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The student news site of Francis W. Parker School

The Parker Weekly

The student news site of Francis W. Parker School

The Parker Weekly

The student news site of Francis W. Parker School

The Parker Weekly

Samantha Graines

Samantha Graines, Features Editor

Samantha Graines is beyond excited to be serving as a features editor for her final year on “The Weekly.” Although when Samantha started her “Weekly” career, she did not understand that could not make up quotes; she has come a long way. Samantha is very sad that this will be her last year, but is looking forward to all of the year has to offer! When not transcribing interviews or grinding out her articles, Samantha can either be found in the Math Wing or the Math Wing (that is pretty much the only place she spends her time).

All content by Samantha Graines
Incoming Head of Upper School Cory Zeller poses for a photo.

New Head, Familiar Face

Cory Zeller is the New Upper School Head
Samantha Graines, Features Editor
May 12, 2023
Seniors Kiran Mathew, Isabel Rodriguez, 	
Samara Boyd and Nariya Cooke pose for a photo while traveling to the SDLC in San Antonio, Texas.

Finding and Fostering Community

Parker Students Travel to the SDLC Conference in San Antonio
Samantha Graines
December 16, 2022
Hoşgeldiniz, Eda

Hoşgeldiniz, Eda

Eda Altunbas Joins the Senior Class From Türkiye
Samantha Graines, Features Editor
November 4, 2022
Learning With Liu

Learning With Liu

Kelly Liu Joins Parker's Upper School Math Department
Samantha Graines
October 7, 2022
Helping Chicago's Youth

Helping Chicago’s Youth

Chicago Survivors Receives $10,000 Susan F. Berkowitz Grant
Samantha Graines
June 9, 2022
Sophomore Kai Uemura competes in a gymnastics competition while overseas in Germany.

Going for Gold

Sophomore Kai Uemura Excels on Junior Team USA
Samantha Graines, News Editor
May 10, 2022
The Mamma Mia cast and crew assembles for opening night in makeshift Greece. Photo by Noemi Ponce.

Dancing Queen

Upper School Faces its Waterloo! In “Mamma Mia!”
Samantha Graines, News Editor
April 1, 2022
The Girls Basketball Team huddles together during their White Out Game

A Team Effort

The Athletic Department Returns to a New Normal
Samantha Graines, News Editor
February 11, 2022
Two Candy Canes And A Song For The Christmas Tree

Two Candy Canes and a Song For the Christmas Tree

12 Days Returns to the Auditorium Stage
Samantha Graines, News Editor
December 17, 2021
The edition of Lolita students are reading in the "Literature and Censorship" class.

Nothing to LOL(ita) About

Parker’s Literature and Censorship Class Explores “Lolita”
Samantha Graines, News Editor
October 29, 2021
Two For One

Two For One

Cross Divisional Climate Science and Environmental Politics Class Debuts at Parker
Samantha Graines, News Editor
October 12, 2021
Parker welcomes a new Second Grade Teacher, Brittney Washington. Photo courtesy of Brittney Washington.

Starting Fresh in Second Grade

Brittney Washington Joins the Second Grade Team
Samantha Graines, News Editor
September 8, 2021

Registrar to Club Fair

Yearbook Will Transition from a Class to a Club
Samantha Graines
June 10, 2021

Supporting One Another

Parker Hosts the Cullen J. Davis Young Men of Color Symposium
Samantha Graines
May 14, 2021
A group of senior boys prepare for their escape into parker. Photo courtesy of Nick Skok.

Finding Pieces of The House

Seniors Come on Campus for a Special Grade Event
Samantha Graines
April 2, 2021
Photo of Ms. Cristie teaching her freshman class. Photo by Gray Joseph.

An Aca-Welcome

Getting To Know Emma Castaldi’s Long-Term Substitute
Samantha Graines
February 12, 2021
"Which one is better?" the scales of finals. Cartoon by cartoonist Maddy Leja.

Finally Finishing First Semester

Upper School Finals Continue Amidst Remote Learning
Samantha Graines
January 29, 2021
Parker families took part in the annual Thanksgiving food drive. Photo courtesy of Kevin Conlon.

Twenty Years of Turkey

The Annual Turkey Drive Continues Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
Samantha Graines
December 18, 2020
amilies are typically allowed to enter the building for The Upper School Open House, this year it was be virtual on November 14. Photo courtesy of Parker.

Open (Zoom) House

Parker’s Upper School Open House Went Virtual
Samantha Graines
November 24, 2020
Riya Jain reading one of her books to an audience. Photo courtesy of Riya Jain.

Books for Change

Freshman Riya Jain Wrote and Published Two Books
Samantha Graines
October 30, 2020
"Nurse’s Office: COVID-19 Edition. How the Nurse’s Office Has Changed With the Pandemic."

Nurse’s Office: COVID-19 Edition

How the Nurse’s Office Has Changed With the Pandemic
Samantha Graines
October 7, 2020
Collecting Constructive Criticism

Collecting Constructive Criticism

Parker’s Student Government creates a new 360 Review Council
Samantha Graines, Copy Editor
September 7, 2020
Senior Molly Taylor recently advanced to the statewide Illinois History Day competition after writing an essay about the 1937 Exposition Internationale.

Making History by Writing History

Senior Molly Taylor Advances to State History Competition
Samantha Graines, Staff Writer
June 3, 2020
A Preview of Wednesday U-Lunches Next Year

A Preview of Wednesday U-Lunches Next Year

Jackson Antonow, Alex Carlin, Eli Moog, and Tess Wayland Run for Senate
Samantha Graines, Staff Writer
May 13, 2020
Image from NFC North Report on Instagram

The Notorious NFC

Max Keller Runs Sports Instagram Account With 12.4K Followers
Samantha Graines, Staff Writer
April 12, 2020

More Than Just a Rose

Parker’s Bachelor Bracket
Samantha Graines, Staff Writer
February 13, 2020
Eric Rampson starting the second work period for the NaNoWriMo in the Collab-lab

Starting Their Story

Middle Schoolers Participate in NaNoWriMo
Samantha Graines, Staff Writer
November 26, 2019

¡Hola from Spain!

A Glimpse into Ellie Buono’s Year-Abroad Experience
Samantha Graines, Staff Writer
October 30, 2019
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Samantha Graines