PANTHERS LEAVE IT ALL ON THE …. A look at the year in sports for the 2022-23 Parish Panthers!
https://www.instagram.com/p/Crok2vSvTMJ
Take a Bow!
The 11th Annual Parish Dance Performance saw an impressive range of dancers from ones that are just discovering their love of dance to seniors performing their last dance on the stage in Eller Hall.
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Ceramics Soda Soirée
Mrs. Geisler’s 7th/8th grade ceramics classes celebrated the completion of their favorite things stacker sculptures and mugs & goblets.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CsZyCyhMAH3/
3rd Grade Students in Mrs. Hendricks’ Music class finished their Dulcimer unit by constructing their own instruments with some help from faculty and parent volunteers.
https://fb.watch/kTqQfg6GZ8/
The Hillcrest campus was visited by significant current and historical figures during the 2nd Grade Wax Museum. Students’ presentations had to include an overview of their subject as well as three interesting facts about them.
https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/17978950022155980/
Finding Primer
Current Primer students were joined by many past students from 3rd through 7th grade for a totally tubular production of Finding Crush and Honu!
https://vimeo.com/827768531/ 96718db3c9?share=copy
Middle School Latin students competed at the state competition and won multiple First Place awards and 11th overall! Upper School dominated the arts categories with top five finishes in club t-shirt, polychromatic art, monochromatic art and multimedia presentation, top 10 placement in oils & acrylic, mixed media and pottery as well as 5th place in Greek derivatives!
https://shorturl.at/qwyW9
The Parish Rover team returned to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center for the first time in three years to compete in the NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge.
https://shorturl.at/nDEKV
Greg Zugrave - Athletic Director
Greg previously served as Athletic Director at St. Edward’s School in Vero Beach, FL, overseeing nearly 50 Middle and Upper School interscholastic athletic teams and coordinating Lower School intramural programming to help younger students build skills across a variety of sports. He has also served as Dean and History Department Chair, coached basketball and cross country, and was Vice President of the Sunshine State Athletic Conference (SSAC), where his primary duties included helping staff develop standards for eligibility, liability and compliance, creating playoff structures and conducting fundraising.
“We are looking forward to Greg bringing his administrative leadership in planning, implementation, coordination and supervision to the Parish athletics department as we continue to evolve our successful programming, including identifying areas of growth and improvement as well as reinforcing areas of strength such as strong programming and opportunities for student athletes.”
Kamara Coaxum - Director of Belonging & Inclusion
Kamara joins Parish from the Cairo American College (CAC) where she served as the Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and taught 1st grade. She lives by a belief that “we have
the power and capacity to create safe and inclusive environments for students, families, faculty and community partners working together. As educators and leaders, we have the ability and opportunity to build and set the stage for engaging and purposeful lifelong learning, discovery, purpose and PLAY. Our commitment should be to create spheres of dialogue in which our stories are told, heard and cherished.” “Kamara’s partnership will be key as we continue our work in building a community of belonging and inclusion. We are confident she will be a valuable resource to us as we seek to live fully into our mission as an inclusive Episcopal community.”
Dr. Deana Dynis - Head of Lower School Deana most recently served as the Coppell ISD Executive Director of Teaching & Learning as well as the Director of Advanced Academics. She began her career at St. John’s Episcopal school in Abilene Texas as a PreK and Kindergarten teacher, then later moved to the Dallas area and joined Coppell ISD where she has served for more than two decades – from teacher to assistant and associate principalships to principal to leadership in academic administration.
“Dr. Dynis brings a wealth of experience in curriculum design, gifted and talented programming, and leading faculty. We are fortunate to have her vast experience, knowledge and skills as she joins our Parish community.”
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Some of you might’ve had the opportunity to meet Dr. Matt Rush throughout this last school year, either during his interviews, at events like Gala or just catching him in the hall during one of his spring visits to campus. As the new school year approaches, Dr. Rush is eager to get to meet more of our students and families. As part of his efforts to get to know our school and community, he spent time with faculty and staff throughout the spring, and he invited each member of the rising senior class (2024) to meet with him as they look forward to their senior year. More community-wide opportunities to connect with Dr. Rush will be announced later this summer and as the new school year starts. Until then, one of our rising seniors, Celia Allen, did a Q&A with him to give our community a little glimpse into “Who is Dr. Rush?”
Q&A with student-reporter Celia Allen ‘24
Q. What motivated you to join Parish as the new Head of School?
A. I am motivated to contribute to the future success of our students and our faculty. In today’s world, children under our care must learn to think for themselves, communicate, relate to others and have a discerning heart. What is motivational to me is that Parish, in particular, is doing so much of this and doing it well. I am eager to serve this community, ensure that we continue to live out this important mission, and help lead our school for the years ahead.
Q. What role do you see students playing in shaping the future of Parish?
A. I believe that part of being a learning community involves listening to all voices. Throughout my career, I have always been a strong advocate for student agency and voice. Sometimes, the best education is for the older generations to listen to the younger ones. When we create an environment in which we learn from each other, we will be an even better version of ourselves. So, I see students being an integral part of shaping our future.
Q. What is your short-term and/or long-term vision for Parish?
A. I wouldn’t say I have a short-term vision, per se, but my shortterm focus is 100 percent on meeting students, faculty, staff, alumni and parents. This is a vibrant and connected community, and it’s important for me to learn from these groups, why they love Parish, what traditions mean the most to them and where they’d like to see us go. Long-term, I want our school to be known as the most dynamic school in the area: a place that excels in arts, academics, athletics and leadership development. I want the ways for which we are already gaining notoriety in how we do teaching and learning to be amplified, and I want our faculty and staff, our facilities and our business model to reflect and support that vision.
Q. What advice do you have for students who are looking to get the most out of their time at Parish?
A. More and more, I feel like students are asked to specialize in things earlier than when my age group did. Resist that urge! Being hyperfocused in one area is opportunity missed, so I’d strongly encourage every student to take full advantage of the opportunities that are afforded to them at our school. Try everything, start new clubs, and be all in. That will make all the difference and you will learn so much more about yourself and others.
Q. What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of work that help you maintain a healthy work-life balance?
A. I don’t know that I have found a healthy balance, but I certainly am mindful of the need. In my past, I’ve played adult baseball and softball, I’ve bowled and I’ve run marathons. Now, I have the golf bug, so if I can get on a course, that’s helpful for me both mentally and physically. I’ve also learned to be more mindful about not taking work home. That may mean staying later or coming in early, but I’ve tried to make my time at home targeted at family time.
Q. What is one thing you wish people knew about you that they might not expect?
A. That’s a hard one. Maybe that I am a Philadelphia Eagles fan even though I grew up in Dallas? Seriously, though, I guess some people might think I am some kind of uber intellectual, given some of the places from which I have degrees. I do love learning and intellectually jousting, but I really love to compete. I think people are surprised to know that I’ve coached high school, college and Olympic level sports… and I have even been a high school football coach in this state.
Q. Is there a particular film, book, quote or song that has significantly impacted your life, and how so?
A. Anyone that knows me knows I love music, so that would be hard to nail down in a genre. I really like the quote, “Be curious, not judgmental.” That’s a good and meaningful one. The end line of Shawshank Redemption is probably the best one though, where Red shares: “I hope to see my friend and shake his hand. I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope." There is a lot of negativity, pessimism and division in our world right now. I love that relationships, dreams and hopes are all interwoven in that closing line because those are what matter most. And while hope is not a strategy, it’s the best of things and allows us to dream about and strive for things yet to be realized.
Dr. Rush officially starts in July, joined by his wife Lacy and daughter, Katherine (16), a rising junior in Parish’s class of 2025. The Rush’s have three other children as well: Michaela (22) a 2023 graduate of Texas A&M, James (20) a rising sophomore at Trinity University and Eryn (28), who has been with the family since coming to the States as an exchange student in 2010.
Join us in welcoming the Rush family to Dallas, and especially to Parish!
As Ahmad Ajami, Interim Athletic Director for the 2022-23 school year, notes in his spring Athletic update to the community, this year has seen some amazing achievements and highs for several of our programs, including all our fall and winter girls’ teams (cross country, field hockey, volleyball, soccer, basketball, swim) reaching the state tournament, our football team making history by winning their fourth consecutive state championship, Joshua Saland ‘23 taking Tennis State Championship in Men's Singles and Indigo Sims running to her championship title for the 400m in Track & Field.
Congratulations to all our 2022-23 athletes for their many accomplishments this year, big and small, to our sports medicine team for seeing them through it all, and to each and every team captain for leading our Panthers through their daily hurdles and to victory, on and off the field, the track, the green, the pool . . . wherever they may play!
THE YEAR IN SPORTS – 2022/2023
Accomplishments:
Cheerleading
Cross Country – boys
Cross Country – girls
Field Hockey
Football
Volleyball
Basketball – boys
Basketball – girls
Soccer – boys
Soccer – girls
Swimming – boys
Swimming – girls
Baseball
Golf – boys
Golf – girls
Lacrosse- boys
Lacrosse-girls
Softball
Tennis – boys
Tennis – girls
Track & Field – boys
TAPPS State Cheer Competition – 4th Place
Qualified for State
Qualified for State
State Runner Up
District Champions / Regional Champions / State Champions
3rd in District / State Final Four
4th in District / Regional Round of Playoffs
4th in District / State Final Four
5th in District / Area Round of Playoffs
3rd in District / State Final Four
7th at State / Marcus Humplick 100 Free 3rd
10th at State / Camlyn Belle 200 IM 2nd, 100 Fly 3rd
6th in District / Area Round Playoffs
2nd in Regionals / 3rd at State
5th in Regionals
3rd in District
8th in District
7th in District
District Champions / State Runner Up/ Joshua Saland - State Champion in Men's Singles; Trevor Gervis – 3rd place
7th in District
District Champions / Regional Champions / 4th in District / 8th at State / Ryan Forson
– State Runner Up in 200m and 100m; Ryan Forson, Isaiah Johnson, Cedric Mays II, and Maddux Reid - 3rd place in 4x100m relay
Track & Field – girls
6th in District / 8th at State / Indigo Sims - State Champion in 400m, 3rd place in 200m;
Ivie Mehary - 3rd place in shot put; Samantha Ward, Brooke Dial, Indigo Sims, and Lauren West - 3rd place in 4x100m relay
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.
Shortly after joining Parish in 2012 (when she was originally hired to teach Spanish), it became apparent that Caroline Kaleigh, a bright and steadfast individual, was one who led by example and had a deep appreciation for the full experience of an Upper School student.
The Upper School parents feel the same way. She is excellent at engaging not only their children, but them as well. She goes the extra mile for every grade in Upper School, especially for the seniors as she seeks to make their high school years special and memorable. Because of Caroline’s clever approach to student life, the Upper School becomes abuzz when they hear things like: “Parish Friendsgiving,” “100 Days before graduation,” “We love our seniors a whole latte” or “Grab your fortune cookies on the way out!”
She does so many wonderful things for the entire Upper School student body, some they probably don’t even realize. She is always in their corner, working for them, fighting for them. Students say that she is “firm but fair and has the most amazing sense of humor.” One parent nomination shares that Caroline “has an uncanny intuition with students as well, knowing when they need a positive boost, and she willingly shares her constructive (and often humorous!) remarks. The students appreciate her readiness to listen to both their challenges and successes, and they feel totally comfortable confiding in her. . . . the Upper School culture benefits greatly from her broad, yet realistic approach.”
From back-to-school orientation day to the final minutes of graduation day, Caroline Kaleigh’s tireless efforts are celebrated by those around her as she “maintains her characteristic smile, humor and never misses a beat” through it all!
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 the School’s Characteristics of Effective Teaching (CET) and Characteristics of Effective Support Staff (CESS). Following are the 2023 recipients of the Nauslar Distinguished Service Award:
With a “quiet confidence” as noted in her nominations, Kelley Wewerka is recognized as having an innate ability to connect with students, making them feel heard, valued and supported, whether academically or emotionally. Many of her students’ parents agree that she has immense patience and is able to differentiate with her students and goes out of her way to partner with parents.
Noted as a “master teacher” during the Service Awards recognition program, she works collaboratively on a team, “sees” and values every child and, as one nomination stated, “she has a positive spirit, creativity, thoroughness of task, punctuality, command of subject matter, willingness to listen and respond to all ideas, attention to details and rules, and all with a glad heart.”
Juli Baldwin, Director of Financial Assistance
Exuding passion for his subject and his students, Jeff Crouse always seems to find a way to be innovative in providing robust opportunities for our students’ choral productions, whether hosting holiday music sung by the MS choirs in the front lobby or directing the music for MS and US musicals. And, he knows the exact production to make us all feel good, such as his ingenious creation of the 50th Anniversary musical showcase that took us through five decades of music and walk down 50 years of Parish memories. As one nomination sums it up, “His genuine nature and passion as a teacher makes him a spectacular role model, not only for the student, but for his colleagues as well.”
Embodying the word service, Juli Baldwin goes above and beyond, time and time again to ensure that our Parish families who are in need of financial assistance are supported in every way possible. Her empathic spirit and her equitable approach and commitment to financial responsibility goes unmatched.
She is on the frontline finding resources to sustain families in general need for tuition assistance or those who find themselves in financial crisis until they can land on their feet again. Juli fully embodies the mission of the School and exercises it daily, donating her time after hours to make sure that our families feel that they belong and are supported in everything that Parish has to offer. As one family shares, “Juli has been the most supportive, wonderful resource for us, from advice on navigating all those forms to checking in periodically just to hear how we are doing.” Her grace, warmth and exceptional talent has made affording a Parish education accessible to all students.
The wall of service is dedicated to those that have served for 20 or more years at Parish. At Founders’ Day, three faculty and staff members were recognized as new additions to our Wall of Service. Thank you to each of these women for their 20 years of dedication to Parish
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We are proud to announce and honor Emma Coleman ’16 as our 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient! Emma was celebrated at our annual Founders’ Dinner on April 13, 2023.
for Class of 2023 senior, Ellie Shanks, who shadowed Emma at Genesis Women’s Shelter.
“Working with Emma Coleman for my ParishBridge project has been one of the most empowering experiences and one of the biggest blessings,” said Ellie Shanks ‘23. “Through her work, she truly shows how selfless a person she is and how much she values the children. Watching her handle all the children with different needs at the same time helped me understand the patience and determination that is needed for her job as she cares for such a vulnerable population.”
Recognized at the Founders’ Dinner by Michelle Lyon, Interim Allen Meyer Family Head of School, Emma is a 2019 American University Psychology and Women’s Studies graduate and a 2022 University of Houston graduate, receiving her master’s in social work.
During Lyon’s Founders’ Dinner remarks, she highlighted that “our alma mater plays an integral role in shaping who we are today. We learn, we grow and we make lifelong connections that continue to shape our lives. And while we move on to other endeavors, we carry a deep love and appreciation for our school.
“It is a rare and wonderful thing to find a young alum who shares that same love and appreciation, and who has taken it upon themselves to give back in meaningful ways,” continued Lyon. “But that is exactly what we have in Emma Coleman.”
Emma continues to uphold Parish’s tenet of Service, furthering her passion for serving others. She is trained to be a volunteer call representative for the National Sexual Assault Hotline, helping victims across the country. She is also the Lead Child Care Coordinator at Genesis Women’s Shelter. Emma designs the curriculum at Genesis to meet the needs of various ages of children, PreK through 6th grade, who regularly transition in and out of school while in temporary housing or long-term shelter. Most recently, Emma stepped up to serve as a ParishBridge mentor
For several years, Parish has been fortunate to be the recipient of Emma’s generosity of time and talents. She served Parish as a long-term substitute during the 2019-2020 school year, interned in the Lower School as a centerED Social and Emotional team member and has been a multi-year guest speaker for Upper School’s Voices & Views, specifically sharing an open dialogue for difficult conversations about the "Romanticizing of Mental Illness in the Media."
Congratulations to Emma for being the recipient of this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award. We thank her for her long-term commitment to service and her support of Parish and its mission.
Established in 2012, the Distinguished Alumni Award was created to recognize graduates of Parish Episcopal School or Parish Day School who have succeeded in their personal and professional lives as well remained engaged and supportive of Parish, introducing positive role models to the Parish Episcopal School community.
Nominations are currently open for the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award.
Wall of Service
Parish Gala is the School's second largest fundraising event, and this past spring we did things a little different. We launched a new iteration of Gala with our Red & Blue Night at The Factory in Deep Ellum. A more casual event than our traditional Gala affair, Red & Blue Night focused on celebrating together as a Parish community, with attendees decked out in all red and blue attire. We mingled, we danced and everyone got into the School spirit as we raised important funds for our students! Revelers enjoyed food stations, a casino, Big Board auction items and raffle.
While we look forward to hosting Red & Blue Night every other year, we’re already prepping for Gala 2024, which will be a more traditional Gala event with a seated dinner, live and Big Board auctions, casino, raffle and a number of fun surprises. More details to come this fall!
Amy Merson (Tilly ’30 and Louisa ’32) is the 2022-23 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).
Becky Wartell (Hunter ’19, Blaire ’20 and Peyton ’23)
Becky has played so many roles at Parish, working hard to build the community that we all love and cherish. She has served with the Parents’ Association for grade-level fellowship, worked with our Gala team since 2016, held senior committee roles for three different graduating classes, and has been a Parish Fund volunteer too many years to count, including chairing with her husband Bruce in 2021-22.
Likewise, Becky has been a constant volunteer presence in the athletic department where there is so much behind-the-scenes work that happens. Over the years, she has organized coaches’ gifts and senior recognitions, and has served as the field hockey and tennis team parent liaison for the Athletic Booster Club.
Becky’s service doesn’t stop there. She has not only served Parish, but also instilled service in all her three Parish graduates. She and Hunter served together in the Young Men’s Service League for several years. She, Blair and Peyton have received the NCL Mother-Daughter Service Award multiple times. She has also chaired events, served on committees and was the Wesley Rankin and CASA liaison for the NCL organization.
Becky works full time as an industrial real estate broker, and, in the words of her husband Bruce, “. . . she is honestly non-stop when it comes to working and volunteering, and being an outstanding wife and mother.”
As one nomination entry reads, “From Day one, Mrs. Merson has put in all her effort to support the Parish community,” even organizing our Lower School Family Fun Night in her first year as a parent! Serving in her latest role as VP of Faculty/Staff Support for the Parents’ Association, she always goes above and beyond to show our faculty and staff just how important they are to our students and families – from her creative ideas and decorations to yummy meals and appreciation gifts! Amy has also served the PA as a grade-level fellowship team lead, Spooky Saturday co-chair and a myriad of other roles for the different needs at the School –cafeteria duty, class parties, etc.
Amy is a volunteer caller and has been a grade-level captain for the Parish Fund. She is also a storyteller member of The Grove community ambassadors. She is a regular tour guide for prospectives families and is known to come in and help during admission events even on her “days off” from volunteering.
As noted in nomination comments for Amy, “she understands the Parish community and dedicates her time, effort, thoughtfulness, care and creativity to this place. We are lucky to have Mrs. Merson in our 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, faculty, staff and 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: Becky Wartell and Elizabeth Williams
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 an extended period of time.
This year, we are fortunate to award two recipients that have more than embodied these attributes in their service to Parish. Michelle Lyon, Interim Allen Meyer Family Head of School, recognized the following award winners at the May Senior Dinner for the class of 2023.
In recognizing Becky during the Senior Dinner, Michelle Lyon shared in her direct remarks to the recipient, “I have told you many times that I am inspired by you and was so excited when I was told you were a recipient tonight.” A true inspiration to those who know and work alongside her, Becky has the Parish team’s sincerest gratitude for all she’s done for our school!
Elizabeth Williams (Grant ’23)
A parent of a Parish Lifer, Elizabeth’s service to the School extends into so many spaces of our community. She has been instrumental as a member of our Parents’ Association, from leading the PA Executive Board as president in 2021-22 to serving as board advisor, VP for volunteers and a member of the grade-level fellowship team for several years. She has supported the Faculty and Staff appreciation events, never missing an opportunity to help serve the School's employees, for more than 10 years!
Elizabeth is also known for stepping up to help start something new. From being at the heart of the development and implementation of the ParishSTEM Speaker Series, which launched this past fall, to sitting as an inaugural member of the Head of School Council, as Michelle Lyon noted in her Senior Dinner recognition, “she has an upstart, can-do attitude to continue to grow and make Parish better,” and she’s not done.
While her son Grant takes the next step in his academic journey, Elizabeth continues in her new role in her Parish journey as a member of the Board of Trustees, which she joined in 2022, and a member of the Board’s Advancement Committee. “I am always impressed with those that commit to their children’s school and that commitment continues even after their child graduates,” remarked Lyon.
Outside of Parish, Elizabeth is extremely involved at St. Michael’s and All Angels Episcopal Church.
Wherever and whomever she is serving, Elizabeth’s gift and talents (including her artistic floral abilities for the beautiful flower arrangements she’s created for many Parish special events), and the service she so willingly bestows are greatly appreciated by our school community.
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At the last meeting of the year for the Parents’ Association (PA) Executive Board, Julie Chronis, who serves as Treasurer for the PA, was recognized as this year’s Crown Award winner by PA President Amanda Inabnett (Ben ’25, Max ’27).
In her remarks, Inabnett noted that “Julie went above and beyond by overhauling the reimbursement/payment process, making sure that reimbursement and payment requests are streamlined and processed quickly.” This process and the efficiencies that Julie has worked so hard toward this year are crucial for our parent volunteers who serve on our fellowship teams as they work to build fun and exciting events for our students and parents throughout the year.
Thank you to Julie for serving her fellow parents in this role and ultimately all our students, from the youngest 3-year-old to the oldest senior, who get to experience so many events throughout their time at Parish because the important role our Parents’ Association plays in our community!
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.
By honoring Parish Episcopal School's tenets of Wisdom, Honor and Service, the Alumni Board's mission is to connect the School and its alumni; empower alumni to foster relationships through service to their community as well as through social and professional networks and events; and support the School in fulfilling its mission to all constituents, thus advancing Parish's welfare and sustaining its high standards.
Reed Standly ‘10
A Texas A&M graduate, Reed is a partner for Standly Law Group, PLLC in Dallas, TX. When applying to serve on the Board, he expressed his appreciation for his time at Parish and is happy to serve on the Board as a way of giving back for the many blessings that Parish has brought to his life. Reed also serves on the Connecting Point Park Cities Advisory Board and The Golden Rule Family Foundation Board. Additionally, he is a member of the State Bar of Texas's Advance Real Estate Planning Committee, where he assists in planning the annual advanced real estate section meeting and continuing legal education event. In 2022, Reed served as one of the lead donors for the Panther Proud Alumni Giving Week, coordinating and contributing the match gift for the week. He has coordinated several additional grants and gifts to Parish over the past several years from his family's donor advise fund. Reed has also served as a mentor for Parish’s Leadership Institute for several years.
Tucker Davison ‘13
Tucker is a Denison University graduate and is an attorney at Locke Lord, LLP in Dallas. Tucker strongly believes that he is who he is today due in large part to his time at Parish. During his initial visit and tour of Parish, he had the chance to sit down and speak with Michelle Lyon, then Head of Upper School, about what it would take to be successful as a transferring student. He recalls Michelle telling him that if he was going to transfer to Parish, he needed to "jump in feet first" to the Parish community and all that it had to offer. Tucker followed that advice and was welcomed with open arms by his peers and the rest of the Parish community. However, he believes that the advice was not simply limited to the time when he was a student at Parish. Tucker joins in annually for the Alumni Baseball Game and he hopes to now "jump in feet first" with the rest of the Parish community and make an impact through the Alumni Board.
Sarah Troy ‘16
Sarah is a Texas A&M graduate working in Dallas at Mary Kay Corporate Headquarters as a Digital Experience Specialist and a leader of the Women in Technology team, and she serves the company as a leader for Ovarian Cancer awareness. Sarah has chaired events from college through the present, including Aggie Dance Marathon where she raised more than $200,000 for Children's Miracle Network. She is a member of the Junior League of Dallas where she has been involved in education outreach. During her time at Parish, Sarah was a four-year varsity softball player and returns regularly for events, including the recent reopening dedication of the softball field, Whitaker Field at Tadewald Park.
Use the QR code to read the digital Commencement Magazine, celebrating the Class of 2023 commencement season
Daniel Salas ‘10
Daniel “Dan” is a Rice graduate and works in Dallas as a Vice President at Texas Capital Bank in the Treasury Solutions group focusing on client integrations and product sales. According to Dan, attending Parish was one of the most pivotal decisions in his life as he became the first in his family to attend a four-year university. He feels that serving on the Parish Alumni Board is an exciting and personally rewarding opportunity. Actively volunteering in his Dallas community council district, serving those he lives and works with is near and dear to Dan’s heart and he can’t wait to serve the Parish Alumni Board and broader community.
Join Your Parish Booster Clubs!
The 2023-2024 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.
It’s not goodbye but farewell to Lauren Ware Henderson ’07 as she embarks on her new adventure, relocating to Waco with her husband Jesse. Many of you have had the pleasure to meet or work with Lauren during her time in the Alumni Relations office, and some of you have walked alongside her journey at Parish as classmates and friends. Lauren is a Parish “Lifer,” having been a member of Parish Episcopal’s first graduating class before coming to work for Parish in 2012 in the Advancement office. Her connections to her fellow graduates have been instrumental in the growth of our Alumni program. She has cultivated the School’s relationships with Parish Alumni through increased programming and events, social media and our alumni career networking program, ParishConnect, among other things. We are fortunate that Lauren is an alumna at Parish and look forward to seeing her continue as part of our community for many years to come.
We are excited to announce that Laurel Ash is returning to her home in Parish’s Advancement Office as the new Director of Alumni Relations. Over the course of her more than 20 year tenure at Parish, some of you had her as a teacher, many of you were admitted to Parish by her when she led the Admission team, and even a few of you have had children under her care as Head of Lower School the last four years. Now, we’re excited to have her lead our growing alumni community. Her experience and interactions working with our Parish Day and Parish Episcopal families throughout her two plus decades will be instrumental in bringing our alumni back to campus, reengaging our Parish Day alumni, creating programming for our graduates and helping our families make meaningful, lifelong connections to one another and the School they can always call home.
