Belonging at Parker

After returning from Global Trips, Upper School students shared the Lancer Lowdown on Global Perspective at Parker. The Global Studies program is designed to provide students with a variety of opportunities to experience other cultures and societies in unique ways that move beyond conventional sightseeing vacations and travel tours. Find out what students learned about the world on their trips to Ecuador, Morocco, and Spain. 

Please join us in expressing appreciation to the following participating students: Wyatt A., Monte D., and Rogan S., Class of 2027; Madison G., Class of 2026; and Keira D., Class of 2025.

Do you have another subject you want to hear from students about? Let us know your interests by emailing communications@francisparker.org!

Question: If you could bring one idea or practice from the country you visited back home, what would it be and why?

Keira D., Class of 2025, Ecuador: Their conservation of water was really impressive. I mean, our bucket showers, I think they ended up being worth less than a one-minute shower in San Diego. So I've kind of been inspired to use less water since I've been there. I know it's possible now.

Wyatt A., Class of 2027, Morocco: It's called a hammam, which for those of you who don't know, is like a public steam room thing where people after work or school go and hang out. I just think that's a really cool way to build community.

Question: What was one cultural, political, or economic system you learned about that surprised you?

Rogan S., Class of 2027, Spain:  One thing that surprised me was Spain is a monarchy, so they have a king and they also a prime minister, and a parliament, but their last king actually abdicated the throne to his son, who is now the current king, which was interesting.

Keira D., Class of 2025, Ecuador: I would say the safety of the Galapagos, they were very strict on you couldn't bring nuts or any dried fruit so that any invasive species would get into the islands, and you had to clean your shoes, beforehand too. So I think just their focus on conservation of the environment that's super unique to the Gala Galapagos is really interesting.

Question: Can you tell me a piece of advice you would give a middle schooler about attending their first Discovery Week trip? 

Keira D., Class of 2025, Ecuador: My dad kind of gave me this advice before my trip, but I would recommend saying yes before you say no. If there's a new cultural experience that you can do, say yes, and then if you want to rethink and say no, you can do that. But just be willing to try new things and don't be afraid to kind of live in a new way for a week or two.

Rogan S., Class of 2027, Spain:  One thing I would tell a middle schooler going on Discovery Week, is just try to experience wherever you're going. Don't go to the KFCs or the McDonald's or the places where you could just do the same thing in the United States. Try to embrace the food, embrace the culture. If you're going to museums, take part in that and just have fun and experience the culture.

Wyatt A., Class of 2027, Morocco: If I were to give a middle schooler advice, I'd say don't worry about where you're going, even if you don't really know anything about the country, because if you're doing it with friends and with really great chaperones, then it's going to be fun regardless.
 

Parker Lancers have been hard at work, honing their passions and crafts outside of the classroom curriculum. Join us in celebrating student success in History Day, Robotics, Drama, Student Council, Ceramics, Band, and Strings. 

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History Day

On Saturday, March 1, 77 students from across all divisions competed in the San Diego County History Day contest. A long-time tradition for Parker students, this year’s participants worked for the last several months on projects related to the theme of Rights and Responsibilities in History. 

Parker students came home with many honors including eight students receiving an honorable mention, 30 earning project awards, and 41 walking away as champions who will go on to compete at the state level this spring. 
A few student projects include:

• Declan K., Bradley W., and Landon M., Class of 2032, earned Champion status and the San Diego County Libraries’ Research Award for their group podcast titled “Game Changer: How the fight for fair pay changed the lives of college athletes”
• Audrey Rademaker and Maris Page, Class of 2030, earned Champion status and the award for Outstanding Project in American History for their group website titled “Uppity Women Unite: The Fight for Equal Rights in Women's Education”
• Riya Khushu, Ronit Khushu, Nicholas Kim, and Amaya Peterson, Class of 2026, earned Champion status and the Economics Award for their group performance titled “La Causa: The Delano Grape Strike and the Rights of Workers.

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Robotics

The Upper School FIRST Robotics Competition Team (FRC) Team 2458, Overclocked (formerly W.A.R. Lords) had an amazing competition at the San Diego FRC Regional at the LionTree Arena on the USCD campus in late March. 

Overclocked was recognized with the Engineering Inspiration Award which recognizes teams that have made outstanding efforts in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within their school and community—often through outreach, mentorship, and the promotion of STEM education. The students were exceptional at communicating the team's story to the judges, and the award qualifies the team for the International Championship Event held in Houston, TX in April.

Additionally, the Head Faculty Mentor for Overclocked Ryan Griggs was awarded the Woodie Flowers Finalist Award—honoring FIRST mentors and celebrating effective communication in the art and science of engineering and design. His students nominated him for Woodie Flowers Finalist and supported their nomination with a remarkably endearing essay that moved the judges. On top of that honor, Ryan Griggs also received the Volunteer of the Year Award. In the history of the San Diego Regional competition, the same person has never won both awards in the same year.

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LS Student Council

The Lower School Student Council recently held elections to choose leaders for the last trimester of the school year. Until the summer, the student council will continue to represent and voice the opinions and needs of their respective classes. Each class has two representatives, and the Grade 5 senior leadership team includes six roles. Every member has been assigned a special role for this term:

• Presidents: Jett N. and Nora V.
• JK Representative: Hannah M.
• SK Representative: Jivaan P.
• Student Council Scribe: Chloe P.
• Student Council Manager: Cash E.

This term, students are excited to contribute to Lower School Kindness Week, decide on a free dress theme for a BBQ Day, and work on improving recess options. “It’s not just about planning fun events—it’s about fostering a sense of responsibility and pride in our school!” explained Student Council Advisor Daniella Marks-Koffler. “Students know the importance of their role and are eager to make a positive impact. We are confident that they will do great things and set an example for their fellow students!”

Congratulations to the new LS Student Council leaders! 

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US Band and Strings

For the first time, Upper School Band and Strings students traveled to New York City to compete in a music festival. Lancers put on both symphony orchestra and band ensemble performances, earning both Gold and Silver ratings for their hard work. Performances took place in front of judges from the Manhattan School of Music, Long Island University, and Eastman School of Music. 

Upon return, the students also put on a Celebration Concert in J. Crivello Hall so that their friends, family, and members of the Parker community could experience their performances from the festival. Way to go creating history for the Parker music department!

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Ceramics

In March, a Parker ceramics student had their work displayed at the renowned 2025 NCECA (National Council for Education in the Ceramic Arts ) Conference. Vivi Yun, Class of 2026, had two pieces selected to be displayed in the K-12 Ceramics Show—one of the most prestigious student ceramics shows in the country.

Parker has had student work accepted into this exhibit for many years—an incredible testament to the dedication of our student artists and the strength of our ceramics program. This consistent recognition places Parker among the most distinguished ceramics programs in the country. Further cementing this reputation, Parker was awarded the prestigious Paragon Award, a national honor given in recognition of the strongest ceramic arts programs in the United States.

Also, for the first time ever, Parker ceramics instructor Jess LaRotunda was able to attend the conference, allowing her to gain professional development that will benefit the School’s art curriculum. A few topics of interest for her during the conference included effective ways to evaluate student growth in a creative, process-based discipline, and learning from national leaders about how to foster diverse perspectives in the ceramics classroom.

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US Drama Club

In March, 21 students from the Upper School Drama Club traveled north to Pomona College for the California State Thespian Festival, where they performed for adjudication, participated in workshops with renowned professionals in the field, and spent time meeting peers from across the state.

The students had quite a few extraordinary successes this year:

• Based on his video submission, Charlie Newman, Class of 2025, was invited to perform in the festival finale "Together We Bloom" where he performed a monologue from Death of a Salesman.
• Charlotte Ramers, Class of 2026, and Zach Von Behren, Class of 2025, were awarded first place in Duet Musical Theater for their rendition of "First Date/Last Night" from the musical Dogfight.
• Ike Von Behren, Class of 2027, was awarded first place for his short animated film "Final Upload".
• Demi Ranglas, Class of 2026, earned a Superior rating for Solo Acting with her monologues from As You Like It and Uncle Vanya and was invited to perform at the "Solo Acting Showcase" at the conclusion of the festival. 

In addition, the following students also earned a Superior rating for their performances/presentations at the festival and have qualified for the International Thespian Festival this summer: Sarah Dago, Class of 2026, and Charlotte Ramers (Duet Acting); Mina Aldous, Class of 2025, (Solo Acting), and Sarah Dago (Stage Management).

Finally, Parker had two teams enter the "Improv Spectacular" where they competed against more than 20 teams from across the state. The team of Sienna Buttaro, Class of 2028; Ava Cherry, Class of 2028; Grahah Kroonen, Class of 2027; Clare Makley, Class of 2028; and Ike Von Behren made the final four where they were crowned the improv champions.