PARISH EPISCOPAL SCHOOL NEWS
WINTER/SPRING 2019
Remembering Gloria H. Snyder “As Babe Ruth’s towering home runs changed the game of baseball forever, Gloria’s soaring vision permanently transformed Parish and continues to influence our ambitions for tomorrow,” Dave Monaco, Allen Meyer Family Head of School. > Story on page 3
In his podcast, “From My Angle,” Dave Monaco talks with Parish’s social emotional counselors about centerED and how Parish is supporting the mental well-being of our students.
WISDOM
|
HONOR
Listen to this episode and others on "From My Angle" www.davemonaco. wordpress.com/podcast
|
SERVICE
PAGE 2 | WINTER/SPRING 2019
PARISH PANTHERBEAT
Parish Online
parishepiscopal.org Swim Team Remembers Mira Foshee ‘22 Mira’s teammates wear special swim caps created in her memory.
Parish Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/p/BtElXOxgQ5U/
The Bees’ Knees Middle School students compete in the annual geography and spelling bees. 2nd Grade Wax Museum
https://www.instagram.com/p/BsntjtWHE2-/
Parish Facebook
During this annual event, students learn how to research a prominent figure and practice their public speaking skills.
Dancing in the Dark The Rosettes, Parish Cheer, Drumline and the rest of the Upper School participate in their first ever black light pep rally.
https://www.facebook. com/parishepiscopal/ videos/365747910924649/
https://www.facebook.com/parishepiscopal/videos/303476193544145/
Singing, Listening and Writing
@MadelynKelly09
Kindergarten students pack a lot of learning and fun into their week at the Hillcrest Campus. https://twitter.com/MadelynKelly09/status/1091450568999124992
Parish, Inc. Students Get Expert Advice Parish parent and entrepreneur Bryan DeLuca advises 6th graders on how to create and market a new product and talks about his experience on the TV show Shark Tank.
@parishepiscopal
https://twitter.com/parishepiscopal/status/1090339300967895040 Teacher of the Month Upper School students honor English teacher Chris Schmidt with a crown, flowers and a “key to Parish.”
4th Grade for President Fourth graders visit the President George W. Bush Library and Museum, learning about the many hats a president wears and touring the “Oval Office.”
@mclendon4grade
https://twitter.com/mclendon4grade/status/1090647012020797441
https://www.instagram. com/p/BtWiJORHb-O
New Addition:
Division Heads
UPPER SCHOOL Andrew Jennings, currently Assistant Head of Upper School, will assume the role of Interim Head of Upper School for the 20192020 school year. Jennings has been at Parish since 2004, first as a Middle School Spanish instructor and then as a teacher and administrator in the Upper School. Since 2012, he has served as the Assistant Head of Upper School under both Michelle Lyon and Chris Bertha. Andrew knows our culture, has strong relationships with our Upper School students and families, and has earned the respect of his divisional colleagues.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Effective July 1, 2019, Parish will have a dynamic new team of divisional leaders comprised of very familiar faces!
Dr. Jennifer “Jen” Wilson, currently Head of Lower School, will shift to become Head of Middle School. She will also hold a title as Assistant Head of School, assuming a broader set of institutional responsibilities in addition to Middle School duties. Wilson has been exceedingly successful during her four year tenure as Head of Lower School.
WISDOM
|
HONOR
|
Her leadership will advance the implementation of our academic vision in Middle School while facilitating strong transitions for students between the three divisions.
LOWER SCHOOL Laurel Ash, currently our Director of Admission, will become Head of Lower School, returning to the division where she began her teaching career in 1992 as a 4th grade teacher at Parish Day School. Hired and mentored by Gloria Snyder, Laurel spent six years as a highly acclaimed 4th - 6th grade teacher and department leader on our Hillcrest campus. As such, she understands our commitment to nurture young learners while offering a skills-based, hands-on learning experience. In the last 12 years, Laurel’s vision and work ethic have produced a best-in-class enrollment management department. She has served as Director of Admission for the last seven years.
SERVICE
PARISH PANTHERBEAT
WINTER/SPRING 2019 | PAGE 3
Pantherbeat Feature:
Gloria H. Snyder We remember Gloria H. Snyder who died on December 21, 2018, of complications related to Creutzfeldt - Jakob disease, a rare degenerative brain disorder. Gloria was one of Parish’s first bold leaders and served as Head of School from 1980-2009, taking Parish Day School (PDS) from the “little church school on the corner” serving PreK-6th, to Parish Episcopal School, a leading PreK-12th grade college preparatory school. Her legacy will always pulse throughout our community - through its programs, its students and its aspirations. Gloria Snyder was an educator, leader, influencer, innovator and sports enthusiast. If you ask anyone to describe her, they may use one of those many monikers, but to those who knew her best she was “Glo” and was quite the character. Glo was smart, loyal and funny; she also loved church, her cats, Tri-Delta Sorority, singing, dancing and having a good time. There are thousands of inspiring and hilarious stories surrounding Gloria and Ed Snyder, her best friend and husband of more than 55 years. The Snyders remained friends with so many of Gloria’s students and their families, spending time with them during the holidays and going to sporting events. They were the very essence of what’s known as the “Parish family.”
Davies wasn’t the only one Gloria convinced to take a leap of faith. Other educators and Parish Day School families followed as well.
“I remember the look Mrs. Snyder gave me the first time I called her Gloria,” said Scott Pershern, PDS ‘88, Parish parent and family friend. “I didn’t gain the courage to do so until I was almost 40 years old. It was one of surprise and then delight as she responded: ‘Oh, Scotty. You called me Gloria!’”
Gloria could spot an infraction a mile away and could seem intimidating to those who didn’t know her, but she always made school fun. She let students take naps on her sofa when they didn’t feel well; dressed up for story time; and jumped in to play a game of tug-of-war. Lacey Young, PDS ’96 counted Gloria as a mentor, friend and occasional dance partner.
“I have cherished our special friendship and bond my whole life,” stated Meredith McLean, PDS ’95 and family friend. “She always had a thoughtful way of reaching out and checking in that would make you feel valued and important.”
“The first time I knew my relationship truly shifted with her, we were at my parents’ house, at a dinner party,” remarked Young. “We were standing on the fireplace dancing and drinking cocktails! I remember thinking: How cool is she?”
Gloria also knew how to connect with students on a personal level through mutual interests. For Quincy Powell ‘07, that was talking Texas Rangers baseball starting in Lower School. Gloria and Ed would sit through any Texas Rangers game even if it meant sweating through 100 degree heat and a miserable season. Gloria knew the names and stats of every player much to Powell’s delight. Those baseball chats continued into Powell’s adult life and served as a reminder of Gloria’s friendship, sarcasm and love. He remembers one special game during the 2017 Rangers season that he watched with Gloria, Kathy and Bryan Pershern. “It was a perfect baseball experience – crisp, spring night with clear skies and a full weekend crowd,” noted Powell. “We checked all the small joy boxes. But what I will remember most is watching Mrs. Snyder keep score, while gracefully maintaining a casual conversation with everyone in her section. She was in her element.” To know Gloria was special, to work with her was often magical; she inspired people to do their best and encouraged them to reach their potential. Gloria was tough, but she was also fair. She understood the importance of compromising and reaching a consensus when making a big decision. When Parish decided to expand to 12th grade and acquire the Midway campus, the faithful followed her with gusto. It never occurred to those early Parish Episcopal School devotees to question the idea of expansion; they believed in Gloria’s vision and determination. “I had absolutely no intention of pursuing the job in Dallas” said Dave Davies, former Head of Upper School, 2003-2009. “We only spoke for about an hour, but when I got off the phone, I was captivated by this project. I came to Dallas twice to interview, and the rest is history.”
WISDOM
|
“She put every ounce of her heart and soul into growing and improving the most incredible school community any of us have ever been a part of,” wrote Kevin Hall, Parent of Parish Alumnus, Will ‘11. “Gloria had a vision and she worked tirelessly and thanklessly to see that vision come to fruition.” Gloria demanded excellence from her students, faculty and staff. She sang louder than everyone in chapel and had a powerful voice that could command a room, yet she carried herself with grace and elegance. “Those characteristics were so well balanced with such deep kindness and heart, which is what made Gloria such a rare treasure,” added McLean. “Gloria would give the best hugs and she always wore her signature perfume that would cling to you after one of those famous Glo hugs.”
Gloria gave Young career advice and she reciprocated by serving as Glo’s unofficial “IT crew.” She visited with Gloria shortly after her diagnosis, stopping by to fix her TV remote and making sure her favorite channel was working. “We sat and watched for a while; we laughed and she smiled. We even danced a little. Then she kissed my forehead like she had done a million times and said: ‘Love you Red.’” So, how does one describe Gloria to those who never had the opportunity to know her? Or had the luxury of her having her unwavering support and loyalty? It’s impossible to explain her fierce, kind and confident nature in just a few stories. To truly understand her significance at Parish Episcopal School, one only needs to visit the Hillcrest and Midway campuses. Gloria’s joy and enthusiasm exist in the spirit of Parish’s innovative programs; her determination to grow a school can be seen in every new building and space; her desire to make every student feel valued and loved thrives in our inclusive Episcopal community. Her warmth and love are at the very core of what makes Parish, Parish. Stories of Gloria will live on in the hearts and minds of so many students, faculty members, staff and parents, and although memories often fade, her light will continue to “Glo” at Parish. “Gloria was a great friend because she did what great friends do: she cared,” added Pershern. “We miss her dearly… but the impression she left on all of us will last forever.”
HONOR
|
SERVICE
PAGE 4 | WINTER/SPRING 2019
PARISH PANTHERBEAT
Thanks y’all for supporting the 2019 Parish Gala, Boots & Bling!
Left to Right: Gala Chairs Marla Buskin and Kristen Twomey
Congratulations to Gala Chairs Marla Buskin and Kristen Twomey, and the entire Gala Committee on a fun and fabulous night at the Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel. During the gala, Parish honored Gloria H. Snyder, our beloved Head of School from 1980-2009 who died in December. We also shared the naming of the Noble Family Performing Arts Center and the Noble’s $1 million challenge grant to inspire the community to complete the Limitless campaign. We are deeply grateful to Scott & Natalie Noble and their children – Ford ‘14, Quentin and Ava – for their continued support.
Scott Noble
Natalie & Scott Noble
WISDOM
|
HONOR
|
SERVICE
PARISH PANTHERBEAT
WINTER/SPRING 2019 | PAGE 5
WISDOM
|
HONOR
|
SERVICE
Limitless Campaign Update:
Meet Gowri and Alex Sharma Gowri and Alex Sharma’s daughter Kavita ‘21 started at Parish in the 5th grade. As Kavita has explored interests in STEM, athletics and global studies through ParishAbroad, Gowri and Alex have generously given their time and talents to the Parish community. Alex serves on the Board of Trustees, and the couple served as grade-level captains for the Parish Fund. The family is also playing a significant role in the Limitless campaign, committing $100,000 to help build the new Performance & Community Center.
How did you know Parish was the right school for your family? Alex: We were looking for a school focused on intentional learning that would provide Kavita with a progressive education. When we found Parish, we discovered that the School leaders are true innovators. They are always looking to the future and modeling an openness to change that is part of the School’s culture.
How has Parish helped Kavita develop her passions? Gowri: Kavita loves STEM and wants to become an aerospace engineer, but she is not seen only as a “STEM kid.” She has explored many subjects and activities, and students have a genuine respect for each other’s interests. So, she can be a member of the Rover team, play softball, be an Ambassador and have friends involved in other, different areas, too.
How has Kavita’s participation on the Parish Rover team enhanced her experience at the School? Alex: The Rover team gives Kavita the space to truly explore – to try things that may or may not work – all in an environment where it’s safe to make mistakes, then learn from them. For Kavita, this atmosphere cultivates a sense of fearlessness, where she is learning that failure is part of the process that leads to success.
What has been one of Kavita’s favorite programs at Parish? Alex: Kavita participated in the ParishAbroad summer program to Peru. We travel a lot as a family, but after Kavita completed that program, she said, “No offense, Mom and Dad, but that was the best trip I’ve ever been on!” Gowri: Yes, the approach that Rick Dunn [Director of ParishAbroad] takes to global studies is intentional and responsive to the needs of the communities they visit. The students are not simply tourists; they become immersed in the culture, complete service projects and TIME TO live with families. These dynamic experiences from ParishAbroad help build empathy, OUR GOAL: BREAK GROUND IN FALL 2019 which we believe is If you haven’t played a role in the Limitless campaign fundamental for young yet, now is the time to act. If we move swiftly and reach people to develop into our $8 million fundraising goal this school year, we can break ground on the new Performance & Community global citizens.
ACT!
Center in Fall 2019, bringing our students:
What prompted you to support the Limitless campaign? Gowri: We believe in Parish, its vision and its educational philosophy. But, equally important, we believe that true philanthropy is embodied by the saying, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” By investing in Parish, we know that Parish will in turn invest in our child as well as her peers. Ultimately, we hope our gift will create a ripple effect that will help elevate the community as a whole.
• A 600-seat Performance Hall with professional-grade technical features • Flexible seating to accommodate performances, receptions and seated dinners • A dedicated Dance Studio • A new Black Box Theater • A Gallery Hall displaying student artwork • Limitless new possibilities for exploring their new talents! Amanda Meter, Director of Development 972.852.8757 ameter@parishepiscopal.org Learn about the Performance & Community Center ParishEpiscopal.org/Limitless
Ask Pete Does Parish offer any summer/online classes? Yes! ParishVirtual is our summer
offering which allows students to take a single elective that is required during the school year. The blended learning format is a mixture of online work and face-to-face meetings. Classes are offered throughout June and July so families can accommodate summer travel. “Each year we work to improve our program for our students, making ParishVirtual a memorable experience and emblematic of Parish’s core values,” said Marc Addington, Director of ParishVirtual.
Who can participate? Anyone in Upper School for the 2019-20 school year. Which ParishVirtual classes are offered? The main offerings are the required
trimester electives: Health – 9th grade; Bible and Western Culture – 10th grade; World Religions – 11th grade; Contemporary Religious Issues – 12th grade; and the full year course of Biology Honors.
What are the benefits of ParishVirtual? Participants earn school credit for a single elective, allowing them to pick
an elective of their choice during the school year. This especially lightens the work load for students in Academy of Global Studies or Leadership Institute.
How can people find out more information or sign up? ParishVirtual details and registration are available at https://www.parishepiscopal.org/auxiliary-programs/parish-virtual
Once a student enrolls, the course teachers will email further instructions in early May.
WISDOM
|
HONOR
|
SERVICE
PARISH PANTHERBEAT
WINTER/SPRING 2019 | PAGE 7
A tribute to our daughter and sister, Mira Foshee ’22 We want to thank the entire Parish community for the outpouring of support and love that we have received (truly beyond comprehension). Mira brought people together. She lived between two cultures (an Indian culture and an Italian culture), and always blended the two together, breaking walls and joining extremely different worlds to make a pristine new normal filled with light and love. She lived at the magical edge of life where you see the good things in all people and always made the best of any situation. Mira never knew a stranger. She always made any situation peaceful and made the other person feel at ease in minutes. It was her personality, this innate ability to resonate, touch and positively impact people. She never held a grudge (which was absolutely stunning and spectacular), nor had any meanness in her. She simply did not have an evil bone in her. And of course her constant smile... it could light up the room and open any closed door. She was vibrant, and put the color inside of our worlds. She was socially, emotionally and academically well beyond her years. Instinctively always knowing the right things to do or say. It was just her. Traits no one taught her. Her body was 14, but her spirit was almost of a divine nature in how determined it was to spread love and kindness to all that it touched. She had a higher maturity, but was still filled with innocence. We can question what happened for the rest of our lives, but we know Mira would tell us to be strong, live life and take care of those you love. When we needed advice, a hug or just wanted to dance with someone, Mira was there. She was an amazing daughter and sister, and never once did we feel we had a moody teen. She always gave back, well beyond what was expected; her love was endless.
Family & friends wear Mira’s Magical necklace in her favorite color, purple.
Mira’s Magical Messages • Be brave and show someone you love them • Don’t hold grudges
• Take care of each other
• Live for the moment. Tomorrow is unknown. Be present
• Be a connector and bridge the world
• Enjoy every possible dinner together • Smile
If we continue to live with Mira in our hearts, death cannot win.
Life is unpredictable. A moment can change it all, so live it to your fullest in Mira fashion. Mira would tell all of us to leave our phones behind, hug our family and close ones, smile at a stranger, take some of her magic, and sing and dance in the world. Just as we know in our hearts, Mira is smiling and dancing with all of us. Thank you Mira, for your goodness, your kindness and your wisdom. Paul, Soume and Kian ’26 Foshee On January 2, 2019, Mira suffered a fatal accident while traveling in Costa Rica with her family.
WISDOM
|
HONOR
|
SERVICE
PAGE 8 | WINTER/SPRING 2019
PARISH PANTHERBEAT
Alumni Spotlight
Volunteer Spotlight:
Sam Johnston ’15
The Lowrance Family
Set to graduate in 2019 from Belmont University - commercial music major and songwriting minor. “I chose to study music so I could pursue music in Nashville and improve on my craft.” What position do you hold now? I’m a full-time musician, planning on touring across the country this summer! Stand out memories of Parish? Winning the TAPPS Division II State Football Championship in 2014; all of the amazing musicals I got to be a part of; going to the music room and learning from Dr. Steve Hendricks during lunch. So many great ones. Biggest accomplishment so far? Releasing my first single “The River” and having it climb to #2 on the iTunes blues charts was super cool! Biggest lesson learned to date in your career or in college? Don’t be comfortable doing the easy things. Take the time to truly find what you’re passionate about and just go for it. You can’t live without your….? My guitars. I’ve got about eight now and don’t know if I could go without any of them. What do you miss most about Parish? The teachers that really made an impact on me, believed in me and supported me from the moment I started playing music! Any advice to Parish seniors or students? Don’t be afraid to try something new. One audition, one tryout or one club you join could open a door to something you end up doing for the rest of your life. Sam Johnston performed at the annual Alumni Holiday Party in Dallas on Wednesday, December 19.
On superhero day during spirit week, the Lowrance family’s 3rd grader was unafraid to strike a pose as “Super Eloise.” She proudly wore her blue cape with a yellow lightning bolt and pink lettering and let her electric personality shine. Eloise is always encouraged to be her own person at Parish Episcopal School and that’s one of the many reasons why Sophie and Nash Lowrance chose Parish as the right school for their three daughters – Eloise ’28, Josephine ’29 and Clara ’31. “Each child [at Parish] is unique and the teachers encourage creativity, individuality and motivation,” said Sophie Lowrance. The Lowrances bring their individual talents to Parish as invested parents and frequent volunteers. They both served as the Kindergarten/Primer leaders for Parish Fund this school year. Nash, who is the Co-Head of Investment Tax Group in Dallas at Goldman Sachs, brings his expertise to the Parish Board of Trustees where he’s serving his first year. He also sits on the Advancement and Finance Committees, and has helped with Spooky Saturday, library, chapel and cafeteria duties. “By volunteering, I get a chance to spend some time with my kids and their friends when I otherwise may not be able to,” said Nash. “Parish has brought so many unexpected elements to my own life – friends, community and a sense of belonging.” Sophie has racked up an impressive list of volunteer efforts as well room mom, Buddy Family coordinator, Fellowship Team, Parish Fund Committee, Parish With Love Lower School silent auction, Parent Ambassador, Fly Up Committee, plus she’s done cafeteria, art room, carpool and library duty, and served as Kinder/Primer daisy troop leader. Sophie is the Chief Administrative Officer at the Church of the Transfiguration and manages financials, budgeting, insurance and staffing. “I can see and hear the kids every day,” noted Sophie. “It makes it easy for me to pop over to help when needed.”
PARISH EPISCOPAL SCHOOL NEWS
Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heather Mills Managing Editor/Editorial . . . . . . . . Heather Behrens
Contributor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amanda Meter Digital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Courtney Joyner
Alumni & Archives . . . . . . Lauren Ware Henderson ‘07
Photographer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wiley Williams Intern, Paul Quinn College . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sierra Paris
WINTER/SPRING 2019
What’s inside: Pantherbeat Feature: Gloria H. Snyder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parish Online . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New Addition: Division Heads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Limitless Campaign Update: Meet Gowri and Alex Sharma . . . . Ask Pete: Does Parish offer any summer online classes? . . . . . . . In Loving Memory: Mira Foshee, Class of 2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alumni Spotlight: Sam Johnston ‘15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Volunteer Spotlight: The Lowrance Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pantherbeat is the magazine of Parish Episcopal School | 4101 Sigma Road | Dallas, Texas 75244 | parishepiscopal.org
WISDOM
|
HONOR
|
SERVICE
3 2 2 6 6 7 8 8