, Brian Keyser ’87, Char Ramey Hutchins ’87, Mary Beth McNitt Blasnek ’87, Ceri Slacum Keith ’86, Stewart Keith ’85. Front Row: Melissa Moore Leasure ’87, JP Leasure ’85, Neal Johnson ’85, Mike Lewis ’85.
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HEAD OF SCHOOL RECEPTION Patsy and David Marino, parents of Gia, Class of 2020, graciously hosted the Head of School Circle Reception on Oct. 16 in their home in La Jolla. The Halloween-themed event welcomed more than 100 new and current parents, alumni, parents of alumni, 20+ years Loyalty Club members, and members of our cumulative giving societies. This annual reception recognizes and honors donors who have taken a leadership role in their support of Parker. Patsy and David Marino
Head of School Kevin Yaley
Natasha Allos, Paola Ross, Heather Rosing
Mike and Jennifer Cotton, Claudia and Marc Wornovitzky
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Michael Clark, Claudia Valenzuela, Jennifer and Mike Cotton
Pasquel and Enrico Marcelli
Sandra and Sassan Alavi
Karla Villarreal, Liz Zborowski, Meghan Spieker, Kate Smith
Stephen and Kalyee McLaughlin, Stephen and Michelle Huber, Frans van der Lee, Anthony Burr
Ana and Tom Chapman, Will Beamer ’89
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Irene Coppedge, Melissa Hernholm Danzo
Priya Patel, Samir Singh ’96, Diana Casey
Alexander Nawrocki, Beth and JP McNeill
YOUR GIFTS MAKE US DANCE Your support ensures that Parker students reach “as far as the mind can see.” Plan your gift and be a part of advancing Parker’s mission and the bright futures of our students.
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