On Tuesday, September 18, Dennis Parker '73 delivered an address to Grades 3-8 in the morning followed by an address to the Upper School. Dennis's connection to the school extends back nearly fifty years, one third of the school's existence, and he remarked on the values that have long served as the foundation of the School, as well as the many ways in which the School has evolved. His story inspired students, who quickly rose to a standing ovation at the conclusion of his remarks.

Dennis Parker is an alumnus, a parent to Zoe Parker '09, a member of the RCDS board of trustees, and the 2001 recipient of the W. Lee Pierson Distinguished Alumni Award, which recognizes an individual whose generosity and service have significantly benefited and strengthened our society. He is the Director of the ACLU National Office's Racial Justice Program (RJP), and formerly served as the Chief of the Civil Rights Bureau of the Office of the New York State Attorney. Mr. Parker also worked for fourteen years at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund litigating and supervising the litigation of scores of cases involving elementary and secondary education, affirmative action in higher education and equal educational opportunity. He is a graduate of Middlebury College and Harvard Law School.

Thank you to Dennis Parker for returning to campus and inspiring the next generation of Rye Country Day leaders and changemakers to pursue lives in keeping with the school's motto, "Not for Self, but for Service."