Parker News

For Abigail Hunck, Class of 2029, visiting a friend’s karate class while she was a ballet student quickly turned into a passion for martial arts. Her talent and dedication to the sport led to an invitation to join the Team Freestyle performance team at her studio, which introduced her to extreme martial arts, a mix of martial arts, gymnastics, and weapons.

Going into the winter break, Girls Soccer Head Coach Zuri Walker’s goal was to create a meaningful volunteer experience that would give back to the local Linda Vista community. Through a connection with the Alex Morgan Foundation—facilitated by one of the Parker Girls Soccer program parents, Laura Stein—the team was able to secure a generous donation of soccer gear. With this support, a Sunday Clinic was organized, inviting local families from Linda Vista to join in a day of play and connection with the team.

This week, Upper School students introduced a new video series when they shared the Lancer Lowdown on Belonging at Parker through tiny mic conversations.

As part of a recent Wellness Wednesday event, five Upper School Student Athletic Advisory Council (SAAC) representatives visited the Lower School to discuss the importance of sportsmanship with Grade 4 and 5 students. Organized by Lower School Counselor Tracy Horrex, the visit provided younger students with the opportunity to learn from older athletes they look up to.

This year, Parker's Poetry Week reached new heights with a visit from Emmy and Newbery Award-winning poet Kwame Alexander.

Ryan Austin ’18 was just 22 years old when he helped save a man’s life. An avid aviator since earning his pilot’s license while at Parker, Ryan taught private pilot students how to fly planes during his time in the aviation program at Embry Riddle University. And in July 2022, the unthinkable happened.

Parker's Upper School student magazine, the Scribe, receives national recognition by the American Scholastic Press Association.

Francis Parker School emphasizes the development of the whole child, encouraging students to be active agents in their education and contributing citizens in their community. Arden Pala, Class of 2027, and Vivi Yun, Class of 2026, have gone above and beyond in their community outreach efforts.