Corinthians Morning Exercise

Since the school’s founding in 1901, Parker has begun each academic year with the Corinthians Morning Ex, and the tradition continued this year. Students gathered to the sound of handbells in the Heller Auditorium, where Principal Dan Frank reinforced the belief that all individuals in our school community matter and spoke to the history and importance of this Morning Ex as a unifying element that reaffirms our community’s connections and commitment to one another.

Every year, a member of the community has read from Corinthians 12:14–26, reminding the assembly of Parker’s commitment to each individual in our community; this year, Upper School Counselor Winnie Kearns read the selection. Additionally, Upper School History teacher Andy Bigelow shared quotes from Ella Baker, including, “Give light, and people will find the way.” Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Erika Prahl read selections from Maya Angelou, including, “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive, and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style.”

Finally, Visual Arts teacher Kay Silva and Upper School student artists introduced “Gaia/Mother Earth,” the new mural on campus. This mural, which celebrates the creative power of the divine feminine, Mother Earth and a love for the natural world, was created by Parker’s student Mural Club. The design resulted from a collaboration between students and Moroccan muralists sponsored by Chicago’s Sister Cities Casablanca Committee. The following student artists all gifted their time and talents: Eva Brody ’27, Anna Chandler ’27, Kate Chavez ’24, Coco DeLeon ’26, Moon Fenchel ’27, Leo Hild ’26, Sasha Hild ’24, Brooke Marsico ’27, Maggie McPharlin ’24, Lyric Nelson ’24, Emma Newman ’23, Ale Ozbek ’24, Sienna Nikitas ’27, Ellery Singer ’27, Ashley Webster ’27 and Coop Yee ’27.

The Morning Ex ended with the tradition of each part of our community adding their own piece to our model home, while Music Department Chair Kingsley Tang and Choral Music teacher Christian Jackson led the gathered audience in singing, “Who’s Got a Piece of the House?”.

Click here for photos.