Patsy Summers

Patsy Shean Summers is the name.

Teaching school for 37 years was my game.

From Parkview's 1st 4 years my roots I trace.

So in my heart Parkview's got the number 1 place.

Every year since Parkview's opened I've been to Parkview is some role:

1) First as a student,
2) Then as a speech judge.
3) One of the founders of Parkview Partners (an innovative program that teamed grade school students with a high school buddy to enhance learning).
4) For various teacher meetings.
5) As a proud parent (my two children, Gena and Wes, attended Parkview).
6) Reunion events and committees.
7) A member of the cast for "Parkview Alumni Variety Show" and other events.
8) To enjoy theatre, music, and sporting events.
9) As a member of PTA and a parent volunteer.
10) To establish the "Summers' Super Star Scholarship" in honor of my students and their families.
11) Helping the class of 1960 purchase seats in the theatre and display case in the student center.

Donna Fishel

Donna Fishel is the Leadership School program coordinator at Parkview and teaches journalism. This is her fourth year at PHS and 14th year as a teacher. 

"This is a milestone event for Parkview and milestones should be celebrated! Matt Hudson and I met in September 2015 and tossed around ideas for some kind of celebration. Little did we know.... From there, we now have a large and active committee of enthusiastic volunteers who are making so many wonderful events happen all year. It is inspiring to witness what a dedicated band of people can do. 

"I grew up in a small town in Georgia and attended a high school that was very much like Parkview - rich, deep community roots and history, strong family feeling. Parkview reminds me so much of my own high school that, even though I didn't attend here, its heritage and atmosphere make it feel like home."

Janice Beckett

Class of 1979. Member of first year of Parkview Color Guard, served as Captain 1977-1979. PHS Viking Band 1975-1979. Band Council Secretary 1978-1979, Student Council 1977-1979. 

Proud parent of Allison Beckett, Class of 2004,(Band, Volleyball, Basketball, Track) and Matt Beckett, Class of 2008 (Band, Soccer, Track, Student Council Assemblies Commissioner). Served as Band Booster President 4 years during the 8 years my children attended PHS. Member of the founding committee for The Valhalla Marching Band Competition, served as Event Coordinator 2003-2007. Married to Pete Beckett, also Class of 1979.

 

Janice is a Registered Nurse, with Certification in Wound Care. She is a Wound Care Nurse at Mercy Home Health.

 

"I love Parkview, all of the memories that have been made over the years while sharing and celebrating the PHS pride and traditions. My favorite memories of Parkview are Friday night Football games, marching from the courtyard across Grant, making a grand entrance through the gate and around the track with the 'Sal' (George of the Jungle) Cadence!"

Shela Lovewell

Shela Lovewell taught business from October, 1983 to October, 2002. She also sponsored Lassies and FBLA. 
Since PHS,  "I was a curriculum facilitator, instructional specialist and assessment specialist with Springfield Schools. I Retired in 2014. My favorite PHS memory? The life-long friendships formed with students and faculty."

Kathy Sechler

Class of 1967.

"I was a counselor at Jarrett Middle School for 25 years. Most of the students from Jarrett go on to attend Parkview so I had the privilege of watching the school grow and change over the years. Several of my classmates shared their work on the committee and I wanted to be a part of planning the 60th Anniversary. 

"While at Parkview I was a member of the Lassie Drum Corps. I have fond memories of school performances, bus trips, early morning practices (not so fond), and good friends I made along the way."

Bill Estes

Bill Estes 

Parkview Class of 1967

"I am retired from AT&T as Operations Manager for Southwest Missouri in July of 2004. I now have a classic car restoration shop Last Chance Garage.

I Served 4 years in the Air Force during Viet Nam came back and attended SMS (MSU). Parkview was good to me and I would like to give back and also connect with old friends."

Cora Scott

Cora is a 1986 Parkview graduate. She also coached the Vikettes from 1989-1999.

"I am the director of public information & civic engagement for the City of Springfield. I had a great time at Parkview, both as a student and as a coach and made many memories, which has made me always feel a special connection to the school. I decided to stay in Springfield and have enjoyed a wonderful career in public relations / communication. 

"I am involved in the 60th anniversary because I am very proud of my time at the school and I’m proud of what is currently going on at the school, with the development of PHS Leadership School. I think Vikings have a special connection and I have enjoyed getting to know many other alums involved in the 60th anniversary planning.

"My favorite thing about Parkview is the diversity of people and ideas and the general culture of innovation and inspiration. My philosophy of always 'shooting for the Stars' began when I was student there because of the mentors I learned from."

Cora is a member of the 60th anniversary committee.

Nancy Bareford

Class of 1970 

Nancy is a French teacher, retired from SPS, now teaching French at Greenwood. Why is she on the 60th anniversary committee?  "Matt Hudson put me on it! Ha! And because I have connections with a multitude of PHS grads)."

"All my memories of PHS are good- except the heat and crowds. It was huge then. I truly have only wonderful memories of PHS. While there, I was a cheerleader, in Junior/Senior choir, I was basketball homecoming queen (I still have crown somewhere!). I made lifetime friendships and somehow got a good education along the way."

Nancy is a member of the 60th Anniversary committee.

Nancy Rowe

"I followed legends Bob Bilyeu and Brett Miller as the Parkview speech and debate coach.  I served as English teacher and speech and debate coach from 1996 until 2014.  I am currently the proud mother of Parkview sophomore Gracie Wedgeworth.

"Since leaving Parkview, I’ve been teaching a little public speaking at Missouri State University and Drury University; and English composition at OTC’s Middle College.  Most importantly, I am mother of and grateful taxi service for Gracie (15) and Drew (11).

"The minute I walked through those doors off Meadowmere as a student teacher in January 1996, I knew I was in a special place. Parkview is a school and a community to be celebrated.  I’m happy to be part of its 60th birthday celebration.

"I loved my students dearly.  I love them still. When I inherited the speech and debate program, it was among the best in the state and nation.  The students I was lucky enough to coach continued that tradition.  They carried that pride and devotion into every tournament. To them, and to the debate community near and far, Parkview was the best of the best. Parkview is the best of the best.  It will always be my favorite."

Nancy is a member of the 60th anniversary committee.

Beverly Haworth Lines

Class of 1964

Owner of Tour and Convention Consultants since 1988. Also owner of Missouri Route 66 Tours. Beverly Volunteers with KOZk public television; Springfield Junior League; Springfield Symphony Guild; Springfield PTA president; Guild president and Tour Docent at History Museum at Bentley House; Docent and Picture Lady at Springfield Art Museum; Mother Of All Reunions chairperson.

Beverly is involved in planning the 60th anniversary to share the many high school memories with my close friends/Parkview classmates. 

"My favorite thing about Parkview is friendships made through the 3 citywide high school sororities : Lambda Alpha Lambda, Tau Phi Gamma, Alpha Tau Phi. We went to parties and meetings with girlfriends from other schools and Parkview. It gave us a wonderful opportunity to have friends city wide and not just in our own school."

Beverly is a member of the 60th anniversary committee. 

Julie Kuklenski Peck

"I graduated from Parkview in 1977. My siblings, Monte and Jill were graduates in 1970 and 1974. My father, Joe, was principal at Parkview in the late 1960's -- so you might say our family bleeds green and gold. I recently retired after teaching middle school for 17 years for SPS. 

"Parkview High School is such a special place. The faculty at PHS prepared me well for college and gave me many opportunities to grow as a leader. I hope the current students feel a part of a wonderful legacy. There are Parkview graduates all over the globe who share Viking traditions. There are so many reasons to celebrate our 60th Anniversary!

"My favorite memories of high school involve the hours and hours I spent as a Lassie under the guidance of Deanna Corn; singing in Madrigal and Choir under the direction of Evelyn Struble; serving as Social Commissioner on Cabinet with Mike Kohr as our sponsor. All three individuals were wonderful mentors and gave countless hours of their personal time to make sure students had the best experiences possible."

Julie is a member of the 60th anniversary committee.

Tiffany (Caywood) Brunner

Tiffany is a 1992 graduate of Parkview and taught there from 2001-2009. Her son, Alex, is attending Parkview now, so she is now a Parkview parent!

Tiffany is the Director of Middle College at Ozarks Technical Community College. Prior to working at OTC, she was an assistant principal at Republic High School.

"Why am I involved in planning the 60th anniversary? Because Parkview is home! My favorite thing about Parkview is that I have made many life-long friends through my connections from Parkview as both a student and a teacher. I am very proud to be a Parkview graduate, and was equally proud of my teaching tenure there. Once a Viking, always a Viking! I always felt like students were successful at Parkview based on their merit and contributions as a person. The Parkview community is very open, accepting, and really encourages individuality."

Tiffany is a member of the 60th anniversary committee.

Jean Francis Sanders

"I graduated from Parkview in the class of ’63 and have been involved in planning all of our reunions.  My husband Jerry and I have owned the National Art Shop for 46 years and that is where I spend most of my time. My favorite memory of Parkview is of the Lassies and all the friends I made while there."

Jean is a member of the 60th anniversary committee.

Judy Brunner

“My first teaching job in Springfield was at Parkview High School.  In that capacity, I stayed five years.  After falling in love with the PHS community, my husband and I decided to remain in the area in order for our two boys to attend Parkview.  As a result, I was a Parkview parent for eight years.  As luck would have it, I was offered the opportunity to return to Parkview to serve as its seventh principal.  It was my honor and privilege to do so for six years (2000-2006).

“For the past ten years I have worked at Missouri State University in a variety of capacities - administrator, teacher, and supervisor.  Additionally, I consult with educators across the United States providing professional learning opportunities on the topics of literacy, student engagement, differentiated instruction, academic rigor, bullying prevention, school safety, and classroom management.

“Parkview has a long tradition of excellence, and this anniversary provides an opportunity to showcase what our school community has been and continues to be.  We are proud of our past while preparing for the future. 

“At Parkview you can be what you want to be.  Students, faculty and staff are accepting, bright, tolerant, aware of community, and willing to give of themselves for the greater good.  Parkview = Simply the Best.”

Judy is a member of the 60th anniversary committee.

Bob Stephens

1968 graduate 

Springfield Mayor Bob Stephens Bob Stephens was elected in April 2009 to General Seat A of Springfield City Council. He served on the Plans and Policies Committee and the Community Involvement Committee. He was unanimously elected Mayor Pro Tem by his peers in 2011 and was sworn in as Mayor when Jim O'Neal resigned in May 2012. He has served as Mayor since that time and, in that role, serves as an ex-officio member of the four council standing committees. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Springfield Sister Cities Association, the Board of Directors of the Urban Districts Alliance, the Board of Directors of PIC-West, and is a member of the Greene County Mayor's Association.

Mayor Stephens's favorite thing about Parkview is that it turns out leaders in all walks of life; and his favorite memory is his classmates. 

Julie Aton Leeth

1970 graduate

Dr. Leeth was an SPS teacher and Administrator for 30 years, including serving as principal at Glendale and Hillcrest High Schools.  "After 'retirement' 12 years ago, I have been employed at the Community Foundation of the Ozarks and am the Executive Vice President."

When asked why she is involved in planning the 60th anniversary, she replied, "I can’t say no to Matt Hudson!!!! And I do love PHS." Her favorite memory of Parkview is "When I forged Betty Lee Dunham’s signature on permits to leave school for the senior class!"

Julie is a member of the 60th anniversary committee.

Ken McClure

Class of 1968

Springfield City Council and Springfield Mayor Pro-Tem 

A Magna Cum Laude 1972 graduate of Missouri State University with a graduate degree from Mizzou, Ken was a Captain the United States Army Reserve; Budget Analyst, Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee, 1974-1976;  Staff Director, Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee, 1977-1981; Deputy Director, Missouri Department of Economic Development, 1981-1990; Commissioner and Chairman, Missouri Public Service Commission, 1990-1997; Associate General Manager, City Utilities of Springfield, 1997-2005; Chief of Staff and Transition Director, Missouri Governor Matt Blunt, 2004-2006; Associate Vice President, Missouri State University, 2006-2008; and Vice President, Missouri State University, 2008-2015. 

"Our family has very strong ties to Parkview. My brother Richard and sister Carolyn are both graduates. 
Our Mother, Dorothy McClure, taught in the Business Department at Parkview for 27 years. This is an opportunity to show our gratitude and appreciation and celebrate the rich heritage of Parkview."

Ken's favorite memories of Parkview are when the Parkview Band was designated at the Official Band of the State of Missouri to represent the state at the 1964 New York World's Fair; and the Parkview Orchestra performed at the United States Pavilion in Montreal at Expo '67. His other favorite memory is the excellence of Dan Palen as band/orchestra director. 

Jan Strange

Counselor at Parkview 1977 to 1996.
Full time & Part time in Education for 48 years.
"I  love Parkview and the students I knew at Parkview. I can say that I loved almost everyday that I worked at Parkview. I still have a close relationship with many of my students."

Jan is a member of the anniversary committee.

Susan March Uffmann

Class of 1970. 

All of her siblings also went to PHS (1968, 1971, 1975, 1981, 1983) as well as her children (1997, 1999, 2005).

Susan retired last year after 28 years as a Parent Educator/Developmental Screener with Parents as Teachers. Before that, she worked for 10 years in banking. During college she worked bussing tables then being a cashier at Bonanza Steak House (remember it??) where she became bookkeeper following graduation.

"I enjoyed my high school years at PHS - the teachers, staff, friends and activities. I have worked on my own class reunions as well as the Big Reunion and have found it is always great fun to get together with other Vikings from whatever year to celebrate together our green and gold memories."

What Susan loves most about Parkview is the opportunity for camaraderie and learning engagement shared across diverse backgrounds. Her favorite memories are Jerry Anderson (counselor), Mr. Balden (principal), Mrs. Dunham (girl's dean), Band (Palen), Biology (Thomas), World History (Sheeley), Latin (Kohr), American History (French), Psychology (Jenkins); AFS, Latin Club, Canterbury Club.......and the "high stepping" Lassies!

Susan is a member of the 60th anniversary committee.

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Matt Hudson

Matt is a graduate of Parkview, Class of 1996 and PHS Assistant Principal from 2005-2013. He is also a former teacher at Hillcrest High School. After Parkview, Matt worked at SPS Central Office and is currently Dean of Technical Education at OTC.

"I am passionate about Parkview, its place in our community, and the great people who are students, staff, and fellow alumni. I helped with the 40^th, chaired the events of the 50^th, and am now back for the 60^th!

"My favorite thing about Parkview is how much it is like a family. Nearly everywhere I go, people I’m talking to or doing business with have the Parkview connection, which I think is very special. And, I am amazed by those who have long been gone from Parkview, are always the first to give back when you ask them."

Matt is chairperson of the 60th anniversary committee.

Molly DeLong

Molly is 1965 graduate.  Her three children graduated from PHS. She served as PTA president and site team member.

Molly is an owner of DeLong Plumbing Heating and Air and is retired from AT&T marketing after 30 years. She is involved in the 60th anniversary celebration because she loves Parkview and Matt Hudson.

Her favorite Parkview memory was around 1963 when students rioted against the firing of Coach Runge and they went to the board of education office and made the front page of the newspaper.

Molly is a member of the anniversary committee.

Ed Scott

Ed is a graduate of PHS, class of 1964. He helped with the BIG reunion, Viking Endowment, Mother of all Reunions, and PHS class of 64 reunions. His favorite things about Parkview are the Jolly Green Giants, Lassies, and seeing his classmates.

Ed is a member of the anniversary committee.

Tracy (Wilhoit) Fay

"I graduated in 1978. I was a member of the tennis team, and a cheerleader my sophomore, junior and senior years at PHS.

"My daughter, McKenzi Payton, is a fairly recent graduate (2011) and was very active at PHS: Varsity soccer and volleyball for 4 years, cabinet and Homecoming Queen. While McKenzi was at PHS I served as the PTA president (4 years) and soccer booster club president (3 years). I was also named volunteer of the year by the PTA after McKenzi graduated. She also was in a group of 7 that performed the sword dance at the homecoming assembly in 2010. I believe this was the first time it was performed in quite a few years.

"After graduating from Drury College in 1982, I worked in retail, and in 1985 I began working at Reliable Chevrolet, and I have been in the car business ever since. I am the office manager at The Auto Shoppe where I have been for 18 years.

"I was involved in the planning of 'The Big Reunion' and I am enjoying meeting new people involved in the 60th anniversary. Once a Viking always a Viking is something I am proud of, which is why I try to stay involved. 

"My favorite things about PHS were the football and basketball games, they were such big events in our day. Hanging out at Ken's Pizza after the games was also so much fun. Most of my closest friends are my buds from Parkview. We all have a special bond that lasts a lifetime, and we still meet at least once a month!!

Tracy is a member of the 60th anniversary committee.