Pantherbeat - Winter/Spring 2020

PARISH EPISCOPAL SCHOOL NEWS

WINTER/SPRING 2020

Pantherbeat Feature: Parish Senior Receives QuestBridge Match and Gets a Full-Ride to Prestigious University. > Story on page 3

Parish hosts Shared_Studios Portal on campus: Where Creative Learners and Bold Leaders Connect with the Complex Global Society. ï‚„https://vimeo.com/380339180

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PARISH PANTHERBEAT

Parish Online

parishepiscopal.org 1000 Donors for Harrison Parish hosted a Bone Marrow Donor Drive to benefit our friend Harrison and others impacted by blood cancers. https://www.instagram.com/p/B7O3ueKnAmZ/

Parish Instagram

More Panther Blue

The Students Are Now the Teachers @parishalumni return to campus as mentors for the Leadership Institute and #classof2022 https://www.instagram.com/p/ B9H1y8Cn5Rr/

Fleeger Field at Carter Stadium now sports a Panther Blue field and its first home run. https://www.instagram.com/p/B9K5Yjgn9bf/

Revolting Children!

The US Musical Matilda highlighted the talented and creative performers in the Black Box Theater. https://www.instagram.com/p/B8KzszknkYY/

101 Days of Fun Kindergarten students celebrated the 101st day of school dressed as their favorite dalmatians.

We Are the Champions (Again)!

The Panther football team celebrates its third state title and first under Coach Daniel Novakov https://www.instagram.com/p/ B5vtVSdnZcD/

https://www.instagram.com/p/leederrickparish

Staying centerED Parish’s commitment to social-emotional health brought wellness classes and yoga to campus as well as visits from Pet Partners.

Parish Vimeo

https://vimeo.com/390000188

Middle School Champs Girls Soccer and Boys Basketball both won TAPPS Championships this winter!

Panther Project Manager Sra. Wilson’s son checks on the progress of the Noble Family Performing Arts at the end of Tri 2 https://www.instagram.com/ mrsmcewenparish/

https://www.facebook.com/parishepiscopal/photos/ a.10150093772096151/10159796890336151

Parish Facebook

New Addition:

Kyna Shine, Director of Inclusive Community In January, Parish announced Kyna Shine as its new Director of Inclusive Community. Since August, when she joined on an interim basis, Kyna has been working closely with students, faculty, staff, parents and Board members, supporting programming in each division and serving as a resource and counsel on issues of diversity, inclusion and equity. She has also helped the Inclusive Community Implementation Committee begin to implement the recommendations emerging from its 2019 Task Force.

“As a seasoned leader and a mother, Kyna understands the importance of helping young people discover their authentic selves as they set out to lead and serve in a 'complex global society,'" said Dave Monaco, Allen Meyer Family Head of School.

“As a child, it never felt right to me if someone was left out, teased, treated poorly or differently because of some part of their identity,” said Kyna. “I believe I was led to Parish to teach love, empathy and forgiveness; create peace; seek understanding; demonstrate kindness; learn mindfulness; and, lastly, help individuals become aware of their own world view while also helping them to gain knowledge and positive attitudes of different cultures and world views.”

Kyna has a strong background in leadership development, strategic planning, employee management and relations, and diversity and inclusion in both the corporate and educational environment. Her philosophy is that “life is not always about having the right answers; it is about answering life with purpose and passion when you are called upon.”

Kyna held the position of Manager, Global Talent Management & Diversity for Harman International, an audio and infotainment company in Stamford, CT for five years before becoming the Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Brunswick School, an independent school in Connecticut.

In both communities, Kyna helped facilitate programming and productive conversations aimed to build healthy, inclusive work and learning environments. Along with her husband and two sons, Kyna, a Houston native, is excited to be back in Texas. She holds a BBA from Sam Houston State and an MBA from the University of Connecticut School of Business. In her free time, Kyna loves to travel, spend time with her family and friends, and dabble with photography.

Parish is excited to welcome Kyna to the community and hope you take the time to connect with her the next time you're on campus.

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WINTER/SPRING 2020 | PAGE 3

Pantherbeat Feature:

Parish Senior Receives QuestBridge Match and Gets a Full-Ride to Prestigious University Melany Gonzalez was standing alone in the Great Hall when she decided to check her email once again. She had been waiting several months to see if she had been matched with a university through QuestBridge, a national nonprofit that connects qualified students with leading colleges and opportunities. Melany took a deep breath, nervously opened the email and quietly read the contents.

Founded in 1994, QuestBridge matches high-achieving, low income students with some of the nation’s top colleges and universities. The organization has helped thousands of students gain admission with full scholarships or generous financial aid to their college partners.

It’s a privilege to even have the opportunity to apply for the program. First, candidates must be recommended, then they go through a lengthy and detailed application process. Melany would be just one applicant among nearly 15,000 outstanding students vying for a match. Parish’s Center for College and Life Planning (CCLP) first told her about the program during her junior year and offered to recommend her. To Melany, the idea of the application process seemed overwhelming and impossible with her already busy academic schedule, plus her involvement in Parish Cheer, Student Diversity Leadership Council (SDLC), National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta and the Community Service Leadership Board.

“Melany embodies Parish’s core values and is an excellent representation of a well-rounded student,” said Ingrid Torres, counselor with Parish’s CCLP. “We knew that QuestBridge would be able to elevate her college process and give her access to highly selective colleges and universities while making it affordable for her and her family for the next four years.”

Finding an affordable path for college was important to Melany and her mother Blanca.

They both have witnessed the financial burdens that college has placed on her older sister Lauren, a Parish 2012 graduate who also graduated from SMU and is completing her master’s at Villanova University. Melany’s mother has always worked hard and made sacrifices to help with her daughters’ success.

“As a single mother, she really had to deal with getting me not only through high school and the college application process, but getting me through a top tier school like Parish," said Melany. "She had to figure out a way to get that extra money just to make sure that I had the resources to get through Parish, which is harder than a regular school.”

Just two weeks before the initial application was due for QuestBridge, Melany followed the advice and encouragement of her family and the CCLP and decided to tackle the application. She shook off her doubts because as her mom and sister told her: “you never know what could happen if you don’t take a chance.”

“I was really nervous. I was really scared. It’s crazy how everything turned out.”

Melany met a whole community through the application process.

So many of her fellow applicants had faced serious hardships and setbacks. She settled into the idea that some of them deserved the college match more than she. It’s an idea that swirled around until the moment she opened that email in the Great Hall. A few quick swipes on her phone and she found the answer that she had been hoping for:

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she was deserving and had been matched with the prestigious school of her choice.

“I just stood there in shock.”

Soon her friends started trickling out of class and began to appear in the hallway. Her startled face sparked questions and she shared the good news with the group that had gathered around her.

“I just got matched!” she told them. “Everyone was freaking out, but I was in such shock that I was just standing there.”

Melany’s happy surprise soon gave way to an eruption of celebration.

“You just see a bunch of kids going crazy in the Great Hall,” she added. “Having that support system there, I’m really appreciative.”

Not only did Melany receive a four-year, all expenses paid scholarship, she also landed a coveted spot at Notre Dame, a school that she says is the perfect match for her and her family.

“Being Catholic and growing up Catholic, for my mom, it was a shocker and amazing to think that I was going to be able to continue my faith throughout college,” she added.

Melany entered Parish as a freshman and says she mostly kept to herself that first year. Although she didn’t shy away from rigorous academics or social challenges, the adjustment wasn’t always easy. Sometimes it was really hard to connect with her peers; the coursework was more difficult and the environment was welcoming, but different from what she knew.

She felt different. Then something shifted. Melany finally dove into extra-curricular activities, took on leadership roles and found common ground with her peers through SDLC and community service. She pushed through fear and challenged herself in cheerleading where she met great friends. She discovered a love of art and voiced her opinions in class. Melany began to share her story and discovered that she wasn’t so different after all.

(Continues on page 6)

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In a Parish State Of Mind at the 2020 Gala The Parents’ Association did it once again this year by hosting a wonderful evening for our community at the Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West. Congratulations to Rachel Cutshaw, Amanda Inabnett, Alyson Jackson and the entire Gala committee for bringing the New York vibe to our annual Gala. From Dave Monaco welcoming us in his native New York accent, Father Casey Shobe singing Sinatra, a mentalist wowing us with his magic, a beautiful ring for Live Surprise donated by Shapiro Diamonds, and DJ Shelley with her magical cape bringing us to the dance floor – it was a fun night for all! Our “city that never sleeps” also had the Sam Moon Group Photo booth and the Goodman Networks Casino that were both packed until the very end!

Thank you Parents’ Association for going above and beyond to help us raise important funds for our school while having so much fun!

Gala Chairs (Left to Right): Alyson Jackson, Amanda Inabnett, Rachel Cutshaw

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WINTER/SPRING 2020 | PAGE 5

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Parish Feature Story (continued from page 3) “Freshman year, if you would have asked me if I would be in this many clubs and speaking so openly in front of people, I probably would’ve laughed in your face,” noted Melany. “Being yourself, you’ll find people who you’ll connect with no matter wherever you are.”

More importantly, Melany revealed her voice and found her authentic self through the support of her family and Parish students and faculty.

She was no longer the girl who always did what she thought people expected; she became the young woman who accomplished the unexpected.

“I’m really thankful not only for my mom, but also for the hardships because I definitely wouldn’t be the person that I am today,” added Melany. “Leaving Parish, I can definitely say that I’ve found confidence in what I’m curious about and things that I want to know. I can’t wait to find out what more I learn about myself at Notre Dame.”

“Melany has shown resilience,” noted Torres. “Given access and the resources that both QuestBridge and Notre Dame have to offer, Melany will be given the tools and self-assurance necessary to reach her goals and really make a difference for her and her family, and continue to represent our Parish community well in the future.”

Parish’s CCLP meets with each family in their junior year to start mapping out their post-Parish experience. Counselors take a very student-centered approach to the college application process to ensure that they appropriately guide each student and their families. The CCLP aims to match students with a variety of schools and programs that will allow them to pursue their interests in an environment where they can thrive.

Ask Pete – Have you ever been to Cigarroa?

Yes, on a recent visit helping in Cigarroa’s Cowboy Store. But students, faculty, staff and parents from Parish get to visit Cigarroa often!

In concert with United to Learn, Parish partners with Cigarroa on a variety of service opportunities and events. Parish’s Director of Community Service and Leadership Institute Vanessa Fuquay and Parish Parent Jody Swartzwelder (Abbey ’21 and Kate ’25) sit on Cigarroa’s site-based, decisionmaking committee as well.

Parish has about 15 Upper School students who volunteer there regularly, including two Class of ’21 students who are doing their Leadership Institute LEAD project there. Also, the School hosts various drives and events throughout the year in support of Cigarroa. Here are a few examples: • UTL’s Learning Launch school supply drive

• 6th grade reading buddies for younger Cigarroa students

• Tornado relief gift card drive and donation store, and breakfast for Cigarroa faculty and staff when they were able to return to their school building

• Participation in teacher morale programs

• Providing food for a teacher’s memorial reception for nearly 200 of Cigarroa’s community members

• Blazer donations from PAWS Store for Cigarroa’s student Lighthouse Team ambassador program that began this year

• Parish’s winter Legacy “Let it Go“- themed event, featuring a coat drive and family game night goodie bags for Cigarroa families • Parish Dance Company partnering with Cigarroa cheer and dance club

• $7500 total donation (with match from Dell = $15K) to Cigarroa PTA, led by Mason Wilderom ‘20, Tarun Chemiti ‘20 and Parish’s eSports club from the sale of donated technical equipment • Participation at Community Campus Day at Cigarroa

Interested in finding out more or to get involved, contact Vanessa Fuquay at vfuquay@parish.org.

Thank You to each of our Booster Clubs for all they do to support our students!

To learn more about joining these Boosters go to: http://www.parishepiscopal.org/support/get-involved

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WINTER/SPRING 2020 | PAGE 7

Alumni Spotlight Diane Webber and Lauren Ware Henderson ’07 Some exciting changes are on the horizon for the Alumni Relations team! Beginning July 1, 2020, Diane Webber, current Director of Alumni Relations, will be given the well-deserved title of Alumni Relations Emerita & Special Events; and Lauren Ware Henderson ’07 will assume the title of Director of Alumni Relations.

For 34 years at Parish, Diane has taught and mentored hundreds of students as a 1st and 3rd grade teacher. In the fall of 2007, she became Parish’s first Director of Alumni Relations, a logical choice given her tenure in the classroom. Diane built the alumni department from the ground up and has spent the last 12 years ensuring our alumni, both Parish Episcopal and Parish Day School, feel connected to the School after they have graduated. Her warmth, friendliness and ability to make each of our graduates feel welcome (not to mention her particular attention to detail!) has helped our Alumni Office become vibrant and robust in programming under her leadership. This new role will allow her to take a step back from the day-to-day duties of the alumni office, while still affording her the time to interact with our graduates, often. We are delighted she will continue to be one of the friendly faces our alumni see when they return to campus year after year.

Starting this summer, Lauren, a Parish “Lifer” and member of Parish Episcopal’s first graduating class, will take up the dayto-day activities of the alumni office. Her sincerity, warmth and enthusiasm for Parish are evident to all who meet her. After receiving her undergraduate degree in communication from Baylor University, Lauren joined Parish’s Advancement Office in 2012. In 2014 she began working with Diane in our alumni office. Her connections to her fellow graduates have been instrumental in the department’s growth. She has cultivated the Parish Alumni presence on social media and helped launch our alumni career networking program, ParishConnect, among other things.

In her words, Lauren is: “thrilled, honored and grateful to continue my efforts with our Parish Alumni in the Director role. I would personally like to thank all those that have helped prepare me for this next step; I wouldn’t be here without them. It is incredibly special to have evolved over the years from student to graduate to now working with our graduates who are also proud to be Panthers. I’m looking forward to this next chapter as a Panther!”

We are excited for Diane and Lauren as they transition to their new roles and are grateful for their commitment to our alumni and Parish!

SUMMER

LET'S START Register today!

PARISHSUMMER.ORG Our Parish Summer Day Camp is offered all summer long and is packed with fun activities like color wars, waterslides, pop rallies, party animal and more. Mix and match a half day of Parish Summer Day Camp with specialty camps to create your perfect summer adventure.

Questions regarding Parish Summer can be directed to summer@parish.org.

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Volunteer Spotlight:

Quincy Powell ‘07 Quincy Powell is a pioneer member of the Parish Class of 2007 and has remained a loyal alumnus since graduation. He is a Parish Lifer, beginning his time on the Hillcrest campus in the PreK program. As a former Leadership Institute mentor and a previous member of the Parish Alumni Board, he’s what we call one of our “model” alumni! Quincy somehow finds time to balance his career as a manager of Delivery Partner Strategy and Planning for 7-Eleven Corporate on top of supporting alumni efforts at Parish Episcopal School.

Upon Parish graduation, Quincy made his way to the University of Texas at Austin to begin his college career. He was a Government and Political Science student with a minor in Business. He even states that Dr. Hotz had an impact on him and how he viewed the world from courses that Hotz taught, such as AP History, World Religion and Introduction to History. Hotz’ classes sparked his passion for history and the global economic environment.

While balancing his academic load at UT, Quincy also worked a heavy schedule – between 20-40 hours a week at the University Rec center. He’s got a knack for balancing work and fun, and knows how to devote his time to things he’s passionate about. Luckily, he’s still passionate about Parish 13 years post-graduation!

Quincy has worked hard, stands out amongst our alumni and is well regarded by his peers. He has displayed constant dedication to his school, his peers and his career. This year the Alumni team along with the Parish Alumni Board are proud to spotlight Quincy Powell as our alumni “volunteer.” His consistent presence at Parish alumni gatherings shows it all. Every year, Quincy partakes in fundraising efforts such as participating in our Alumni text-a-thon and contributes annually to the Parish Fund, the School’s annual fund. Quincy has prepared chapel homilies (on multiple occasions), the most recent homily given to Upper School students during Gloria Snyder’s birthday celebration. He has also participated in the spring annual African American Senior Reception as an alumni guest speaker. On top of all of that, Quincy has devoted time coaching the Middle School basketball team, and of course he returns every year to join former classmates in the annual Men’s Alumni Basketball Game.

Outside of work and volunteering his time as a Parish alumnus, Quincy is a volunteer for the Texas Exes Dallas Chapter. You can see him sporting his burnt orange around town, and of course blue and red whenever he’s at a Parish event. We are grateful for Quincy's commitment to Parish and we are proud to call him one of our own who is truly living out a favorite saying - “Once A Panther, Always A Panther.”

PARISH EPISCOPAL SCHOOL NEWS

WINTER/SPRING 2020

What’s inside:

Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heather Mills Managing Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . Bianca Araujo Contributor . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heather Behrens Alumni . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lauren Henderson '07 Digital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Courtney Joyner Photographer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wiley Williams

Pantherbeat Feature: Melanie Gonzalez Parish Senior Receives QuestBridge Match and Gets a Full-Ride to Prestigious University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Parish Online . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 New Addition: Kyna Shine, Director of Inclusive Community . . . . 2 Ask Pete: Have you ever been to Cigarroa? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Alumni Spotlight: Diane Webber and Lauren Ware Henderson ‘07. . . 7 Volunteer Spotlight: Quincy Powell ‘07 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

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

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