Dear Editors,

In response to Julia Mark’s piece, “Why Do Parker Students Always Attend the White Out Games?” I write to formally issue a challenge to the entire Parker community, especially the student body. As I sit here and write, I cannot help but reflect on my high school years, where many week and weekend nights were spent in the gym or on the field, with all of my closest friends. While I may have been playing some of these times, on many of them I was a spectator.

My time spent in the stands, with my friends, are probably some of my fondest memories of high school and in many ways similar to the scene at our game’s against Latin at DePaul. Packed gyms and stadiums, spirit abound and droves of individuals dressed in school colors cheering for their team. While our White/Blue out games are an excellent display of school spirit, I argue that our other home contests are anything but that. It is my sincere hope that as a school community we can change this for current and future Parker student athletes!

I consider myself a realist and understand that not every athletic contest can garner the same hoopla as our DePaul games, however, more support from our school community is integral in order to continue to build a strong athletic culture here at Parker, one in which is reflective of Julia’s point that our student body is truly mission driven. I do my best to attend as many Parker contests as possible and am often disheartened by the lack of support
from our school community, especially the student body.

Our student athletes put in work day in and day out and deserve to feel the sense of community and support in which I know Parker holds in such high regard. Please know, I believe this to be true for activities and events outside of athletics as well. So what exactly is my challenge? COME OUT AND SUPPORT our athletic teams!! Support our teams not just at our DePaul games but at every game you can fit into your schedule!

Be the “help” the “support” and the “community” at all times. That said, I look forward to seeing more of you in the stands at our upcoming athletic contests! Each athletic contest provides a new opportunity to spend time with friends and use your collective voices to cheer on Parker athletes. Let’s continue to build our athletics culture here at Parker. Be assured with your continued support our athletic teams are going to start to bring in more of those WINS!

Laura Gill