November 2023 Newsletter

Hats off to our Esstman Grant recipients! The Parkway Alumni Association is delighted to announce the winners of our grants, made possible through the SECF. These grants are designed to empower Parkway teachers in creating projects that enhance the educational experience for their students. Here's a glimpse of some exceptional educators who are receiving a little extra recognition for their dedicated teaching efforts!

These projects are tailored to enrich various aspects of the Parkway curriculum, whether it's inside or outside the classroom or even in a virtual setting. The common thread among them is the commitment to maintaining an educational component while allowing students the freedom to think creatively.

Congratulations to our recipients!

Express your appreciation to any Parkway educator with a Waterway carwash during this holiday season! Consider sending a gift certificate to a teacher, coach, counselor, administrator, SSD assistant or other instructional staff member for the great job he/she has done and the difference it's made in the lives of Parkway students.

For only $30, we'll send a gift certificate for The Whole Thing™ car wash ($44 value) to each person you'd like to thank at their school/building address. You may include a message of appreciation from you or your child (Parkway student) with each gift certificate. As the name implies, the carwash includes everything Waterway offers - wash, wax, vacuuming, wheel treatment and more!

Calling all Parkway Alumni! The Parkway Alumni Association is searching for exceptional individuals to join the 2024 Parkway Hall of Fame class! Do you know a fellow graduate who's made a remarkable impact in their career or community? Nominate them today!

To nominate someone outstanding, simply complete and submit the nomination form online. The deadline for nominating a worthy Parkway alum is March 1, 2024. Let's continue the tradition of honoring our incredible Parkway graduates!

To make a nomination, complete and submit the nomination form here online.

If your reunion details aren't on the website, email them to us!

The PAA is here to help you plan a successful reunion! We can provide contact info and guidance for your event. Plus, our volunteers can man the registration table. Reach out to us at (314) 415-8074 or ParkwayAlumni@ParkwaySchools.net for more info.

Interested in our scholarship programs or want to create one to honor yourself or a loved one? Contact Sandy Riutcel, Executive Director of the Parkway Alumni Association, at 314-415-8074 (office) or sriutcel@parkwayschools.net for details. We're here to support your aspirations and ensure our alumni can continue their academic journey!

Join us at 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month for an all-alumni networking event. The group meets in person at the Parkway Administration Center. Hear from alums about their current work and meet other Parkway alumni in our community. To attend, email parkwayalumni@parkwayschools.net to be added to the meeting invite list. Include your name, school, class year, profession, business name and contact info.

Dear Alumni,

As the year draws to a close, we at the Parkway Alumni Association reflect on the incredible support and contributions that have helped us continue our mission of fostering excellence within our community. We are reaching out to you, our esteemed alumni, to be a part of our year-end giving.

We take pride in the diversity of talents and achievements that our alumni bring to the table. Your dedication to Parkway's legacy has been a cornerstone of our success. Today, we invite you to join us in supporting the association by giving a year-end gift.

I'd like to personally challenge each alum to contribute an amount matching their graduation year. For example, if you graduated in 1990, a donation of $90 would make a tremendous impact. Even for our newest graduates from the Class of 2023, a gift of $23 helps sustain and enhance our programs.

Your generous donation directly fuels our initiatives, including scholarships, educational programs, and alumni networking opportunities. Every dollar you give helps strengthen our community and provides valuable resources to current and future Parkway students.

We deeply appreciate your continued support and commitment to Parkway's legacy. Together, let's make a difference and ensure a bright future for our alma mater.

For This Generation,

Dr. Tom Smith

We are excited to shine a spotlight on one of our talented alumni, Linda Fine Hunt, class of 1969! Linda has recently published a captivating historical fiction book titled "Particular Place and People." This compelling work delves into the experiences of growing up in University City, Missouri during the 1950s and 1960s.

For those who have fond memories of University City or simply have an appreciation for the nostalgia of that era, Linda's book is a must-read. You can find "Particular Place and People" on Amazon and various other online platforms.

Let's support our fellow alumna and explore the vibrant tapestry of our shared past through her words. lindafinehunt.com

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Tom Smith [West '75], newly inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. As the current Parkway Alumni Association Board President, we celebrate his achievements.

Smith recently retired, leaving a legacy at Missouri Baptist University far beyond his time as the Spartans' Athletics Director. The Missouri Baptist College alum was employed at MoBap first as a housekeeper before transitioning to roles in Development, Head Men's Wrestling Coach (2000-03), and Director of Admissions (1997-2002). He has been a professor in Education and Health and Sport Sciences since 2000 and was named an Associate VP in August 2015.

Under Smith's direction, MBU has won four NAIA national championships in women's indoor track & field (2006), women's outdoor track & field (2006), and women's volleyball (2020-21, 2021), two NAIA national invitational titles in men's volleyball (2015, 2016), an NCA Advanced Small Coed Cheer championship, and numerous individual titles in wrestling and track & field. In addition, the Spartans have won 33 conference tournament championships and 23 regular-season titles with Smith in the AD seat.

He has been recognized twice by NACDA (National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics) as an Under Armour AD of the Year in 2012-13 and 2019-20, and four times as American Midwest Conference (AMC) AD of the Year (2004-05, 2009-10, 2012-13, 2018-19).

During his tenure, Dr. Smith has infused more than 400 additional student-athletes on campus by creating 18 new athletic programs at both the varsity and junior varsity levels. Today, Missouri Baptist is home to 28 varsity sports, 6 JV programs, and 750+ student-athletes each year.

We're incredibly proud of our students, staff, parents and community that come together to make our schools successful. We appreciate your dedication and are so glad everyone else can see it too.Just in time for the holidays! Parkway South students visited the Circle of Concern Food Pantry to deliver a collective donation of 2,037 pounds of non-perishable items and personal care goods!

Suraiya Saroar, West High senior, is building a business that will allow immigrants to access translation services anywhere in the world. Recently Saroar’s company Bamu won the $500 prize at the annual Spark! Tank pitch competition.

The Parkway’s Spark! Business Incubator program offers a challenging and safe environment that provides students with real entrepreneurial opportunities. Supported by industry and community leaders, the program helps students discover their passions, develop essential skills, and build confidence.

Thank you to Maryville University for sponsoring this year's Spark Tank alongside our association! BAMU will use the funds to create a professional website for their company, and begin networking with similar organizations.

We need help at your school! We have openings for bus drivers, and many others for custodians and grounds crew employees needed to support our families. If you know someone who is interested, please share this with them. Interested applicants can call 314-415-8401 for more information or visit this website.