Pantherbeat Spring/Summer 2026

PARISH EPISCOPAL SCHOOL NEWS

SPRING/SUMMER 2026

PARISH’S EDUCATIONAL PURPOSE & PHILOSOPHY: The Now and Next of Developing Good Human Beings.

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Little Hands, Big Impact! From interactive activities to outdoor exploration, Hillcrest students spent Earth Day learning how small actions can make a big impact. The day was full of collaboration, curiosity, and fun. https://shorturl.at/M856P

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PARISH PANTHERBEAT

Parish Online

parish.org Alumni in Action Students connected classroom learning to real-life careers during a special visit from a Parish Alumnus. https://shorturl.at/SUXuA

Top 50 Worldwide Four Upper School students advanced to the semifinals of the Wharton Global High School Investment Competition, ranking among the top 50 out of 2,300+ teams. https://tinyurl.com/msbwkt7h

Grandfriends on Campus

Vidigami

We welcomed grandparents and special friends for a joyful week of connection and community. https://shorturl.at/yItKE

Snow Day Fun! Even Dallas winter storms couldn’t stop the fun - students spent the day playing in the snow. https://shorturl.at/ljpl1 Parish Instagram

Rover Takes the Win Parish Rover swept the competition, earning multiple awards and 1st place overall. https://shorturl.at/Q3fxY

Signed with Panther Pride A Legacy That Lives On The school community came together in jerseys to honor the life, legacy and team spirit of Gloria H. Snyder. https://tinyurl.com/3ddnasay

Lower School students came ready for autographs as Midway sent Boys Basketball off to State. https://shorturl.at/aP8Hg

New Addition:

Dr. Casey Bell

Director of Admission & Enrollment Management While Casey joined Parish in late spring, many in our community have not had a chance to meet her given the time of year.

Hailing from Fort Worth, Casey is an avid college football fan, voracious reader and – in her own words – “a hopeless gardener.” The mother of two boys, one a recent high school graduate, Casey has spent more than 20 years in the independent school environment, both as a parent and a school leader. Her experience spans admission, enrollment management, advancement, marketing and communications, college counseling and student support. Most recently, she served as a consultant with Independent School Management (ISM), partnering with school leadership teams nationwide to strengthen enrollment strategy, faculty culture, organizational clarity, scheduling and mission alignment.

As she brings her expertise and vibrant energy into the walls of Parish, Casey reflects on what drew her to the School and the community that she’s experienced since officially joining in April.

“I was drawn to Parish because of the way its authentic Episcopal identity, commitment to academic excellence and deep care for students come together to create such a distinctive school community," said Casey. “From my first interactions, I sensed a school that truly lives into who it says it is: a place where all children are known, celebrated, challenged and supported. In my short time here, I have already seen that come to life in so many ways, through excellence in the classroom, on the stage and on the athletic field.

“Parish is a joyful place where young people can thrive, and it is also a deeply collegial community of educators working together with purpose. I am thrilled to be part of the Parish community and excited for the work ahead.”

As Parish’s official admission season for 2026-27 school year kicks off in August, Casey has been actively preparing alongside the Admission team to attract and welcome prospective families to campus and to guide them as they navigate the search for the right school for their children and family.

Casey earned her Ed.D. in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California and holds a B.A. in Communication Studies from Azusa Pacific University.

Please join us in welcoming Casey to our community and do not hesitate to swing by and say “hi” if you find yourself on campus.

eg Zugrave - Athletic Director eg previously served as Athletic Director at St. Edward’s W School I S DinOVero M Beach, | HFL,Ooverseeing N O R nearly | S50EMiddle R V and I C Upper E School interscholastic athletic teams and rdinating Lower School intramural programming to help younger students build skills across a variety of sports. He has also served as Dean and History Department

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Pantherbeat Feature:

Parish’s Educational Purpose & Philosophy We develop good human beings: prepared, passionate, principled.

Success. Often defined by a trophy, financial gain, attaining a yearly goal, getting that job – there are so many examples and it can mean something different for everyone. But what about the journey to become and maintain being a good human being? Imagine a world where the majority succeed in that. Among a myriad of other successes at Parish that we celebrate daily, the bigger goal is to ensure our graduates are people of principle. Young women and men who are prepared for more than just college. And to help foster an innate passion for anything they sign up for or set out to do.

Passion is fuel for a joyful life. We help students uncover what excites and inspires them – so they feel more alive, more fulfilled and more excited about the future.

PRINCIPLED

DEVELOP

We are educators, mentors, coaches and guides – dedicated to developing the unique potential of every student in our care.

GOOD HUMAN BEINGS

At Parish, we aim to develop good human beings – young people formed intellectually, emotionally, socially, physically, spiritually and morally.

Principles create the moral compass for life. Rooted in Wisdom, Honor and Service, Parish students strive not just to succeed, but to make a positive difference in the lives of others and the world around them.

PREPARED

Preparation is key to success in a complex and ever-changing world. We equip students with the knowledge, skills and mindsets they’ll need to navigate life’s challenges and accomplish their goals and dreams.

PASSIONATE

The definition of these attributes likely has a familiar ring … and… it should! This is what we’ve always been about at Parish. Now, we have a shared language to articulate it. I invite you to read on to see how this naturally aligns in our divisions and departments, and what we can look forward to in fall 2027.

In partnership,

Matthew "Matt" J. Rush, Ed.D. Allen Meyer Family Head of School

(Continues on page 4)

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Parish Feature Story (continued from page 3) The Now and Next of Developing Good Human Beings Throughout fall 2025, we began bringing the Educational Purpose & Philosophy to life. Faculty & Staff reflected on how it shows up in their day-to-day work. A group participated in Activation Workshops, bringing together a cross-section of stakeholders to generate and prioritize ideas for how Parish can fulfill the Educational Purpose & Philosophy in new and innovative ways, specifically in preparing students for the future, finding their passions, instilling principles and helping each student fulfill their unique potential.

In winter and spring 2026, we began sharing the Educational Purpose & Philosophy externally, introducing it to families, alumni and the broader community through purposeful communication and touchpoints. Further, when invited to serve on student committees, over 100 Upper School students demonstrated interest. In the spring, 55 students gathered to discuss their thoughts with faculty representatives of committees focusing on wellness, belonging and inclusion, character education and purpose exploration.

“The development of our student committees to mirror the work of our faculty has been nothing short of incredible,” said Andrew Jennings, Head of Upper School. “The open, lively, collaborative and generative conversations have already begun to shape meaningful refinements, giving our teachers and staff invaluable perspective as we continue to consider ways to cultivate an even stronger Upper School community.”

In parallel, other divisions and departments have amplified their programs as well with new events, curriculum adjustments and cross-curricular adaptations that foster student preparation, allow room for passion and set students up to be principled in their daily lives. For instance, leaning into our tenant of Service, this year Lower School partnered with Beth Kirner, Director of Community Service and Leadership Institute, to expand service-learning opportunities for students of all ages. Lower School teachers taught new service lessons in the classrooms, and each grade level picked a special project during the last trimester.

“They came together to complete the projects to meet needs of our local communities that might otherwise go unfilled,” said Dr. Deana Dynis, Head of Lower School. “Next year we are excited to expand our service-learning opportunities to inspire our students to think local, act global.”

Alignment in Middle School has been especially evident during a year of significant transition, including new leadership and the successful implementation of the new MS daily schedule, which has led to increased student engagement and productivity across classrooms. Equally important has been the Middle School team’s intentional focus on cultivating a strong sense of belonging and community. Through Student Life and Advisory programs, MS administration, faculty and staff have worked to foster an environment rooted in respect and connection, while continuing to build and reinforce the standards that define “The Parish Way.” In Arts and STEM, we saw the launch of culminative events that brought together multiple grade-levels to showcase student work, including the inaugural STEM Showcase highlighting cross-divisional work in STEM classes and the School’s first Fiber Fest highlighting the unique fiber artselement of our Lower School art studios. These events are clear demonstrations of students' preparedness, passion and principled approach toward reaching their goals in a trimester. On the horizon, STEM is excited to partner with more teachers next year and uncover meaningful opportunities to naturally integrate STEM and develop projects that engage students. Likewise, Arts is planning for more visiting artists in music, theatre and dance, and to offer more off-campus experiences for students to engage in to fulfill both their personal and academic goals.

Outside the classroom and onto the courts and fields, this year has provided Athletics meaningful opportunities to evaluate and refine key areas of its program, including: completing a full cycle of athletic period under the new Middle School schedule with a focus on development, participation and long-term engagement; transforming student access to strength and conditioning for both performance and wellness; and the continued momentum to bolster girls sports across the School.

The Athletics department is looking forward to expanding its efforts to support student wellness, particularly in the area of mental health, including introducing additional seminars and workshops designed to equip students with tools and resources in areas such as mental health, college recruiting, NIL, team culture and academic readiness.

As we endeavor to bring the Educational Purpose & Philosophy “off the page,” these are just a few examples – the list goes on and on.

Readying for the 2026-27 school year, each division and department committee will continue to work to align their respective areas and programming (e.g. curriculum, extra-/co-curricular activities, admission requirements and processes, recruitment and retention for faculty and staff, and more) through the lens of our Educational Purpose & Philosophy.

We will continue to dig deep into the core of who we are to create opportunities, both inside and outside the classroom, that reflect the tenets of our mission - Wisdom, Honor and Service - and that can be directly correlated to our efforts to Develop Good Human Beings: Prepared, Passionate, Principled.

This is just the beginning. Our Educational Purpose & Philosophy is not a project – it’s our path forward. And we’re grateful to be on this journey with our entire community.

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2026 Parish Gala - Havana Nights Parish Gala, the School’s second largest fundraising event, once again lit up the night with unforgettable fun and fellowship. This year’s theme, Havana Nights – Feel the Panther Beat, set the tone for a dazzling evening where the community came together to celebrate and support our school. Guests enjoyed an evening full of energy and entertainment, from sizzling salsa dancers and a dynamic DJ to exciting casino games and hand-rolled cigars. This year’s event also included a very exciting raffle prize — partial Parish tuition for the 2026–2027 school year!

Thank you to all who attended, donated, sponsored and volunteered to help make this important event for the School such a success.

Visit for more Gala pics

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Ask Pete – How does Parish fuel passion?

By Anya Raval '32 Prepared, Passionate and Principled: these simple words from Parish’s educational philosophy are the three qualities that the School wants to develop in each student. Currently, Parish offers more than 50 athletic options in 22 different sports. In addition to athletics, there are numerous clubs, musicals, STEM activities, and a great deal more. Even though any Parish student can participate in activities early on, starting in 7th grade, the opportunities to get involved in the School seem endless. For example, this year in Middle School, Parish developed a new program called “Try It Out” week. This is designed to allow 7th and 8th graders to try out a new sport for the upcoming trimester to see if it’s something they would like to get involved in. As a rising 7th grader myself, while I am looking forward to more opportunities in athletics, I am already passionate about something else Parish offers: art.

I recently spoke with Mrs. Good, the Middle School art teacher, who has been at Parish for three years. I chose her because, like her, I have a deep devotion to art.

Q: What is your opinion on Parish supporting the arts, and how do they do such a great job with that?

A: “I think the Arts does a great job supporting our students because art is subjective, which means there is no right or wrong way to do it… everybody can do it differently. Everybody can thrive in the way that is best for them.”

Q: What aspects of art showcase the passions in students?

A: “I think there are so many different ways to express passion, and it's really fun that art kids get to explore so many different ways to do it.”

Q: What do you think students should do to find their own passion?

A: “I think try and explore, and don’t be afraid to try something new, and don’t be afraid to fail, because if you fail it means you’re gonna learn from that. It’s ok to get frustrated and just work through it and try it again, and see if it’s grown you or changed you in any way, which is what it's all about.”

I also had the privilege of speaking with 7th grader Calli Kenny, and she explained the joys and the hardships of her passion: theatre.

Q: How do you feel when performing your hobby?

A: “I feel like sometimes, I just forget what’s happening, like, I'm embodying the character, so, when I just step on stage my worries go away. …but then I just completely forget about [life outside of theatre] when I step on stage; it just washes away. I can’t describe that somehow.”

Q: How would you encourage kids our age to find their passions?

A: “You need to surround yourself with people who are going to support you when you do things. [It’s] not letting people tell you what you want to do and what you don’t want to do, and just work really, really, hard. I think you need to find the positive voices.”

Q: When people are negative toward your passion, how do you maneuver it?

A: “I kind of just remind myself that their opinion isn’t the whole world. As long as I’m doing something that brings me joy, that’s enough, right?”

Through this assignment, I have learned a lot about how Parish fuels the passions of its students. First, it is an exceptional place to begin your journey to uncover what you enjoy spending your time doing. But I also understand that your calling can lead to so much more than just having fun. Passions can turn into a fun hobby, or they can potentially lead into a lifelong career. Either way, these interests help you to become a more well-rounded person. They are a motivating force for you to do better, and without this you wouldn’t know what it is like to fail, pick yourself up and try again. It is a learning process that can teach you so much about yourself. As German philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel once said, “Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion.”

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Nauslar Distinguished Service Awards Established in 2018 by Terri and Dennis Nauslar, the Nauslar Distinguished Service Award honors and recognizes full-time faculty and staff members for distinguished service that embodies the mission of Parish Episcopal School. Recipients have demonstrated a commitment to excellence characterized by a nurturing spirit and evident care for students and the Parish community, and an alignment with our established criterion for professional excellence.

Following are the 2025 recipients of the Nauslar Distinguished Service Award: Ray Estrada, Community Safety Officer

Likely the first person you’re greeted by when you arrive at school on the Hillcrest campus, Ray Estrada has an unwavering commitment to the safety of our youngest students and exudes a joyful warmth that he shares daily with his colleagues, the students and their parents. Several nominations echo these sentiments as well: “. . . He is warm, kind and friendly, while also cautious, observant and protective. . .

His passion for our community and commitment to safety is admirable; he goes above and beyond at every opportunity, and we are greatly hopeful that he knows how much we value and respect him.” “He knows every child and every parent by name, face (and probably car!) and has a special bond with the entire community.” “What truly sets Ray apart is his exceptional grace under pressure. Security in a school environment requires navigating a myriad of complex challenges. . .

He handles these delicate situations with remarkable diplomacy and steadfast professionalism. He is able to de-escalate tension not just with his authority, but with a calm rationality and empathy . . . Above all, his primary mission, keeping our children safe, is evident in every single action he takes. . . . Ray Estrada is far more than a security professional; he is a trusted guardian and a beloved fixture of the Parish community.”

Katy Henderson, Beasley STEM Center Lead Teacher

Sharing her passion for STEM at the Hillcrest campus for nearly 15 years, Katy Henderson, as described by a colleague, “goes the extra mile to provide engaging, meaningful and educational inquiries for her students. . . . She makes each child feel empowered to try new things, to ask lots of questions, to persevere and to accept ‘failures’ as part of the learning process.

She frequently acknowledges hard work, grit, teamwork and growth mindsets . . . [Also] Katy is a wonderful colleague. She reaches out to teammates in need, lends a helping hand when we find ourselves short-handed and shares compliments, supportive words and smiles.” Parents echo these sentiments and more: “She was our first impression of the School . . . She fully showed how Parish is a community of loving people who are interested in the growth and success and well-being of the students. . . . I am so grateful to have a teacher like Mrs. Henderson . . . My son is completing charts, coloring them in, and using math and science together to form hypothesis. This is incredible! . . . She helps every child feel welcome . . . showing that she sees each student as a person. This is everything you would want out of a teacher!”

Jessica Robinson, Upper School Dance/Parish Extend Dance Academy Director/Drill Team Assistant Director There’s “wearing many hats” then there’s helping put on so many different pairs of shoes! Whether you’re slipping on a split sole jazz, testing out your shuffle ball change or gearing up for your pep rally performance, Jessica Robinson’s got your back! As one parent so eloquently elaborates: “Parish is filled with incredible teachers . . . Several are also ‘the person’ that students go to celebrate their successes, lick their wounds after a hard class, troubleshoot challenges and just ‘be.’ Jessica has been one of those people for both my daughters. Yes, the dance classes have been challenging and her critiques have been spot on and she’s challenged them to become better dancers, but it is the care and compassion she has provided to them during non-class times that led me to nominate her for this amazing award! . . . Her office is truly a home away from home . . . she is a phenomenal sounding board, who listens, but doesn't coddle . . .” And, our alumni agree: “She goes above and beyond not only when you are a student at Parish but also when you are an alum. . .

She is the teacher who made the biggest impact on my life and I know I am not alone.”

Class of 2023 Excellence in Leadership Award Established in 2020 by an anonymous donor and endowed by the Class of 2023 Senior Gift, the Class of 2023 Excellence in Leadership Award honors and recognizes full-time faculty and staff members who successfully demonstrate Parish Episcopal School’s core values of Wisdom, Honor and Service as well as exceptional leadership skills in the following areas: a deep connection to the community; the propensity for integrity, courage, humility and fortitude as a leader; risk taking and tenacity; and the ability to think creatively and go the extra mile.

Kristen Twomey, Assistant Director of Development The embodiment of Excellence in Leadership, no matter the situation, Kristen Twomey is willing to dig in, think outside the box and find a solution! After many years as a parent volunteer, including leading our Parents’ Association (PA) as President in 2017-2018, Kristen was contracted in 2021 to establish the School’s first official archive in preparation for its 50th anniversary. With little guidance – other than “we need to establish one” – Kristen buried herself in the Midway Library basement (yes, there’s a basement in the School) among a hoard of treasure, and perhaps some not-so-treasureworthy items. Through research and hours of conversations with past and present community members, Kristen built the first, most comprehensive Parish Episcopal School Archive from the ground up and unfurled the Parish story for our community during her leadership of the 50th Anniversary celebrations. Her efforts will not only live on for generations to come, but the Advancement team quickly realized that Kristen’s institutional knowledge and strategic mindset would be a permanent asset to our school, thus her time here was far from over!

Joining the School as Assistant Director of Development, Kristen brought her new-found archivist insight and previous volunteer and professional leadership to the table, transforming our community’s development efforts for events like Gala and Parish Fund. Likewise, her work with parent organizations, including PA, and The Arts People, Athletics and sySTEMs Booster Clubs, set the standard for how these organizations should, and do, support students, families, faculty and staff. Whether it’s growing the Parish Fund year over year for the benefit of our students, helping establish programs like Dads’ Club (a program of the PA) or working diligently with athletics to formulate the most efficient and effective plan for concessions and ticket sales, Kristen is always looking at ways to produce the most positive impact while being a good steward of the School’s budget and honoring our donors.

As one nomination reads: “Kristen is a team player, but leads by example – her infectious humor, care for her co-workers and sincere love of Parish is evident in everything she does.” A natural leader with a fierce work ethic and a heart to match, one would be hard pressed to find someone who exemplifies our tenets more fully than Kristen Twomey!

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SPRING/SUMMER PARISH 2022 PANTHERBEAT | PAGE 10

Parent Service Spotlights Bondy-Lee: Kerry Miller (Penelope ’35, Piper ‘38) Kerry Miller is the 2025-26 recipient of the Bondy-Lee award, named in honor of Andrea Lee and Gabriella Bondy (the first two chairwomen of the Parish Day School (PDS) Mothers’ Club – now the Parents’ Association).

Before Dr. Matt Rush announced Kerry’s name during a special Hillcrest chapel service in May, he shared with the audience – which included her family, students, faculty, staff and former award winners – that “This year’s recipient represents the very best of what that award was created to recognize. [She] is the kind of volunteer every school hopes for and every community depends on.”

In watching Kerry’s attentiveness to Parish Episcopal School since joining the community, it would be hard to disagree!

While, yes, Kerry has served as a Parish Fund volunteer since 2022 and stepped into the role of Lower School Chair for the 2025-26 school year, her service extends far beyond one title or one committee. She has given her time and energy to Earth Day, Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Visiting Days, Mardi Gras for 2nd Grade, holiday celebrations, teacher luncheons, book fairs, class parties, Buddy Family and Grade Level Fellowship teams. In so many ways, she has shown up – consistently, generously and joyfully.

Nominations described her as someone who “works tirelessly behind the scenes and is a vocal supporter of Lower School and Parish no matter the audience” and notes that year after year, she humbly steps in and helps in any way she can.

“She does not serve for recognition,” pointed out Dr. Rush. “She serves because she cares deeply about this school, our children, our teachers and this community.”

Whether she is welcoming families or encouraging others to get involved, Kerry truly makes Parish a warmer place. Please, join us in congratulating Kerry and thanking her for her steady presence, the example she sets and the heart she brings to our School community.

During the 1985-1986 school year, the Bondy-Lee Award was established in honor of the first two co-chairwomen of the Mothers' Club, Gabriella Bondy and Andrea Lee. This award is presented each year to the most outstanding parent volunteer for the Lower School. This honorary award reflects the faculty and staff‘s appreciation for a parent volunteer for the Lower School. This is a parent volunteer whose time and effort have been focused on our students. This parent has encouraged volunteering, supported the goals of the School, and promoted good will. In addition, this parent has exhibited a good relationship with the children, the faculty, the staff, and the other parents. Some examples of the services completed by previous nominees are fellowship coordinators, lunchroom volunteers, Parents’ Association event chairs and co-chairs, library volunteers, art volunteers, Gala Committee members, helping with special events, etc.

Martha Johnston Legacy Award: Marla Buskin (Hannah ’20, Toni ’21, Cale ‘26) Recognized at the Class of 2026 Senior Dinner, this year’s Martha Johnston Legacy Award recipient typically likes to be “behind the scenes,” but it’s important to pull her out into the spotlight to celebrate the many years, hours, blood, sweat and tears that she has given, with all her heart and soul, to the Parish community. You might’ve been lucky enough to catch a glimpse of this stealth volunteer at any number of events, but even if you didn’t see her, rest assured you enjoyed the event and atmosphere because of the “Marla touch” that comes along with it! As Dr. Matt Rush, Allen Meyer Family Head of School, stated at Senior Dinner, "[Her] fingerprints are all over this community – [she] has served Parish with humility, consistency, generosity, positivity and with a huge heart."

Since her family joined Parish more than a decade ago, Marla Buskin has truly touched this community and we are so thankful for her service.

Marla has volunteered for the Parents’ Association (PA) for Gala, Bingo, Parish with Love, Ticketed Parties (Parent/ student dances, Mahjong), including serving on the PA’s Executive Board as VP of Gala Chair, responsible for everything from creating the beautiful, energetic atmosphere and decorations to the fine details of sponsorships, auction donations, catering, photo booths and lots more in between. She sat on the Head of School Council from 2020-2022. In 2021, she joined The Grove as a founding storyteller/member where she always jumped in to speak with prospective and current families navigating the ropes at Parish or to help organize the group’s Community Roots Dinner. Additionally, she and her husband Rowan have both volunteered for the Athletic Booster Club, with Marla serving on the ABC Executive Board (2023-2025) in the Communications/Technology role. She’s also served on The Arts People (TAP) Executive Board (2019-2021) in Communications and Marketing/Graphics role.

Over the years, Marla has given her time at events such as Ed Snyder Memorial Golf Tournament, Graduation, Prom, Homecoming and Silent Night, has worked in the hospitality room for basketball tournaments and can regularly be seen taking tickets at numerous basketball and football competitions.

She has worked on Senior Committee, was a Parish Fund caller, a Carpool Director for back-to-school carpool, a greeter at Midway Preview and so much more!

And her commitment to service extends far beyond Parish. For the last 15 years, she has helped lead fundraising, events and gala efforts at the Chabad of Plano synagogue. Dr. Rush nailed it when he said, “[It is] a beautiful reminder that Marla Buskin’s generosity is not confined to one place. It is part of the way she moves through the world.

“Marla knows the importance of service and is a firm believer in giving back to your communities to create environments that make everyone feel like a valuable piece of the bigger goal. She is the person who jumps in before anyone has to ask. No job is too big, too small, too visible or too behind-thescenes. If there is a need, she sees it. If there is a gap, she fills it. If there is work to be done, chances are, she is already doing it – quietly, capably and with a spirit of genuine service. She has made meals for community members. She has cared for families in moments of celebration and in moments of need.

She has given not for recognition, but because that is simply who she is.”

We are honored to have had Marla at the helm of so many important events and activities at Parish. She has no doubt left her mark on the soul of Parish, leaving it better than she found it and providing a blueprint for those who follow her.

Martha Johnston Legacy Award is given annually to a senior parent who has exemplified Martha’s (Natalie ‘13, Sam ‘15 and Joe ’17) selfless service and boundless spirit over their tenure at Parish.

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Parents’ Association Crown Award: Karla Bard (Brody ‘28, Lyla ‘30) Karla Bard was named this year’s Parents’ Association (PA) Crown Award winner. Karla has served on the PA Executive Board as Vice President of New Families for two years and stepped into the role of Vice President of Upper School Fellowship unexpectantly mid-year in 2024-25, continuing to serve in that role throughout 2025-26. She was recognized in May by PA President Sandy Vilven (Dean ’28, Fiona ‘30).

“Karla handled VP for New Families effortlessly, despite only being a new Parish family for a short year,” said Sandy. “And, she didn’t break a sweat when asked to pick up VP of Upper School Fellowship mid-year, and continues to handle the fellowship roles with grace, patience, creativity and frugality! She has been the hostess with the mostest for all ages and has made the PA a happier place for us all.”

The Crown Award is given by the Parents’ Association (PA) President to a volunteer PA Executive Board member who has gone above and beyond during the current school year and shown great leadership to their volunteer cohort and support to the Parish community.

Milestone Years of Service Wall of Service

The Wall of Service is dedicated to those that have served for 20 or more years at Parish. This year, the School has two faculty and staff members recognized as new additions to the Wall of Service, and four existing members celebrating milestone years for 25-, 30- and 40-year anniversaries with the School. Thank you to each of these individuals for their many years of dedication to Parish.

20 years

Jason Mazzella

Upper School English

25 years

Trisha Neuhoff

Laurel Ash

Upper School Science & Subject Area Coordinator

Advancement Services Director

Darlene Jennings

Lower School Teachers' Assistant

Retirees

30

YEARS OF

SERVICE Melissa Grabske

Kevin Ash

Second Grade Teacher

Upper School Theatre & Film 17 years of Service 2009–2026

Allie Wood

Kindergarten Teaching Assistant 29 years of service 1997–2026

40 YEARS OF SERVICE

A mark no one else has reached at Parish, and few, if any, will surpass!

In the spring, Dr. Matt Rush, Allen Meyer Family Head of School, sat down with Diane to look back on her time at Parish - what has changed, what has remained true and what she would like to see our school become in the future.

(Watch the video via the QR Code) As Dr. Rush shared with the community in May, “Diane has been a friend to all, teacher to many and a steady, smiling presence for decades. Her impact on children as a Lower School teacher still is felt today . . .Diane continues to pour herself into Parish in the Development Office, coordinating special events, keeping tabs on alumni and providing incredible institutional knowledge to anyone new to our community."

Diane Webber

Alumni Relations Emerita & Special Events

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Alumni Weekend 2026

Alumni Weekend 2026 was a memorable celebration of connection, community and Parish pride. Over the course of the weekend, alumni from across the decades returned to campus to reconnect with classmates, revisit favorite spaces and create new memories with family and friends.

The festivities began with an Alumni Social Hour and Midway Campus Tours, where alumni enjoyed catching up and walking the halls that hold so many cherished memories. The following day, the annual Coed Alumni Softball Game brought together former classmates for a morning of friendly competition, laughter and school spirit. That evening, members of Class of 2011 and Class of 2016 gathered to celebrate their respective 15- and 10-year reunions, renewing friendships and reflecting on the lasting impact of their Parish experience.

The weekend concluded on Sunday with the Alumni Family Picnic and a meaningful service project in partnership with United Way’s Read With Me Program. Alumni and their families honored the memory of former student Mira Foshee ’22 by decorating bookmarks and collecting children’s books for Little Red Libraries, combining fellowship with service to others.

Thank you to everyone who returned to campus and helped make Alumni Weekend 2026 so special. It was wonderful to see old friends reconnect, families join in the fun and the strength of the Parish alumni community on full display.

Mark your calendars now for Alumni Weekend 2027, taking place Friday, April 23 through Sunday, April 25. Next year will be especially meaningful as we celebrate Parish’s first-ever 20-year reunion, honoring the pioneering Class of 2007. We look forward to welcoming alumni back to campus for this milestone celebration.

SAVE THE DATE!

Parish Homecoming – October 2, 2026

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PARISH PANTHERBEAT

SPRING/SUMMER 2026 | PAGE 11 Welcome to our Newest Alumni Use the QR code to read the digital Commencement Magazine celebrating the Class of 2026 commencement season.

ALUMNI Watch your emails for more dates and details FOR: • Founders Day Legacy Celebration • Alumni Holiday Gathering • Alumni Co-Ed Soccer and Basketball Reunions • Alumni Family Breakfast with Santa • Young Alumni Lunch • Alumni Weekend & Classes of 2007, 2012, 2017 & 2022 Reunions • Panther Proud Alumni Giving Day

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PAGE 12 | SPRING/SUMMER 2026

PARISH PANTHERBEAT

Meet the 2026-27 Board of Trustees Michael Villa, Chair Marty Debus, Vice Chair Brian Bogard, Treasurer Sarah Grohmann, Secretary

Quincy Powell '07 Neal Shah Brian Sherman Joe Urso Elizabeth Williams Evan Williams Pamela Wills-Ward

Tameka Cass Lynette Christensen Julie Chronis Sam Dwinell David Fisk PDS '92 Bart Freeman PDS '88 Tim Gross Carrie Hoffman Gunjan Jain Jade Le Tom Leppert Biegel Macaraeg Winfred Parnell

Nancy Ann Hunt, Emerita Jay Madrid, Emeritus Allen Meyer, Emeritus Ex- Officio: Matt Rush, Head of School

Monday, October 5, 2026 at Cowboys Golf Club

Rev. Casey Shobe, Rector, The Church of the Transfiguration

www.parish.org/golfclassic

Elaine Sweet, Sr. Warden The Church of the Transfiguration

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For underwriting opportunities: contact Katherine Bunner, kbunner@parish.org

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DANCE • MUSIC • THEATRE + FILM • VISUAL ARTS

Join Your Parish Booster Clubs!

The 2026-2027 Membership Drive Kicks Off August 1!

Funds raised by The Arts People, Parish Athletic Booster Club and sySTEMs support Parish students and the programs they are passionate about.

We can’t wait for another exciting year in Arts, Athletics and STEM.

PARISH EPISCOPAL SCHOOL NEWS

SPRING/SUMMER 2026

Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heather Mills Managing Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . Bianca Araujo

What’s inside: Pantherbeat Feature: PARISH’S EDUCATIONAL PURPOSE & PHILOSOPHY . . 3,4 Parish Online . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 New Addition: Dr. Casey Bell - Director of Admission & Enrollment Management . . . . . . . . 2

Alumni . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stephanie Sarles

2025 Parish Gala - Havana Nights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Ask Pete: How does Parish fuel passion? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Digital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kaitlyn Coats

Nauslar Distinguished Service Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Photographer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wiley Williams

Parent Service Spotlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,9

Student Reporter . . . . . . . . . . . Anya Raval '32

Alumni Weekend 2026 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Class of 2023 Excellence in Leadership Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Milestone Years of Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Pantherbeat is the magazine of Parish Episcopal School | 4101 Sigma Road | Dallas, Texas 75244 | parish.org

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