Education changes

By Staff
Parker glad he opted for education
Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
Had it not been for the influence of his high school football coach, Frank Parker would probably have chosen a career as a mathematician in the space industry over education.
"I was a math major in college and hadn't given a thought to pursuing a career in education," Parker said. That was before Coach J. P. Cain came calling.
Coach Cain had just accepted the position of principal at the city's new Hartselle Junior High School," Parker recalled. "He was putting his faculty together and offered me a job as a math teacher. Some of my classmates at Morgan County High School had already accepted teaching positions. I couldn't tell him no even though it meant I would have to take 28 additional hours of course work to be certified as a teacher."
At the end of next month, Parker will retire after spending his entire 36-year career as an educator at the same school. He was a classroom teacher for seven years and assistant principal for four11 years before serving for 25 years as principal.
Parker said the 11 years he was a teacher and assistant under Cain was a tremendous learning experience. "I credit him with having a big influence on my career as an educator, he added.
He also said the late Clarence Light, a well-respected teacher for many years in Morgan County and Hartselle schools, gave him a bit of advice when he was a young teacher that has stayed with him down through the years. "He told me that he had no regrets about his education career because when you're around teachers you're around good people. I've thought about that a lot and my experience has taught me that he was right."
"The days of a school principal are usually long and sometimes difficult but I'm proud to say that all in all mine have been good days," Parker stated. I have been blessed with good health and a love for my work. Plus, my job has been made easier because of the dedication and hard work of our teachers and support staff. I couldn't have asked for better people with whom to work."
Although other job offers have come his way, Parker said he never seriously considered leaving. "It has been a joy working with the people here and this is my hometown. I'm sure there are lot of other good places to live but I don't believe any of them can compare with Hartselle," he pointed out.
Parker said it has been personally rewarding to be a part of a school system where students are learning and are safe and happy, where teachers are growing in their professional and working together harmoniously, and where everything is working as it should.
When asked how he would like to be remembered as a former HJHS principal, he responded, "as someone who was fair, firm and consistent. I hope my service has been honorable."
Until his retirement in 2000, Parker enjoyed a highly successful career in the Alabama National Guard. He joined the Guard as a private in Hartselle's Company C, 1343d. Engineer Battalion, Subsequently, he enrolled in the Alabama Military Academy, where he earned a commission as a second lieutenant. He later served as commander of Company C, commander of the 877th Combat Battalion (heavy), and commander of the 1169th Engineering Group. He retired with the rank of colonel after 31 years.
Parker, 58, said he has no definite plans for retirement but is looking forward to spending more time with his family. He and his wife, Melanie, a dental hygienist, have a son, T.J., his wife, Wendy, and their son, Jake Ryan. "I'm really looking forward to being able to spend more time with my grandson and doing things with him," he pointed out.
Parker also indicated he will devote more time to golfing, gardening and target shooting.
Parker and four other retirees at HJHS were honored with a retirement dinner last Saturday evening in the school cafeteria. Joining him as honorees were Patricia Bryan and Sandra Smith, both teachers, Diane dele, cafeteria manager, and Lois Vest, cafeteria employee.