Wednesday, July 31 was Rick Parker’s last day as principal of East Meck. To celebrate the time Parker spent with East, students and colleagues gathered to throw him a retirement party Tuesday, July 30.
The main event took place in the cafeteria. After walking across a red carpet to symbolize his retirement, Parker gave a speech chronicling how he came to East and eventually became principal. The ceremony left many in tears including Parker himself.
Afterwards, attendees were able to write thank you notes and pose for one last picture with their beloved principal.
Student congress advisor Alexa Richards and student congress president Jordan Moore were in charge of organizing the event. They wanted to give the East community an opportunity to properly say goodbye to Parker and show their appreciation for all he’s done.
“Mr. Parker has been a role model of mine since the moment I met him,” Moore said. “No one embodies high school spirit more than him which motivates both staff and students to share that same East Meck pride. I know the news of his retirement and transfer came unexpectedly for everyone. Therefore we wanted to give everyone the opportunity to celebrate all he is and all he has done.”
The celebration also gave many attendees the opportunity to meet East’s new principal, Steve Drye for the first time. Now that Parker has officially stepped down, Drye has fully stepped into his role as the new principal of East Meck. He intends to do his best to live up to Parker’s legacy and continue the growth of East as a school and community.
“I love Rick Parker and all that he stands for as a man, a friend, and a leader,” Drye said. “As his friend and colleague, I have the greatest respect for everything that he has accomplished first as assistant principal and then as principal at East Meck over the last 25 years. I am humbled and honored to follow him as only the eighth principal in 75 years at this awesome institution, and I look forward to building upon the incredible foundation that he’s established during his time here as we seek even greater heights as East Meck Eagles!”
