Governor JB Pritzker Attends 125th Anniversary Corinthians Morning Ex

As Parker kicked off the celebration of its 125th anniversary, the annual tradition of the Corinthians Morning Ex was extra-special. The school community was honored to have Governor JB Pritzker speak at the event to help commemorate this momentous milestone. The Pritzker family has a rich history with the school, with many members attending as students, as well as giving back and supporting the school in myriad ways. 

The morning had additional special guests as parents/guardians, grandparents, and current and former Trustees participated in this storied tradition, as well as a celebratory photo: Before the Morning Ex, everyone attending stood together to make up a large “125” across the field. 

Soon after, the bagpipes began playing, students sang the alma mater, and Principal Dan Frank ’74 took the podium to begin the event. Frank introduced Board of Trustees Chair Deji Jimoh, who read the Corinthians passage before introducing Governor Pritzker.

“For 125 years, this great institution has been preparing students not only to succeed in the classroom, but to become thoughtful, curious, and engaged members of their communities,” Pritzker said. “Even as the world around us and around this school has changed, Parker has continued to hold fast to the idea that education is about much more than what you know. It's about the kind of person that you become and how you use what you have learned.”

Associate Principal Priyanka Rupani then introduced three student speakers, freshmen Elideth Medina-Galvez and Donovan Solis and sophomore Pearl Ijiwola, who read quotes by activist Grace Lee Boggs, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and theologian Desmund Tutu.

The Morning Ex ended with the customary building of “the house,” with former Parker music teacher Lucius Bell, songwriter of the “Piece of the House,” performing the song alongside other members of the Music Department.

Corinthians reminds everyone of the importance of each member of the community and the reasons community members should rely on each other when they need it most. Parker is grateful to all who came to celebrate the beginning of this historic year, especially Governor Pritzker!

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