parker profiles

Q&A with Grade 12 student Gabriel Jinich

Parker Upper School student Gabriel Jinich, Class of 2020, recently spoke to Parker School News about his award-winning mini-documentary, “Environmental Racism in Barrio Logan.”

The film, which has already garnered a second-place award at the UCLA Environmental Film Festival and a third place honor in the high school documentary division at the MyHero International Film Festival, is being streamed online today for the Earth Day premiere of the New Roads School’s Inaugural Climate Changemaker Teen Film Festival.

Jeff Silberman ’75 named Parker’s next ‘Distinguished Alumni Award’ recipient

alumni, parker profiles

Francis Parker School alumnus Jeff Silberman ’75 will become the fourth recipient of the School’s Distinguished Alumni Award.

Jeff was unanimously voted as the next honoree by a group of his peers for embodying the essence of a Parker education: intellect, initiative, and social responsibility.

New coach brings big vision to Parker Girls Basketball

athletics, parker profiles

Judy Spoelstra has an initial goal for girls basketball at Parker, and it’s a big one–grow the program.

Judy is the new head coach of the varsity team.

“I’m excited to be at Parker and to get the girls as excited as possible,” says Judy. “[Athletic Director] Anthony Thomas was making a strong push to rebuild the program and bring girls basketball along at Parker. I was interested because there was a lot of support.”

Building a New Culture

athletics, parker profiles

Melissa Warner places high priority on support–both on and off the pitch.

“I like the girls to have creativity on the field and to be able to support each other,” says Melissa, Varsity Girls Soccer head coach. “I want them to really learn and love the game and be able to navigate their lives through the game.”

Honing His Craft

alumni, arts, parker profiles

Parker alumnus talks acting, directing, and exploring creative passion By Matthew Piechalak |...

Crafting a page-turner: Parker alumnus pens inaugural novel

alumni, parker profiles

By Matthew Piechalak Author Scott Hylbert ’87 believes there is a golden rule that applies to all...

Jason Leonard Middle and Upper School Mandarin Teacher

parker profiles

Jason Leonard, Middle and Upper School Mandarin Teacher, knows first-hand that learning a new language not only helps you make meaningful connections within the global community it can also spark your curiosity to explore new places around the world.

Chelsey Watkins Lower School Grade 4 Teacher

parker profiles

Chelsey Watkins, Lower School Grade 4 teacher, is inspired each year watching her students complete the Grade 4 Business Sale project, knowing some of those same students might carry that entrepreneurial spirit into their adult lives.

Fiana Kumm Middle and Upper School Social Studies Teacher

parker profiles

Fiana Kumm, Middle and Upper School Social Studies teacher, dedicates her life to helping her students see the beauty of history. By examining history through the lens of a different perspective, students begin to piece together the whole picture of our past.

Dr. Sarah Gongaware Middle and Upper School Music Teacher

parker profiles

Parker’s arts faculty are not only experts at their craft, they are also active professionals who enjoy sharing their love of the arts with the local community. Dr. Sarah Gongaware, Middle and Upper School music teacher, is no exception, as she performs regularly with the La Jolla Symphony and is a featured cellist around San Diego. At Parker, Sarah enjoys passing on her passion for music to her students and perfecting their musical skills.

Kelly Eveland Lower School Design Lab Teacher

parker profiles

As a child, Kelly Eveland was always fascinated by how things work. Taking apart everyday items to see the inner workings of a blender or a telephone sparked his curiosity. As the new Lower School Design Lab teacher, Kelly enjoys sharing that curiosity for learning with his students.

Monic Sandels Middle/Upper School Spanish Teacher and World Language Department Co-Chair

parker profiles

Monic Sandels, Middle and Upper School Spanish teacher and World Language Department co-chair, believes the Parker community is a special place. Not only does it provide an environment for students to explore and grow as learners, but it also helps its faculty and staff to grow too.