Athletics

Do you know what this is?

Years ago when I was a high school student in Lost Angeles, sports were the last thing on my mind.  There was the ‘jock’ crowd and then there were the rest of us. Accordingly, I have been surprised and delighted by the ability of so many Parker students, including my daughter, to combine serious sports with serious education.  In fact, 60% of the student body participates in at least one team sport! And Parker sports teams are very serious; every season we read about Parker teams going to regional play-offs and this season, even winning a league championship…. (Congratulations, to the Boy’s Cross-Country Team!)

Yet, all these sports require uniforms, equipment and transportation that all cost money. Sports fees cover coach’s salaries and some transportation costs, but don’t even begin to cover everything that is needed for a successful and safe sports program such as the one at Parker.  Through the years, the PEF has helped purchase whatever has been needed. This year, in addition to uniforms, the PEF is purchasing something near and dear to my carpooling heart…a pitching machine (pictured above). Last spring, Parker softball and baseball players traveled to Littleton, Leominster and Lancaster batting cages to practice hitting. Hundreds of miles were put on student and parent cars getting kids to and from these remote locations. But this spring will be different thanks to the PEF. No longer will I and other parents lurk in batting cage parking lots all over Central Massachusetts. And I can’t wait to see the pitching machine (and the players) in action!

Thanks, PEF!

Susan Farr, parent of Laura, Division 3

 

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