Class of 2021 Commencement

Parish Episcopal School SUMMER 2021

CLASS OF 2021

Commencement Edition

Farewell - Olga Kowalczyk

. . . I know a thing or two about adaptation. My childhood has been mobile, and since birth, I have moved a total of twelve times; three of which have been across the Atlantic Ocean. Having experienced life in and out of a multitude of houses, I have learned that such changes are keys to building resilience. For instance, I found that rather than physical locations, you can find home within people and communities, just like the one at Parish. Parts of new cultures, perspectives, and people have become a part of me, like an eclectic mosaic; so I know wherever life will take YOU, each moment, whether challenging or joyous, will further shape who you are and who you will become. Although change may seem daunting at first, it is a key part of life. Even though our time at Parish has come to a close, and we are about to turn the page of an unwritten chapter, let yourself adapt and welcome change with open arms. . . . Afterall, change is really the only constant in life, and we should use it as an opportunity to grow and develop as individuals. . . . I cannot wait to see what each and every one of you accomplishes in the future. . . . Class of 2021, it has been a pleasure. I know we’ll forever be connected. From the bottom of my heart, I wish y’all the very, very best.

Graduation Speeches 3-7 Class of 2021 8-11 All Acceptances, Matriculations & Scholarships 12-13 Highlights from Commencement Season 14-17 More About the Class of 2021 18-19

Senior Dinner Address - Evan Brown

SUMMER 2021 |

. . . our whole lives we are given a sort of blueprint for how to be successful. Go to school, make good grades, stay on the teacher’s good side, graduate, go to college and so on. We followed this path day and night, and, at first, it was easy. However, as time moves on and as we grow older, the world opens up. We learn about ourselves, we take on greater responsibilities, and most importantly we realize that the blueprint we are given is not complete, and the path which we were set upon begins to fade before our very eyes as hardships emerge. You may ask why, and the truth is that it was never finished. The path that is placed before isn’t always the one which we must take, and the path which we do take is never as clear as it seems. I don’t know about the rest of you, but at this moment in time, I can think of no better example of a path going astray than the events of the forbidden year itself , 2020. I think it’s safe for me to assume that when 2020 concluded we all felt as if we had just won the lottery, and many wanted to strike the year from our calendars as if it never happened. . . . I think it’s fair for me to say that our class as a whole wondered if we would receive a proper conclusion to our high school journey. Personally, I feel as if we did, because we were able to learn one of the most important values and lessons one can learn at a young age, perseverance. . . . The truth is, our success isn’t owed to any of us because success is something that is earned not given, and it is earned through persistence and perseverance.

As I look at our class and toward our future, I see a group of unique individuals with a drive unapparelled to that of others. . . . And I truly believe that if we can as individuals amount to just a fraction of the willpower that was displayed in the prior examples I stated [in the full delivery of the speech], we can conquer the highest of mountains and cross the widest of rivers because persistence reveals the path.

3

Senior Dinner Blessing - Emma Denheyer

Baccalaureate - Abbey Swartzwelder

Hindsight is 20/20. This phrase has become extremely ironic in the last year, to say the least.

It is a phrase I heard throughout the year 2020 almost as much as “well, these are unprecedented times.” Its meaning encapsulates our life in retrospect: it tells us that it is much easier to analyze and understand events once they have already happened, looking back using our hindsight.

Though I have grown to associate this phrase with irritation and maybe some wistfulness, in recent months its irony has hit me. This somewhat cliché statement applies excellently to the most eventful year many of us have ever had by far, as well as the hectic school year that came with it, and we can use it as a lens through which to consider the actions we take. . . . As we sit here with one foot in our comfort zone and one in the unknown, there is no way to go back to pre-COVID times with the information we have now. However, our hindsight about such a large part of our lives has brought us a couple steps closer to becoming the people we were meant to be. . . . As our time at Parish comes to a close, we cannot help but reflect on our demeanor and how we treated not just those around us, but ourselves. Maybe this reflection comes with a little sadness or regret.

But maybe it can be used as more than a lesson- maybe it can influence the person we become in our “next chapter.” . . . Class of 2021, you will all do incredible things no matter where you end up in life. While being the incredible individuals each of you are, I hope you remember both your hindsight and the year 2020 and allow them to propel you further along your journey.

| C L A S S 2 0 2 1 commencement edition

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for gathering us all here tonight to celebrate the class of 2021. We are so grateful to be here to celebrate with our families. We acknowledge that we are here because of you, and we ask that you show us your grace throughout this dinner. The path leading up to this special week has been trying, and we have been tested in our faith. Thank you for giving us the strength to continue. As we all go our separate ways, we ask that you guide us. While the next stages in our lives will be different, we are at peace because we have you. Please allow us to use what we have learned in our time at Parish to spread your love and make a positive impact. We are thankful to the Parish community, our families, friends and everyone who has supported us on this journey. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

parish.org

Senior Blessing - Claire Hudson

| C L A S S 2 0 2 1 commencement edition

I Was Afraid to Speak Because of My Stutter; And How I Found My Voice.

4

SUMMER 2021 |

parish.org

I was very outspoken and bold as a young kid. All of that changed when I received my [stutter] diagnosis and entered elementary school. I became shy and reclusive. . . Anything that made people notice my stutter, I tried desperately to avoid. The spark of self-assurance I’d possessed during childhood burned out, leaving a timid, fearful version of myself in its wake. Camp Shout Out gave me more than the typical summer camp experience - a shining beacon of hope, [that] ensures that everyone’s voice gets heard, no matter the severity of their stutter. [To quote] Kristen Chemela, who is the founder and leader of Camp Shout Out: ‘Even when we’re apart, always remember that we have your back.’ I can’t think of a place that embodies this idea more than Parish. In every classroom I’ve ever participated in, in every passion I’ve ever explored, and in every seemingly far-fetched dream I’ve ever had, the students, faculty and staff have always had my back. Whether you’re an athlete acting in a school play, a dancer in the band, or a hopeful novice trying out a new sport, you’d likely agree that, during those times where you were trying something new, Parish has had your back.

Thank you to my peers and the faculty and staff for supporting me every step of the way. Thank you for having my back. Without you, I never would have had the courage to stand before you today. If the younger version of myself saw how much I’ve been able to grow because of all of you, well – I think she’d be speechless.

Blue Shirt Chapel – Arjun Kantamsetty

. . . I always looked forward to growing up and being older. When I turned 16 and started driving, I drove all the time. . . I loved driving because I liked the independence and the freedom. When I turned 17 and as a senior, I realized how stupid I was to have wanted freedom and independence. I don’t want independence or responsibility, I want security. I want to be able to mess up and have my parents pay for it. Living with your parents is like overstaying your welcome at a hotel. Even though the customer service is gradually worse over time, the amenities and luxuries are still pretty good. So yeah, as a senior, I wanted to go back to 4th grade when I had no responsibilities, played with my beyblades and watched Pokemon, and could get what I wanted when I wanted it (within a week because my dad bought the cheapest shipping option). But the cliché is right, you have to move forward. But . . .

I want to talk instead about coming back and, more importantly, reflecting on your time here. When things don’t seem to be going your way and you’re chasing arbitrary achievements that are just out of your reach, reflect on your time at Parish because it’ll be here where you all recognize not only where it all started and where you came from, but you’ll also recognize what you left here imagining to do. Parish should be the place for you that not only shapes who you are but also reshapes who you are when you come back in 1 year, 2 years, 5 years, 10 years and so on. Walk back to the beginning of your journey to recharge, and try again where you left off. . . if you want to stop, stop. But before you do, think back to the beginning. Why did you start running in the first place? Where are you going? If you can answer these questions, then I think you’ll know whether to stop running and find something else to run toward or keep running until you achieve whatever you set out to do when you left here.

SUMMER 2021 |

parish.org

5

| C L A S S 2 0 2 1 commencement edition

| C L A S S 2 0 2 1 commencement edition

Commencement Welcome - Blaire Messmann

6

SUMMER 2021 |

parish.org

. . . on behalf of Captain Monaco and our entire crew, welcome aboard the long-awaited Parish Episcopal Flight 2021. I would like to extend a special welcome to our first-class passengers, the Parish Episcopal Graduates. Because this is a connecting flight, I have no idea where each of you is headed after your final flight with Parish Airlines today, but I know that each of you has embarked on the adventure of a lifetime. . . . I would also like to take a quick moment to thank our captains Mr. Monaco and Mr. Jennings for ensuring that we arrive safely and successfully at our destination. Secondly, I would like to thank our navigators Mr. Addington and Mrs. Kaleigh for thoroughly preparing us for the past four years for our journey today. Please place your carry-ons under the seat in front of you, and hopefully, each of you packed the essentials: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, as they will definitely be needed for your future journeys. . . . As you board the next flight to the rest of your life, keep in mind that it is not the destination that matters as much as the journey. Traveling is not always easy. It is bound to be tiring and stressful: however, you are well prepared to see the world. . . . I hope that your passport to life is worn-out, even if you never leave the city. Now, put your seats in the upright position, turn off your phones, and get ready for takeoff as we embark on our final flight together as the Parish Episcopal School Class of 2021.

Commencement Student Address – Yousuf Nadir

Hello Everyone! What an honor it is for me to be speaking to you all this afternoon! It is a privilege to be selected to speak at this occasion and to the class of 2021, I am grateful to be a part of this journey with you all. Before I get started, I would like to quickly find my family... Hey Mom, Dad, Bhaijan and Zara! Actually, can we get a quick round of applause for the parents in the stadium! . . . tonight we are celebrating the memories, the people, and the fact that Summer math packets no longer exist! . . . As we reflect on the end of our time together, I pose a question to you all. How do we measure our experience together? Well, let’s understand what we have done together: . . . We have so many individual accomplishments . . . If you ask me, I would say we have had a great time together, but recognizing everyone else’s accomplishments isn’t enough to portray what our experience entails. An experience of an up and down roller coaster attempting to find what our purpose is in this world. . . . Someone said ‘Do something you love, Yousuf!’ I was five at the time, so I was like ok...basketball. . . . in about the 5th grade I was like football! I go to my mom and ask, 'can I play football?' When I tell you I have never heard a ‘no’ so fast in my life, believe it. Over the years I avoided asking the question because I knew the immediate ‘no’ was coming. However, one day I built up the courage to ask her again, ‘Mom, after I get a bit taller and stronger, can I please play football?’ She goes, ‘Yousuf, you graduate next month.’ So back in 5th grade, I decided to join the next best thing to playing on the turf...Drumline! . . . We find different ways to express ourselves that relay a certain part of our identities as we form our beliefs and values. The different passions and deep loves that we developed through our time nurture a work ethic and self-discipline that fuels our lives. . . . I’ve been able to attend Parish for nine years, so I have always measured my time by my first day of school, my buzzcut, mock trial, and defining events through each year. . . . this past year, I grew to realize that we should measure our experience here by the genuine relationships we built, the lessons we learned about ourselves, and by the growing aspirations we have created for our futures. Because how we measure our future experiences is by the gravity in each step we take to further our relationships, personal growth and achievement to be a better friend, ally, family member, and most importantly, a better human. Now, as a token of appreciation I have for you, class of 2021, I would like to offer a round of applause celebrating the start of a fulfilling, joyful and loving life ahead.

Introduction of Faculty Speaker – Georgia Lewis and Alexander Suster

Alex: . . . As well as being my advisor for four years, he was also my soccer coach. One thing to know about Coach Savage is that he is extremely passionate in the classroom and on the field. . . . I’m sure Coach Savage is gonna be relieved that I’m gone because, throughout my four years, I’ve bombarded him with questions.

If it be about one of his many long Bio lectures or just about some tiny detail about what I should be doing on the soccer field, Savage was always by my side and willing to answer my questions.

Georiga: As my advisor, I have had the unique pleasure of listening to Mr. Savage’s rants... I mean advice over the past four years. From his ridiculous notion that five hours isn’t enough sleep to trying to explain the fascinating world of poker.

One thing is for sure, Mr. Savage has never failed to put a smile on my face. . . .

We all know Mr. Savage differently . . . regardless of how you know him, one thing remains constant: his care for everyone he meets. It is rare to find a teacher who is so invested in bettering the lives of each student he encounters beyond just academics. . . . Therefore, it is our honor to introduce this year’s speaker, Coach Savage.

Commencement Faculty Address – Craig Savage

I am honored to have been asked to speak today as we celebrate our seniors’ commencement. . . .

It was one of the most confusing, uncertain, disorienting and complicated years we have ever experienced. . . .

I know it’s easy to think about just writing this year off as an anomaly and focusing on getting back to normal. But I wonder, should we instead be thinking and planning for a future that is better than normal? Maybe we should take some time to reflect on what this year taught us, how we may have changed, and where we go from here. . . .

Thankfully, it’s time to start coming back out into the world... like bears from hibernation. It’s time to feast. What lies ahead is endless possibility – the freedom, opportunity and potential to make meaningful connections and real discoveries. . . . I am reminded of a podcast I heard a few years ago about some research findings on the metamorphosis of butterflies.

Whilst still caterpillars, scientists teach them to avoid a certain odor by associating it with an electric shock. Then the caterpillar go into its pupa state – the cocoon. You might think the caterpillar just grows legs and sprouts wings, but if you open up the pupa at different stages you will see that the caterpillar basically dissolves into a slimy mass of goo – before it reforms itself into a butterfly. It dissolves and reforms completely.

Now stay with me because here’s the really cool part. The butterfly…once it emerges from the cocoon still knows to avoid the odor. The memory, the learning, made it through the transformation – made it through the goo. How cool is that?

You are all about to go into a cocoon of sorts.

Turn to goo and remake yourself as a beautiful butterfly. Change your world and do so with confidence, because you won’t forget the ‘odor’ (not the one from the varsity locker room). I’m talking about the essence of your Parish experience. You have learned the skills and traits, and most importantly have the core values instilled in you: Wisdom, Honor and Service. And you have the support of family, friends and teachers who are still going to be here backing you up no matter what. The connections you’ve made here are something to hold on to but also a template to build on.

But unlike a butterfly, our hope is that you never see yourself as a finished product. Your goals and standards should be high enough they’re nearly impossible to meet. You should always be a work in progress. . . .

Class of 2021, we are proud of you, we know you are ready, we wish you all the best. The buffet is open “go feast.

7 parish.org | C L A S S 2 0 2 1 commencement edition

A year when our football team won another state championship only to be upstaged by our rover team winning a world championship! A year when some of our labs were conducted in our kitchens and garages, and our on-stage theater productions were produced as films. A year when many of our classes were virtual and our community service hours were strangely detached from the community.

SUMMER 2021 |

In my interactions with [these seniors], it’s not uncommon that I get off topic; sometimes class morphs into life advice sessions as I slip into my dad/coach mode.

This year I was in coach mode A LOT. It felt like every class started with a pep talk.

I had to get them and me fired up. So, I apologize ahead of time if this sounds like a game-day pep talk . . . I’ll try, but I can’t promise, to be brief, not when it comes to such an unprecedented year.

| C L A S S 2 0 2 1 commencement edition

10

SUMMER 2021 |

parish.org

Alyson Danay Aguilar Madeline Elizabeth Anderson Charles Allen Angel IV Rajul Richard Anthony Hailey Glynn Baer William John Baschab Christian Miles Benson Richmond Graham Binkley Jeremiah Daniel Bodwin Kenneth Kendriun Borders Blaine Michael Bowman Bryson Earon Boyette Evan Clarence Brown Toni Rachel Buskin Aidan Thomas Chance Anna Francis Clark Camden Brittain Clure Frances Virginia Collins Ryan Olivia Daniel Morgan Lynsey Day Emma Catherine Denheyer Ainsley Kathryn Disney Qusai Esmail Elwazir Olivia Wren Fair Ethan John Fisk Freedom Serene Foster Jillian Brynn Garza Jake Alexander Gellman James William Gewax Grant Evans Gilker Aidan Seth Gluckman Sarah McCormick Haga Luke Alexander Hanft Victoria Grace Harper Omari Bernard Hayes Sydney Rae Holland Michael Yifan Hu Claire Elizabeth Hudson

Cole Jacob Hudson Paige Maya Jenkins Aidan Taylor Johnson Antonio Akshat Johri Jayden Andra Jones Scout Susan Jones Jackson Black Jouette Arjun Datta Kantamsetty Aoife Grace Kelly Zayd-Amir Mushtak Khatri Alexander Eugene Kidd Avery Jane Kisner Thanvi Sai Kodali Alexandra Olga Kowalczyk Jaden Alexander Krekow Simin Rahim Kurji Micah Asher Lampert Olivia Rose Lancashire Eumin Kim Lee Georgia Faye Lewis Grace Makayla London Rachel Sophie London Emily Elizabeth Long Frederique Elise Mailand Charles Foster Malloy II Audrey Hayden Martin Paige Jordan McGonnell Joseph Miller Mehary Emory Elizabeth Meler Blaire Marie Messmann Maggie Elizabeth Metten Angelina Diane Miller Jennifer Mae Mitchell Jai Tristan Tave Moore Chloe Madeline Murphy Yousuf Syed Nadir Anna Higgerson Nielson Kathryn Amanda Palmer

Henry Frank Partridge Carter Anthony Perry Natalie Nhi Thien Pham Meredith Slayton Pierson Jefferson Tyler Ratliff Jr. Samuel Porter Robinson Kennedy Alexandra Russ Alec Matthew Rusten Kavita Arunachala Sharma Austin Lee Shaunfield Alexander Juilliard Sheena Natalia Juliet Silverlieb Sophia Sobenes Samuel Marcus Soule Preston William Stone Alexander Lawrence Suster Abbey Noel Swartzwelder Andrew Jones Tanner Brian Thomas Tierney Austin Chijoke Uke Vennela Vattikuti Andrew Lawson Wallace II Jacob Stephen Weinger Bruce Renaurd West III David Michael Whitaker Autumn Grace Wilbanks Julia Eleanor Wilfong Jaeden Emhad Williams Pierce Maxwell Wyatt

NH

1

3 2

WI

2

1

IA 1 1

UT 1

4

1 5NH

5 2

NJ

1

1 3

1 5 1 8

1

3

4

STUDENT UNDECIDED 2 INTERNATIONAL 1

2

3

SUMMER 2021 |

30

11 parish.org | C L A S S 2 0 2 1 commencement edition

Congratulations to the 105 members of our 15th graduating class on their college acceptances. Their resilience and tenacity in a year of extraordinary challenges makes this commencement season ever more rewarding for the Class of 2021! We wish you well as you continue on your journey in to impact our complex global society.

Wisdom, Honor and Service

Adelphi University American University

Elon University

Loyola University Chicago

Santa Clara University

New American University Scholar Provost’s Award

Trustee Scholarship

Presidential Scholarship Damen Scholar Regent's Scholarship Dean Scholarship University Award

Bronco Scholarship

Arizona State University

Elon Honors Felows Engagement Scholarship Legal Professions Scholarship

Auburn University Austin College

Emory University Endicott College

Loyola University Maryland Loyola University New Orleans

Academic Excellence Scholarship

Trustee Scholarship

Bard College Baylor University

Florida Atlantic University Florida Institute of Technology

Academic Scholarship President's Scholarship The Crescent City Scholarship

Distinguished Scholars Scholarship

Panther Funds

McDaniel College

Belmont University

Fordham University

Academic Scholarship

Faculty Scholarship General Academic Scholarship Glover Business Scholarship

University Award Jogues Scholarship

| C L A S S 2 0 2 1 commencement edition

Dean’s Scholarship

12

SUMMER 2021 |

parish.org

Benedictine College Bentley University Berklee College of Music Merit Scholarship

Brandeis University Presidential Scholar

California Polytechnic State

University - San Luis Obispo Carnegie Mellon University Centenary College of Louisiana Clarkson University Clemson University Colgate University College of Charleston Presidential Scholarship

Colorado School of Mines Colorado State University Dean’s Scholarship

Connecticut College Trustee Scholarship

Dartmouth College Davenport University University Award Excellence Award Athletic Scholarship

DePaul University Dean's Academic Scholarship Scholar’s Award

Drake University Drexel University East Carolina University Eckerd College Founders Scholarship

SCHOOLS HIGHLIGHTED IN BLUE INDICATE MATRICULATIONS

Emerson College

Furman University Bell Tower Scholarship

George Mason University George Washington University Georgetown University Athletic Scholarship

Hampton University Hawaii Pacific University Hendrix College High Point University Howard University IDC Herzliya - Raphael Recanati International School Illinois Wesleyan University Alumni Scholarship Regional Alumni Grant

Indiana University Bloomington Dean’s Scholarship

Iowa State University Quest Award

James Madison University Kansas State University Langston Univeristy Athletic Scholarship Bridge Scholarship

Lehigh University Merit Scholarship

Lewis & Clark College Dean's Scholarship

Louisiana State University Louisiana Tech University Loyola Marymount University Academic Scholarship Dean's Scholarship

Savannah College of Art and Design Seton Hall University University Scholarship

Miami University - Oxford Michigan State University Montana State University Morehouse College New Mexico State University New York University Northeastern University Oglethorpe University Oklahoma Baptist University Oklahoma State University Oklahoma State Nonresident Achievement Scholarship

Ole Miss: The University of Mississippi Academic Merit Non-Resident

Pace University Incentive Award

Pennsylvania State University Pepperdine University Scholarship Award

Purdue University Quinnipac University Dean's Scholarship

Randolph-Macon College Reed College Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Leadership Award

Rhodes College University Scholarship

Rice University Richmond, The American International University in London Rose-Hulman Institute Salve Regina University Academic Scholarship

Sam Houston State University

Sewanee: The University of the South Ecce Quam Bonum Award

Skidmore College Southern Methodist University Hunt Leadership Scholarship Provost's Scholar Hilltop Scholar Distinguished Scholar Discovery Scholar Distinguished BBA Scholar Meadows Artistic Scholarship Pre-Law Scholar

Stanford University Syracuse University Texas A&M University - College Station Texas Christian University Dean's Scholarship Purple and White Scholarship Frog Family Scholarship Founders' Scholarship

Texas State University Texas Tech University Texas Wesleyan University The University of Alabama Presidential Scholarship Foundation in Excellence Scholarship Engineering Scholarship Alumni Scholar Award Heritage Scholarship

The University of Arizona Excellence Award Recognition Award

The University of Chicago The University of Iowa The University of Oklahoma Award of Excellence Honor Award O-K-U Non-Resident Honor Award

The University of Tampa The University of Tennessee Academic Scholarship

The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Austin The University of Texas at Dallas Academic Distinction Scholarship (AES)

The University of Texas at Tyler The University of Utah Academic Scholarship

Trinity University Murchison Scholarship Dean's Scholarship

Tufts University Tulane University of Louisiana

University of California, Santa Cruz Undergraduate Dean's Award

University of Cincinnati Univeristy of Colorado Boulder University of Colorado Denver University of Colorado Colorado Springs University of Florida University of Georgia Classic Scholars Award

University of Maine University of Maryland University of Miami Canes Achievement Award

University of Michigan University of Nevada, Reno Athletic Scholarship

University of New Hampshire University of North Texas University of Notre Dame

University of Arkansas

University of Houston University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign University of Indianpolis

Arkansas Non-Resident Tuition Award

Dean's Scholarship

Summit Scholarship

University of California, Davis University of California, Irvine University of California, Riverside University of California, San Diego

University of Kansas

University of Pittsburgh University of Portland

Founders Scholarship

Achievement Scholarship Distinction Scholarship

University of Louisville Regional Scholars Program

University Scholarship Provost's Scholarship AnBryce Scholars

University of Oregon

University of San Diego Wabash Academic Scholarship

University of San Francisco University of South Carolina University of Wisconsin, Madison Villanova University Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Wake Forest University Washington University in St. Louis West Virginia University Academic Scholarship

Western Illinois University Whitman College Wichita State University Xavier University of Louisiana

Arthur Schulte Scholarship

University of Richmond

EXTERNAL Scholarships Earned SUMMER 2021 |

Boular Scholars Program Scholarship Mary Loving Blair Scholarship Beasley Foundation Technology Scholarship

13 parish.org | C L A S S 2 0 2 1 commencement edition

| C L A S S 2 0 2 1 commencement edition

HONORS/ SPECIAL PROGRAMS ACCEPTANCES

ALEXANDER SHEENA Distinguished BBA Scholar & Prelaw Scholar, SMU ALYSON AGUILAR National Hispanic Scholar GRACE LONDON Honors Fellow, Elon

GRANT GILKER BFA Acting & Plan II Honors, University of Texas PAIGE JENKINS AnBryce Scholars & QuestBridge Scholar, Notre Dame WILLIAM BASCHAB Randall Research Scholars & Honors College, University of Alabama YOUSUF NADIR Hunt Leadership Scholar and Distinguished BBA Scholar, SMU

18

SUMMER 2021 |

parish.org

COLLEGE ATHLETES CHRISTIAN BENSON Dartmouth College

JOE MEHARY Trinity University

JEREMIAH BODWIN University of Nevada, Reno

JAI MOORE Oklahoma Baptist University

KENNETH BORDERS Georgetown University AIDAN CHANCE Western Illinois University MORGAN DAY Sewanee: The University of the South OMARI HAYES Texas Wesleyan University JAYDEN JONES Southern Methodist University FREDERIQUE MAILAND Davenport University FOSTER MALLOY Trinity University

HENRY PARTRIDGE The University of Chicago PRESTON STONE Southern Methodist University

FIRST-TIME MATRICULATIONS Davenport University Florida Institute of Technology

AUSTIN UKE Stanford University

IDC Herzliya - Raphael Recanati International School

JAEDEN WILLIAMS Langston University

Langston Univeristy

Iowa State University Loyola University New Orleans Reed College Texas Wesleyan University University of Louisville University of Wisconsin - Madison Wichita State Univeristy

WHAT IS A “LIFER?” A student who has spent 12 or more

years at Parish. But, more than that, a “Lifer” represents the support, comfort and challenge that is the Parish family, evident throughout the entire student body, prekindergarten through 12th grade. Over the past 15 graduating classes, Parish has had 340 Lifers.

Back Row (L to R): Raj Anthony, Austin Shaunfield, Richmond Binkley, Jacob Weinger, Aidan Johnson, Carter Perry, Ethan Fisk, Bruce West, Bryson Boyette, David Whitaker Front Row (L to R): Jordan McGonnell, Simin Kurji, Maddi Anderson, Avery Kisner, Abbey Swartzwelder, Maggie Metten, Ainsley Disney, Emma Denheyer, Frances Collins, Audrey Martin, Emory Meler

Commencement Invocation – Emily Long

Our dear Father in heaven, we sincerely thank thee for the opportunity to attend school, despite the challenging circumstances the world has faced, giving us the ability to continue our education. We are so grateful for our parents, our fellow students, and especially our teachers who have helped make this year possible. We thank Thee, Lord, for the friendships and connections we have made, especially during this year filled with trials. . . . Lord, we ask for a special blessing over not just the Parish community but the world during this hard time, that everyone might get to feel at peace and safe within the communities. We pray to be guided down a righteous path and continue to find ourselves and Thee through our own personal journeys. We are grateful for the opportunities and doors opened to us to get closer with Thee and develop ourselves through our high school experiences. We pray for these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

19 parish.org | C L A S S 2 0 2 1 commencement edition

Here we feature our 21 Lifers from the Class of 2021!

SUMMER 2021 |

LIFERS 2021

CLASS OF 2021 Commencement Edition 4101 Sigma Road Dallas, Texas 75244 parish.org