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Winter World Traditions Come to Life at Parker School
In preparation of the holiday season Parker School students in grades K-5 celebrated Winter World Traditions. Each year the lower school students learn how children in 6 different countries celebrate winter. This year our students "traveled" to Spain, Italy, Russia, Poland, Great Britain and the Netherlands. While spending the morning traveling the globe, students participated in many hands on activities reflective of each country's customs. Full Story-Photos
Parker School announces Richard Smart Scholar Program for the
2010-2011 school year
Parker School is pleased to announce the availability of three Richard Smart Scholar grants for the 2010-2011 school year. Each grant of $8,500 will be awarded to an incoming or current Parker School student entering the 9th grade in the fall of 2010. These grants will be given to students exhibiting exceptional academic potential on the basis of both need and merit. The Richard Smart Scholar program is a renewable grant awarded to students in their freshman year and renewed each year of their high school career based upon acceptable academic performance.(West Hawaii Today, December 16, 2009) Full Story
Parker School honors students
Parker School congratulates the students who made the Headmaster's List and Honor Roll during the third trimester of the 2008-2009 school year. Students on the Headmaster's List earned GPA's of 3.67 or higher. Honor Roll students earned GPA's of 3.5 or higher. (North Hawaii News, December 17, 2009) Full Story
Tarnas nominated for leaders program
Parker School Sophomore, Jesse Tarnas was nominated to participate in the National Young Leaders Conference in WASHINGTON, D.C. by Parker School faculty member Gillian Culff. This fall he will be among outstanding high school students from across the United States chosen to participate in a unique leadership development conference in our nation’s capital. During the six-day program, the National Young Leaders Conference (NYLC) will provide scholars with the opportunity to interact with a variety of personnel who operate within the three branches of government, the news media and the international community. To complement the schedule of special meetings and briefings, students will participate in a number of leadership skill-building activities and simulations. In one role-play activity titled "If I Were President", students act as the president and Cabinet members responding to an international crisis. Students also participate in "Testing the Constitution", in which they examine actual Supreme Court cases. The Conference culminates with the Model Congress, in which scholars assume the roles of U.S. Representatives and debate, amend and vote on proposed mock legislation. (West Hawaii Today, November 11, 2009)
Parker School Participates in the Blue Line Project
The International Day of Climate Change was marked by a blue line on October 24 by Parker School students in Kawaihae Harbor. The Blue Line Project is a collaborative effort organized by 350.org, Blue Planet Foundation and the Sierra Club of Hawaii. The project raises awareness of the impact of climate change and is highlighted by a line that marks the potential extent of flooding with a 1 meter sea level rise. (West Hawaii Today, November 4, 2009) Full Story-Photos
Parker School Celebrates National Make-a-Difference Day
Friday, October 23rd, Parker School celebrated National Make a Difference Day, coordinated by the Student Council. This year students worked with faculty supervision at sites throughout Waimea, most of them within walking distance of the school. Sites included the Parker School, Trail and Greenways, Kanu, St. James Church, North Hawaii Hospice, Tutu’s House, Mala’ai Garden, Annunciation Church, New Hope Gym, and the Waimea Nature Park. (North Hawaii News, November 5, 2009 -West Hawaii Today, November 11, 2009) Full Story-Photos
School garden renovated
When the students at Parker’s Lower School Campus were in need of help renovating their garden, Goodfellow Bros., Inc. answered the call with a $5,000 grant and the use of earthmoving equipment to make the renovation. Full Story-Photo (West Hawaii Today, October 28, 2009)
Parker celebrates Arts Awareness Month
In celebration of October as Arts Awareness Month, the Parker School Theatre will host the following programs: Parker School Dramatique's presentation "The Odyssey" at 7p.m. Friday, 8 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday; The Blue Line Project on Saturday and the Classical Indian Music Circle of Hawaii at 7 p.m. Monday. For more information, call the Parker School Theatre box office at 885-7933, ext. 128. (West Hawaii Today, Ocober 21, 2009)
Parker School's debate team tops in state
Earlier this month, the 27-member Parker School Debate Team headed to Oahu for the Hawai'i Speech League Non-Qualifying Tournament held at La Jardin Academy. Of 12 schools participating, Parker School finished on top in the tournament with 55 favorable ballots and went undefeated in four of six categories. The Sweepstakes trophy for highest percent of wins was awarded to Iolani School. Full Story-Photo (West Hawaii Today, October 15, 2009 - North Hawaii News, October 15, 2009)
Parker students named AP scholars
Seven students at Parker School have earned AP Scholar Awards in recognition of their exceptional achievement on AP Exams in 2009. The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) provides motivated and academically prepared students with the opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school, and to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on the AP Exams. About 18 percent of the 1.6 million students worldwide who took AP Exams performed at a sufficiently high level to also earn an AP Scholar Award. The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on students’ performance on AP Exams. At Parker School: Two students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. These students are Rowan Hale and Edward “Kimo” Hon. Five students qualified for the AP Scholar Award by completing three or more AP Exams with grades of 3 or higher. The AP Scholars are Lindsey Appleton, Tadashi Kamitake, Evan Lam, Chris Langevin and Jenny Sanford. (West Hawaii Today, September 30, 2009)
10th Annual George Heneghan fun run results
The results of the 10th Annual George Heneghan Fun Run are in. Mahalo to all participants and volunteers who came out on September 27th to support Bulls' Athletics. race results
Parker School celebrates Peace Day
Parker School students celebrate Peace Day by painting a mural on an empty storefront in Waimea town. The top of the mural has the words, "It starts with one" painted across it. Inside of the mural, the students painted Benjamin Franklin's words, "There never was a good war or a bad peace." View Story on ireport.com
Educating the Millennial Learner Parker School Technology Upgrade Grant
Parker School has been awarded a $25,000 technology upgrade grant from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. This grant will support the integration of technological upgrades throughout the K-12 classrooms and will enable Parker School to maintain a competitive college-preparatory program for its students. Upgrades will include; desktops, laptops, interactive whiteboards, a server and software. This generous grant from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation will allow Parker School to maintain a challenging learning environment and meet our immediate technological needs. We are grateful for this support and the benefits it will provide our students, faculty, and community. (September 21, 2009)
Parker welcomes new board members
Parker School welcomes four new members-at-large to their 14 person Board of Directors
for the 2009-2010 school year. The new Directors will serve for a 3 year term, joining
Chair Elizabeth Armandroff, Vice Presidents James Clifford, Ph.D, Kenneth Fischer,
O.D. and Saundra Gulley, Secretary Susan Armour, and Directors Patrick Fitzgerald, Jon
Gerdsen, Lois Gregg, M.D., Tom Mignanelli and Anne Miranda. Full Story (West Hawaii Today, August 5, 2009)
Parker School receives HMSA Kaimana and Scholarship Award
Parker School recently placed first and is awarded $1,500 as the 2009 Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) Division II Kaimana Award winner. (West Hawaii Today, July 29, 2009) Full Story - Photo
Seniors keep tradition alive
It is an annual tradition at Parker School for the Senior Class to make a parting gift to the school community as they graduate and move on to exciting new adventures at college. (West Hawaii Today, July 15, 2009 - North Hawaii News, July 16, 2009) Full Story - Photo
An aloha from students
Parker School students painted a mural on the storefront on Lindsey Road between the Shell station and the Paniolo Country Inn on the last days of school to reflect the Hawaiian values they studied throughout the year. (West Hawaii Today, July 1, 2009) Full Story - Photo
Fun and games
Parker Lower School students enjoyed their first taste of summer during their field day, held on one of the last days of the 2008-2009 school year. (West Hawaii Today, June 24, 2009) Full Story - Photos
Parker School honors students
Parker School congratulates the students who made the Headmaster's List and Honor Roll during the third trimester of the 2008-2009 school year. Students on the Headmaster's List earned GPA's of 3.67 or higher. Honor Roll students earned GPA's of 3.5 or higher. Full Story (West Hawaii Today, June 18, 2009)
Parker school announces new administration
Parker School welcomes Shellie Note-Gressard to the position of Assistant Headmaster and Jennifer Schack to the position of Director of Advancement. Currently the technology teacher at the school, Note-Gressard has extensive experience in academic advising at Waimea Middle School and college counseling with the University of Hawaii Educational Talent Search Program. Schack comes to Parker from Baker Demonstration School in Wilmette, Illinois where she serves as the current Development Director. She will relocate to the Big Island this summer. Both of the new administrators will join the Parker staff effective July 1st.
“These are two key positions at the school and we are fortunate to have filled them with such highly qualified people,” commented Dr. Carl Sturges, Parker School Headmaster. (West Hawaii Today, May 20, 2009)
Students take the stage
DRAMATIQUES PRESENT 'INTO THE WOODS' THIS WEEKEND Parker School Dramatiques presents the Broadway junior version of "Into the Woods" Friday through Sunday at the Parker School Theatre. This hour-long student musical featuring Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk and even a witch, is the perfect family affair. (West Hawaii Today, May 6, 2009) Full Story - Photos
Kuriyama receives scholarship for the 2009 Hawaii Performing Arts Festival
A boisterous baritone, Zen Michael Kuriyama, 10th grade Parker School student, is a scholarship recipient for the 2009 Hawaii Performing Arts Festival, Vocal Program. Full Story (Hawaii Tribune Herald, May 6, 2009)
Big Isle students compete at State Forensic Speech and Debate Championships
On April 16, twenty-three Big Island students headed to the State Forensic Speech and Debate Championships on Oahu, competing head-to-head with students from other private and public schools, including Iolani, Kahuku, Kamehameha, McKinley and Punahou. (West Hawaii Today, April 29, 2009) Full Story - Photo
Parker students do well in math contest
Parker School students ranked top in the region in the Middle School Math League contest. Full Story (West Hawaii Today, April 22, 2009 - Hawaii Tribune Herald, May 5, 2009)
Hoppin' good time
PARKER SCHOOL STUDENTS CELEBRATE EASTER Hundreds of colorful eggs graced the playground at Parker School's campus last week, when Parker;s National Honor Society members planned an early Easter event for the lower school students. (West Hawaii Today, April 15, 2009) Full Story - Photos
Parker boys tennis moves into first
The Honokaa-Parker boys Big Island Interscholastic Federation tennis results published in Tuesday's edition were incorrect. The Bulls beat the Dragons 4-1 behind victories from Josh Kirker and Elliott Warkus in singles, and doubles wins by the tandems of Koa Smith/Josh Inaba and Edward Norman/Jay Williams-Stephens. In another doubles match, Kaua Sproat and Denn Aleta of Honokaa (4-3) beat Parker's Kai Inaba and Kieran Najita. The Bulls (6-1) moved into sole possession of first place in Division II. The girls match, Parker beat Honokaa to improve to 6-1. (Hawaii Tribune Herald, April 15, 2009)
Seminar: How professionals make movies
Interested in how big screen feature films and network television shows are produced? You will not want to miss this full day seminar: “How Professionals Make Movies,” sponsored by the Big Island Film Office and the Parker School Fine Arts Department to be held at the Parker School Theatre in Waimea on Saturday, April 25 starting at 8 am. Full Story (West Hawaii Today, April 10, 2009 - North Hawaii News, April 9, 2009 - North Hawaii News, April 23, 2009)
Parker student receives early acceptance into prestigious art school
Isabel Peters, 10th grade student at Parker School, has been accepted to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago based on the merit of her photography portfolio. Full Story (West Hawaii Today, March 25, 2009)
2009 ALL-BIIF BASKETBALL TEAMS
Division II Boys Honorable Mention: Dakota Berman, Evan Neilsen, Jay Williams (West Hawaii Today, March 20, 2009)
2009 ALL-BIIF SOCCER TEAMS
Division II Boys Honorable Mention: J.J. Birnbaum, Daniel Gregg, Kimo Hon, Jeanine Hoy, Amber Neaves (West Hawaii Today, March 19, 2009)
Parker School honors students
Parker School congratulates the students who made the Headmaster's List and Honor Roll during the second trimester. Students on the Headmaster's List earned GPA's of 3.67 or higher. Honor Roll students earned GPA's of 3.5 or higher. Full Story (West Hawaii Today, March 18, 2009)
Parker auction brings in $130k for financial aid
The call came “to give generously from the heart,” and that is just what community members did. Thanks to the generosity of so many donors and volunteers, “Kahiau,” Parker School’s fourth annual auction gala for financial aid raised more than $130,000 for students.Full Story (North Hawaii News, March 5, 2009 - West hawaii Today, March 11, 2009)
Artistic endeavor
NIGERIAN SHARES SKILLS WITH PARKER SCHOOL STUDENTS Nigerian Art Ambassador and first place winner of the United Nations International Art Competition, Ibiyinka Alao, visited Parker School on February 23rd to share his vision, art and techniques with the students. (West Hawaii Today, February 4, 2009) Full Story - Photos
Harmon accepted into summer program
Parker Middle School student Thomas Harmon received acceptance to the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth Summer Enrichment Program. Harmon, a 6th grade student at Parker School, was required to travel to Oahu to complete the testing for the program. He will attend a 3-week intensive mathematics course as a part of the CTY program from June 28 to July 17 at Stanford University. (West Hawaii Today, February 4, 2009 - Hawaii Tribune Herald, March 11, 2009)
'Kahiau' raises funds for student tuition
The excitement is building as Parker School gets ready for one of the biggest nights of the year. With the support of businesses large and small, acclaimed chefs, and world-renowned artists, Parker School presents "Kahiau," at 6pm Saturday at the Fairmont Orchid. Full Story (West Hawaii Today, February 18, 2009 - North Hawaii News, February 19, 2009)
Students get start on art
A DAY DEDICATED TO ART AT PARKER SCHOOL Parker School recently celebrated their 7th annual ArtStart Day, when creativity and inspiration were the business of the day. Twenty-two acclaimed artists from all over the Big Island, and one from Kauai, volunteered to share their time and mastery of skills to provide the students and teachers with valuable instruction for the entire school day. (West Hawaii Today, January 21, 2009 - North Hawaii News, February 19, 2009 - Hawaii Tribune Herald, May 10, 2009) Full Story - Photos
Parker School hosts neighbor island speech and debate tournament
Parker School recently hosted 250 students, coaches and judges for the largest speech and debate tournament in the state. The Hawaii Speech League Neighbor Island Tournament was the first of three qualifying tournaments where students are able to earn a spot in the speech & debate state championships. This is the only qualifying tournament in Hawaii that combines both speech and debate events. (West Hawaii Today, January 28, 2009) Full Story - Photo
Parker sets open houses for Feb. 7
Parker School will be hosting its second open house on Feb. 7. Students entering kindergarten through fifth grades and their parents are invited to attend from 10 a.m. to noon. From noon to 2 p.m. will be an open house for students entering sicth through 12th grades and their parents. Students and their families are invited to come and learn about the school's visual and performance art programs, its advanced placement and honors classes, interscholastic sports program and participate in a tour of the facilities. For more information, call Ann Renick at 885-7933, ext. 107. (West Hawaii Today, January 28, 2009)
Parker School artists share King's dream
STUDENTS PAINT A MURAL TRIBUTE TO INSPIRATIONAL HERO Parker School’s art classes celebrated the life and accomplishments of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. by painting a 50-foot mural on the front of the unoccupied building located between the Shell Station and Paniolo Country Inn in Waimea. (Hawaii Tribune Herald, January 20, 2009 - West Hawaii Today, January 21, 2009 - North Hawaii News, January 22, 2009) Full Story - Photos
Parker School students chosen for Honor Choir
Three of Parker School’s music students have been chosen to participate in the 2009 Hawai'i All-State High School Honor Choir. Full Story (West Hawaii Today, Jan. 14)
Parker School’s 6th Annual Fairways and Friends Scholarship Golf Tournament raised $22,000 for financial aid
Parker School’s 6th Annual Fairways and Friends Scholarship Golf Tournament, which was co-sponsored this year by Hualalai Resort and Metzler Contracting, raised an event-record $22,000 for financial aid at Parker School. Full Story (West Hawaii Today, Jan. 14)
Warkus wins school's poetry contest
Elliott Warkus, a 10th grader at Parker School, is the winner of the Poetry Out Loud contest for his recitation of the poem, “War is Kind” by Stephen Crane. Second place winner, Briana Boche, recited “Hush” by David St. John and third place winner, Michael Kuriyama, recited “It Couldn’t Be Done” by Edgar Albert Guest. The contest is sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts. Last year, more than 100,000 students competed nationwide. Warkus will represent Parker School in the state finals in Honolulu on Sunday, February 22, 2009. (West Hawaii Today, December 17, 2008 - Hawaii Tribune Herald, December 17, 2008)
Keiki bake for world
Parker School’s 2nd grade class, led by teacher, Cherry Sanford, is trying to change the world, one cookie at a time. The class organized a cookie-decorating fundraiser to support Heifer International, a charitable organization dedicated to ending world hunger and world poverty. Full Story (West Hawaii Today, December 24, 2008 - An abbreviated version appeared in the Hawaii Tribune Herald, December 17, 2008)
Santa Claus is coming to Parker School
The Waimea Christmas Parade this year will be ending with a new twist; the parade route has been altered to finish at the Waimea Park on Dec. 6th, not at the Parker Ranch Center as it has done in recent years. Full Story (West Hawaii Today, Dec. 3 - North Hawaii News, Dec. 4)
Parker School honors students
Parker School congratulates the students who made the Headmaster's List and Honor Roll during the first trimester. Students on the Headmaster's List earned GPA's of 3.67 or higher. Honor Roll students earned GPA's of 3.5 or higher. Full Story (West Hawaii Today, Nov. 26)
Parker School makes a difference
Parker School students headed to various locations throughout the community in honor of Make a Difference Day. They cleaned churches, made gifts for hospice, cleared pathways and parkways and did their best to make a positive difference in Waimea. (Honolulu Advertiser, October 30, 2008 - West Hawaii Today, November 5, 2008 - Hawaii Tribune Herald, November 5, 2008) Full Story - Photos
Clifford the Big Red Dog visits the Big Isle for the first time
Clifford the Big Red Dog may be a regular guest at Scholastic Book Fairs on Oahu but Wednesday marks his first appearance on the Big Island. He will be at the Parker School Theatre from 4pm to 6:30pm waiting for visitors and ready to pose in pictures.(West Hawaii Today, November 5, 2008 - Hawaii Tribune Herald, November 5, 2008) Full Story - Photo
Parker School Dramatiques presents 'Go Ask Alice' from Friday to Sunday
Dramatiques is a student-run theatrical organization supervised by Maren Oom, Director of Fine Arts at Parker School. “Our award-winning fine arts program celebrates and supports student involvement in all aspects of production and decision-making including our upcoming fall and spring shows,” said Oom. (West Hawaii Today, Oct. 22 - Hawaii Tribune Herald, Oct. 22 - North Hawaii News, Oct. 23) Full Story - Photos
6 recent Parker grads are named AP scholars
The College Board Advanced Placement Program reports that six students from Parker School’s 2008 graduating class earned AP Scholar Awards in recognition of their exceptional achievement on AP Exams. Two students qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by earning an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. These students are Daniel Bloom and Erica Warkus. Four students qualified for the AP Scholar Award by completing three or more AP Exams with grades of 3 or higher. The AP Scholars are Linden Hale, Alex Nielsen, Melissa Rouse and Philip Sturges. (West Hawaii Today, Oct. 22 - Hawaii Tribune Herald, Oct. 22)
Waimea book fair
There will be a Scholastic Book Fair at Parker School from Monday through Thursday, Nov. 3-6, in the Parker School Theater. It is open to the public. Hours are: Monday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with activities from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.(Hawaii Tribune Herald, Oct. 15)
Grants to Parker
Donations of $22,000 from the McInerny Foundation and $5,000 from the G.N. Wilcox Trust will help to offset tuition for eligible Parker School students via the school's Scholarship and Financial Aid Fund. "Parker School is grateful for the financial support of the McInerny Foundation and the G.N. Wilcox Trust and will continue to fulfill its mission of providing a college-preparatory experience in a small-school setting where students develop academically while exploring their individual talents," said a school spokesman. (Hawaii Tribune Herald, Oct. 15)
Parker fun run a success
Annual benefit raises funds for Bulls' Athletics. A total of 122 people of all ages and fitness levels participated in the 9th annual George Geneghan Fun Run at Parker School. The participants included students from Parker School, Hawaii Preparatory Academy and Waimea Middle School as well as runners from all over the country. (Hawaii Tribune Herald, Oct. 14) Full Story - Photos
Pets visit the classroom
Parker School students learn about treating animals humanely. The Parker Lower School recently welcomed their guests from the Humane Education Program, Erin, Ollie and special visitor “baby kitty”, with open arms. (West Hawaii Today, Oct. 1) Full Story - Photos
Najita named finalist in writing competition
Parker School English teacher Kiyoshi Najita was recently named a finalist in a national writing competition, the Fourth Annual Tartts Short Fiction Contest. (West Hawaii Today, Sept. 24 - Hawaii Tribune Herald, Oct. 15) Full Story
Honoring those lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001
It's not every day that an artist gets to display their talents on a 50-foot long blank canvas. But earlier this week more than a dozen Parker High School students got to do just that. I think it's great," said senior Ryleigh Shupe. "Parker is a very artistic school so by doing this, we can show everyone just how artistic we are and at the same time, get out message of peace across to those who see it." (by Ron Eland, North Hawaii News, Sept. 11) Full Story
Waimea Town Market opening at Parker School
A new outdoor market – Waimea Town Market at Parker School - will open its “doors” at 8:00 am Saturday, September 13 on the school grounds. The Market’s opening day will coincide with the Hawaii Island Festival’s Waimea Paniolo Parade and Hoolaulea. (North Hawaii News, Sept. 11 - West hawaii Today, Sept. 11) Full Story
Parker School celebrates Art Excellence
Parker School was announced a winner of an Art Excellence Award for the second consecutive year. The school will receive $1,000 funded by Hawai‘i Community Foundation to support art programs. (West Hawaii Today, Sept. 10) Full Story - Photos
Parker School announces new faculty and staff members
Parker School welcomes eight new faculty and staff members for the 2008-2009 school year. Two new Lower School faculty/staff members are: Jackie Caputo, Parker Afterschool University (PAU) Assist Coordinator; Kealoha Nearman, Office Manager and Health Aide. New Upper and Middle School faculty/staff members are: Crystal Beran, history and English; Heidi Buscher, arts; Tracy Cavaliere, history; Shellie Note-Gressard, technology; Brenda Overcast, mathematics; Ceri Whitfield, physical education. (West Hawaii Today, Sept. 3)
Parker School continues green tradition
In an effort to reduce landfill waste and increase environmental consciousness, Parker School is implementing a “water bottle ban” at its 2nd Annual Green Fall BBQ and Potluck. This event brings together students, teachers, friends and ‘ohana to promote community, aloha, togetherness and now, environmental awareness. (Hilo Tribune-Herald, Sept. 3 - West Hawaii Today, Sept. 3 - North Hawaii News, Sept. 4 & modified version on Sept. 11) Full Story - Photos
Parker Teacher receives $12K grant
Parker School teacher Shelley Kaiyala was recently awarded a generous grant of $12,000 from The Kohala Center to support a new sustainability program beginning this fall. (Hawaii Tribune-Herald, Aug. 20, North Hawaii News, Aug. 21)
Full Story - Photo
Parker art classrooms renovated
Teacher and family turn space into a center for creativity. Thanks to the creativity of new Parker School art teacher Heidi Buscher and the generosity of her family, husband Patrick Simmersbach and father Harry Buscher of Quality Builders, the art classrooms in Frear Hall on the Parker School campus have been transformed into a spacious center for creativity and inspiration. (Hawaii Tribune-Herald, Aug. 13)
Full Story - Photo
Learning by Doing: Parker School 'Ohana Gains Global Perspective Abroad
A group of Parker School students, teachers, parents and friends recently returned from their travels to Japan where they indulged in Japanese art, culture and history. (West Hawaii Today, July 16). Full Story - Photo
Parker Senior Receives $2K Foodland Scholarship
Parker School's Lucas Chavez-Pardini is just one of 100 students across the state to receive a $2,000 scholarship from the Foodland Shop for Higher Education program. Lucas, an exemplary scholar and athlete – he was the graduating class's salutatorian and the 2008 male “Athlete of the Year” - will use the money to attend Northern Arizona University. (West Hawaii Today, June 4)
Full Story - Photo
Parker Teacher to Head Out to Sea
In the middle of the Pacific Ocean there is a buoy, yellow and white and loaded with scientific instruments.
This mini-laboratory, bobbing in a vast expanse of blue waves, is the destination of the Kilo Moana, a University of Hawaii research vessel; an elite corps of scientists from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution; and Patricia Kassis, a physics and math teacher at Parker School.
(North Hawaii News, May 29 - Honolulu Advertiser, May 30 - West Hawaii Today, June 4 )
Full Story - Photos
Parker Students, Faculty and Staff Reap Biking Benefits
Through rain, and vog, and occasional dark of night, the "envirobuggy" cycles on. For eight months, the yellow mountain bike with red trailer has been the sole mode of transportation for Parker School's Karen Shaw, providing health benefits and financial savings.
Shaw is just one of a number of faculty, staff and students at Parker School to reap the rewards of two-wheeling it.
(West Hawaii Today, May 28)
Full Story - Photos
Parker School Takes First at State Championships
Parker School debate team members ended an extraordinary debut year in April, walking away from the state forensic championships with two sets of trophies, including a pair for first place. Kimo Hon and Jenny Sanford won the junior varsity policy debate event. Fellow Parker School team members Annie Sturges and Mary Kamitaki placed third. (West Hawaii Today, May 14)
Full Story - Photo
Symbols of Hope: Parker Students Plant a Forest of "Recycled Trees"
The trees are colorful and beautiful, with trailing streamers and rainbow leaves. They are tall, thin symbols of hope, reminding those who see them that it is possible to live in harmony with our earth.
Parker Lower School students assembled the trees as part of Earth Day celebrations using material collected from around campus in a week. (West Hawaii Today, April 30)
Full Story - Photo Slideshow
Community Lu'au Bids Three Teachers Good-bye
A community lu'au has been a Parker School tradition for 26 years. Art teacher Wendi Roehrig has been around for all of them; she joined the Parker School faculty in 1978, just two years after the school's founding, and has been part of the 'ohana for 29 years. She will retire this year.
As the Big Island community gathers on campus April 25, for the 27th annual community lu'au, they will participate in a tribute to Mrs. Roehrig, Parker's longest-standing faculty member, and two other veteran teachers. English teacher Tana Hilliard and math teacher Seiichi Kaida also are retiring. (West Hawaii Today, April 16)
Full Story
Parker Adds a Colorful Seascape to the "It's a Honu World" Art Parade
According to Hawaiian legend, Kauila, a magical sea turtle who loved children, would turn herself into a girl so she could play with youngsters and keep them safe. Now, the children of Parker School are returning the favor.
Pencils, markers, and paintbrushes in hand, they crouched, lay, and kneeled below a life-size fiberglass sea turtle, decorating it in vibrant colors. (West Hawai'i Today, Hawaii Tribune-Herald, North Hawai'i News, April 9)
Full Story - Photo
Parker Student Named National Merit Scholarship Finalist
Parker School's Erica Warkus recently was named a National Merit Scholarship Program finalist.
The 12th-grader was among the highest scoring PSAT test-takers in the state, which qualified her as a semi-finalist last year. Her record of consistently high academic performance, as well as SAT scores reflecting the same kind of excellence displayed in the PSAT, propelled her into finalist standing.
Finalists demonstrate "through distinguished performance high potential for future academic accomplishment," according to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. (West Hawaii Today, March 19 - Hawaii Tribune-Herald, April 16)
Parker JV Policy Debaters Take First Place in Final All-District Qualifying Event
The Parker School junior varsity policy debate team of Mary Kamitaki and Annie Sturges took first place in the final all-district qualifying debate event of the season. A second JV policy debate team, that of Kimo Hon and Jenny Sanford, qualified for states.
Full Story - Photo Slideshow
A Good Start in Art
Put twenty-three artists together with children from kindergarten through twelfth grade and what do you get? Inspired art and a day of fun and growth for Parker School students. Parker School's sixth annual ArtStart program was a time for students to take a break from their usual class schedules and work in-depth in a variety of art forms. From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., under the direction of acclaimed artists from all over the Big Island, the students explored talents many didn't know they possessed. (West Hawaii Today, Hawaii Tribune Herald, Feb. 27)
Full Story - Photo Slideshow
Rocking with "The Durgas" - Multinational Musicians with Global Purpose
We are a world connected. In Hawai'i, the namesakes of an Indian goddess can tell you a lot about the lives of Burmese children living in Thailand, and much of it isn't good. The children of migrant workers aren't allowed to attend Thai schools, nor are they afforded basic rights for healthcare or education. So what to do? "The Durgas," an eclectic band named for the Indian goddess associated with the triumph of good over evil, jam on stage and support organizations that educate and feed these children.
Full Story - Photo Slideshow
FIRST Robotics
Cover Photo: (Parker School's) Daniel Bloom, 17, and Sarah Schleif, 17, program the software that will control their robot during competition. The software must work in an autonomous mode - without human control - and in a driver mode where the operator uses a wireless controller to steer and operate the machine. (West Hawaii Today, Feb. 19)
Kahiau: A Stunning Success!
Kahiau, Parker School's third annual auction gala for financial aid and scholarships, was a stunning success, raising more than $155,000 for students! (Honolulu Advertiser, Feb. 7 - West Hawaii Today, Feb. 13)
Full Story
Powerhouse of Persuasion
Parker School's new debate team has reason to be proud. Under the direction of coach (and headmaster) Dr. Carl Sturges, the team has entered the fray of policy and Lincoln-Douglas debate, emerging victorious against teams from Punahou, Iolani, and Kamehameha schools on Oahu, and qualifying for the state championships. (West Hawaii Today, Jan. 30)
Full Story - Photo Slideshow
Parker Junior Rips Hilo for 42 in Loss
Parker School's Djavan Cackley knew he faced a tough challenge against Division 1 Hilo on Thursday night and he wanted to do everything within his power to help the visiting Bulls play a competitive game. The 5-foot-10 junior then went out and did it, scoring 42 points in a 71-52 loss to the more talented Vikings before a small crowd at Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium. Photo: Parker's Djavan Cackley drives to the basket Thursday against Hilo. The focus of the Vikings' defense all game long, Cackley, 5-foot-10, scored 23 points in the second half and hit 19 free throws for the game. (Hawaii Tribune Herald, Jan. 25)
Building a Robot from the Ground Up
Photo: Daniel Bloom, center, gets input from Zach Jewell, left, and Sarah Schleif while working on the control program for the robot being built on the Parker School Campus. The robot has to work both autonomously and via wireless remote control during the (FIRST) competition. ... Bloom is just one of nearly 20 Waimea-area high schoolers who are part of the NASA/Parker School & Earl's Garage Waimea Community U.S. FIRST Robotic Team. (North Hawaii News, Cover Story, Jan. 24)
Parker School Receives $25,000 in Grants
The financial support of foundations continues to bolster the work of Parker School. Grants totaling $25,000 recently were awarded to the Waimea institution from the LeBurta Atherton Foundation and the Alexander and Baldwin Foundation. Alexander and Baldwin awarded Parker School $5,000 to fund lower school building expenses, while the LeBurta Atherton Foundation provided $20,000 in support of Parker School's capital campaign. (West Hawaii Today, Dec. 26)
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Christmas Our Way: A Guide to Hawai'i-style Holiday Events
Kindergartner Ryanne Doherty graced the cover of Big Island Weekly, showing off the candy and graham-cracker house she built at Parker School's Gingerbread Bazaar. Several photographs from the Parker School event appeared in the paper, including one featuring Maia Dale's hula performance and another of Marilyn Fitzgerald, an Parker PTSO member, standing among a virtual forest of red poinsettias. The student-coordinated event was Dec. 1, and raised money for school organizations. (Big Island Weekly, Dec. 12)
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Preventing Wildfires: Parker Students Work to Reduce the Threat
Grass-fueled wildfire used to be rare on the Big Island. Now, the spread of invasive alien grasses provides fuel for blazes that threaten every suburban and rural community on the dry, leeward portions of Hawai'i. Fuel breaks can offer a level of protection for island residents ... Living fuel breaks, made up of fire-resistant plants go further, offering protection wildfires while restoring native plants, improving water quality, re-establishing habitats and minimizing erosion. Parker School students recently worked with the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization to establish such a living fuel break, and organizers hope the 1-acre pilot project will be replicated in other fire-prone areas. (West Hawaii Today, Nov. 28)
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Parker, HPA Students' Work on Display in Waimea
Commemorating Parker Ranch's 160th anniversary, the final art show for 2007 at the Parker Ranch Historic Homes' Puuopelu Gallery will be a display of works by students from tow of the ranch's beneficiary organization -- Parker School and Hawaii Preparatory Academy. ... Parker School art teacher Wendi Roehrig is the longest-standing member of the Parker School faculty, having been with the school since 1978. In the early years of her employment there, until Richard Smart's death in 1992, she and her students had the privilege of private annual Puuopelu tours lead by him. To this day, her visual arts classes take their final exams at Puuopelu, critiquing the home's extensive art collection. (West Hawaii Today, Nov. 23)
Parker School Students Among Top Players Named to All-BIIF Cross-Country Teams
(West Hawaii Today, Nov. 8)
Making a Difference: Parker Students Lend a Hand to Help Out Their Community
Parker School students donned work clothes, gloves and positive attitudes, ready to make a difference on their campus and throughout the Waimea community.
They scrubbed buildings, washed cars, and picked up trash. They visited hospital patients, hung holiday decorations, and cuddled homeless animals. Students from lower school to high school labored in observance of Make a Difference Day, the nation's "largest day of doing good." (West Hawaii Today, Oct. 31)
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Creative Creatures: Parker Students Preserve Endangered Animals in Clay
The focus was intense as Parker Lower School students worked with Heidi Buscher-Simmersbach to create endangered animals from clay. Eyes opened wide and fingers twitched with anticipation as they watched the highly regarded artist – and Parker School parent – cube the small blocks of clay that would be theirs to mold. (West Hawaii Today, Oct. 24)
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Parker School Presents "Rebel Without a Cause"
Anthony Mangione's no rebel, he just plays one on TV. No, make that the stage of the Parker School Theatre from Oct. 25 to Oct. 27.
The 10th-grader is Jim Stark in Rebel Without a Cause, the infamous character portrayed by James Dean in the 1955 film on which the play is based. Twelfth-grader Kalehua Shamel, plays Judy, the female lead, following in the footsteps of Natalie Wood.
(West Hawaii Today, Hawaii Tribune-Herald, Oct. 24)
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Parker Students Visit USS Missouri
On the last of the great battleships to be built by the U.S. Navy, Japan officially surrendered to the United States in 1945, ending the single deadliest conflict in human history: World War II.
Parker School eighth-graders visited this historic vessel, the USS Missouri, to learn what life was like aboard a warship of that era. (West Hawaii Today, Oct. 17)
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Parker School Hosts Hawaii Premiere of "King Corn" Oct. 12
(West Hawaii Today, Oct. 17)
Parker Receives $30,000 Grant
(West Hawaii Today, Oct. 10)
Parker's Fall BBQ & Potluck Goes Green
(West Hawaii Today, Sept. 12)
Parker School Opens with Record Numbers
(West Hawaii Today, Aug. 29)
Parker School is Expanding: College Preparatory Completes $2M Campus
(Hawaii Tribune-Herald, Aug. 11)