HomeA RESOLUTION HONORING MARGERY PARKER, WEST HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
WHEREAS, Margery Parker has played an integral role at Salt Lake City’s West High School, a comprehensive urban high school serving a diverse social-economic and ethnic community, and the oldest public high school in Utah; and
WHEREAS, Principal Parker has been an administrator at West High School for the past nine years – five of those years as Principal; and
WHEREAS, Under Principal Parker’s vision and leadership, West High School Administration, Faculty, and Staff took pride in the: 1) high quality of education delivered, 2) academic achievements of students, and 3) safe and caring environment provided for our children; and
WHEREAS, Principal Parker provided the day-to-day leadership needed to oversee West High’s 200 plus courses which range from remedial courses to vocational to college-level academics, including Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs; and
WHEREAS, During Ms. Parker’s tenure as Principal, West High School was listed as the number one school in the Utah in Newsweek’s Top U.S. High Schools for 2006, 2007, and 2008; and, unlike most Utah schools who made the list, the number of students on the free or reduced lunch program is over fifty percent of the student body; and
WHEREAS, During Ms. Parker’s tenure as Principal, the student body of West High School in 2008 was comprised of the following student groups: African American – 5%, American Indian – 2%, Asian – 8%, Hispanic – 37%, Pacific Islander – 4%, White – 43% and Other – 1%; and
WHEREAS, During Ms. Parker’s tenure as Principal, West High School made AYP in 2006-07 and 2007-08; and
WHEREAS, During Ms. Parker’s tenure as Principal of West High School, she had the privilege and joy of seeing her students and faculty succeed as Scholars and Champions, including the 2009 4a Boys Basketball Championship. An event that showcased West High School’s students both on the court and in the stands; and
WHEREAS, Principal Parker successfully included and worked with the various school organizations, such as, the Parent Teacher Student Association and School Community Council, to improve school and student outcomes. This extensive list of accomplishments while at West High School, included the Freshman Focus, Parent Orientation, Professional Development, AVID, After School Success, and Senior Graduation Party; and
WHEREAS, During her tenure at West High School, Principal Parker encouraged and welcomed partnerships to help meet the many needs of the school, including the ELP/IB Steering Committee; encouraging parents to volunteer during the Spirit Bowl; encouraging Community Council Study Groups to assist with research and data analysis to understand and solve problems, such as, increasing the retention and graduation rates; and working with LDS Business College to allow AP and IB testing during May of each year; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Parker was selected as one of the top three principals for secondary schools in the State of Utah in 2007-08. She was selected by The Utah Chapter of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP); and
WHEREAS, The West High School Community appreciates the countless hours Ms. Parker devoted to continually building a better school and providing educational opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff; and
WHEREAS, The West High School Community THANKS Ms. Parker for her vision, leadership, effort, and the impact she has made on us - the students, parents, faculty, and staff. West High School is better because of Ms. Parker.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED
That the School Community Council hereby recognize Principal Parker for her service, professionalism, dedication, and commitment to West High School and its students, parents, faculty, and staff. We recognize the many skills, responsibilities, and time that are needed in order for a Principal to be successful. We extend our sincere thank you for your dedication and commitment to West High School over the past 9 years and express our best wishes for your continued success. And finally, Ms. Parker, Once a Panther, Always a Panther!
