SOCA Social Celebrates Connection and Belonging

Members of Parker’s Students of Color Affinity groups across divisions gathered with advisors to close out another successful year.

The end-of-year celebration began with SOCA members from JK–12 grabbing food and connecting with one another and alumni of color visiting campus for Reunion Weekend. Next, a video was screened featuring students who made heartfelt remarks about why they loved being in SOCA. Students then took the microphone to share similar sentiments, speaking about the importance of “being with people who are just like me” and the power of “seeing reflections of myself in everyone here.” 

Junior Trisen Phillips used this forum to report that he would be Parker’s next Student Government President, noting, “I did something really great this year along with the help of people that look like me. I am one of the few Black [Student Government] Presidents in Parker’s history. Part of the reason why I did this was that I didn’t see many examples of people who look like me leading our Student Government. I want you guys to remember me when you think about running for president or doing something that hasn’t been done before. You guys can do it. You can do what hasn’t been done before.”

Gym games, music, laughter and crafts followed, as students of color from all 14 grades celebrated the bonds of friendship they established throughout this academic year.

Enjoy photos from the event here.