LOUISVILLE (KY) - Francis Parker School of Louisville recently named Mike Kelley its new Athletic Director. Kelley, who is originally from Newark, New York, takes over the Athletic Department and is eager to elevate Wyvern athletics to a new level. Kelley has led the development of athletic culture and successful basketball programs at all levels, from teaching beginning athletes in middle school to coaching competitive college teams. His involvement in athletics began early in life. As a basketball player in high school, his talent earned him a place in the Newark High School Basketball Hall of Fame. In college, he was a team captain and four-year varsity letter winner at St. Lawrence University, where he earned his BA in sociology. As a coach, Kelley brings an outstanding history of excellence to Francis Parker. After studying Athletic Administration at the University of Richmond, Kelley became the assistant athletic director at Sullivan County Community College. He then became Sullivan’s men’s basketball coach, compiling a .755 winning percentage over three seasons. In his first season as a coach, he led the team to a National Championship in the 1995-96 NJCAA Division III. Kelley was named the Mid-Hudson Conference Coach of the Year for the 1995-1996 season and the National Junior College Coach of the Year in 1996. Kelley then continued coaching throughout his career at a variety of public and private schools. In the last decade, he has built competitive and winning programs at a top-ranked academic high school (Academic Magnet High School in North Charleston, South Carolina, where his boys’ varsity [...]

Congratulations to our 2023 Merit Scholarship Competition finalists! A total of 40 students participated in our High School and Middle School Merit Scholarship Competitions this year, making the selection process challenging and exciting! The academic accomplishments, extracurricular involvement, demonstrated leadership, and teacher recommendations we reviewed for each participant were quite impressive, and there were many deserving candidates. In the rising 9th grade competition, students participated from schools all over Louisville, resulting in six finalists, three of whom were from Francis Parker, and three of whom were from other schools.  Two students were named Finalists in the competition: Abby Walker (Francis Parker) and Connor Sage (Friends School). One student earned an Honorable Mention Scholarship: Max Wright (Francis Parker).   Our 2023 High School Merit Scholars are: Carnighan Math & Science Merit Scholar - Connor Lin (Francis Parker) Cipinko Humanities Merit Scholar - Maren Loewy (Noe Middle School) Francis Parker Merit Scholar - Evan Williams (Friends School) In the rising 6th grade competition, we named three Middle School Merit Scholars:  Zach Endashaw (Francis Parker) Iris Beale (Francis Parker) Henry Norris (Francis Parker)

Today is the start of the 2022-23 Annual Fund Parent Campaign! Over the next few weeks we have asked families to share what Francis Parker has meant to them and why they support the Annual Fund. To start, we have this year’s Annual Fund Chairs and current parents, Stewart Lussky and Bob Jones. If you have already given this year, thank you! If not, consider showing your support by giving today! “We sit in awe of our son every day, marveling at how he has navigated his growing up years with wise guidance and support from the faculty. Francis Parker has been transformative for him, providing space for him to explore his wide and varied interests and to grow into a young man ready to take charge of his own future. This school will always hold a special place in our hearts and we happily support it, helping to ensure that it is here for future students. We are honored to chair this campaign and ask that you join us in supporting Francis Parker.” GIVE TODAY!

In partnership with Buffalo Construction, we are proud to present the in-person return of the Imagine! Art Auction + Scholarship Fundraiser on Saturday, October 1 at 6:30 p.m. at the Omni Hotel in downtown Louisville. For over 25 years, Imagine! has consistently been one of Louisville’s premier and most popular art auctions. Guests enjoy an amazing art exhibit with opportunities to take home inspired, original works of art from locally and nationally celebrated artists, as well as chances to bid on priceless travel experiences featured in our live auction. In addition to the dazzling display of artwork, guests are also treated to signature cocktails, gourmet food, and the opportunity to mix and mingle with local artists.  Proceeds raised at Imagine! directly support financial aid and scholarships, which total more than $3 million each year. Our robust commitment to need-based tuition assistance helps make a Francis Parker education accessible to as many students as possible. Please help us make this year our most successful event yet. You can support the event in a number of ways: Help underwrite the event expenses and promote your business through event sponsorship Buy tickets and plan to attend with friends and family – this is an event for everyone, you don’t have to be a Francis Parker parent to enjoy Imagine! Join the planning committee – no matter what your skills and talents may be, we’ll find a place for you to contribute and help out If you’re an artist or you know an artist, consider submitting a piece of artwork and/or encouraging other artists to participate – artists receive 50% [...]