Arshawn Parker was the Varsity head girls’ basketball coach at CHS and the principal at CMS. Parker graduated from Albion College, where he played basketball for four years. In his time at Concord, he participated in many events within the school and with the kids, like Pie a Teacher, Dunk a Teacher, and Tape a Teacher. Parker has been hired as the principal at Everett High School in Lansing. This will be Parker’s last year here with us at Concord. In his time here, he has made many accomplishments.
Parker was hired as the girls’ head varsity basketball coach during the 2023-24 basketball season. Over the last year, Parker gained a really strong relationship with the girls on the team, on and off the court. He impacted the girls every day in ways others could never understand. During the 2024-2045 basketball season, Parker led the girls to the Semifinals at the Breslin Center, something that hasn’t been done in nearly 20 years.
He has managed to build a strong relationship with every girl on the team, each in a different way. Grace Thorrez was a senior on the team this year; “As soon as I met him, I knew he was gonna help me change and be the best person I could be, and I couldn’t be more grateful for everything he’s done for me. He has been a huge blessing for me, as I wouldn’t have had the opportunities I have now without him. I’ll miss him very much.” Mr. Parker managed to push us to be the best we could be and still be one of the friendliest people we could ever know.
Mr. Parker served as the head principal of CMS for two years. He greets students with a warm and welcoming heart. He tries his best to be relatable and have fun with his students. He is playful and funny, but always ensures you have the best experience with him. Ruthie Stevens attends Concord Middle School and also practices with the varsity team some days. Stevens says, “I have a lot of good memories with Arshawn, whether it’s at school, with our family, or during basketball season. I’m going to miss seeing him every day… I want to wish him good luck, and don’t forget to come back and visit us soon.” Concord is a very close-knit community, and Arshawn Parker was a great member of the community and the family that has been built around it.
Parker not only had a strong bond with the children he encountered, but also with the other staff and adults. Fellow staff member and the principal at CHS, Jill Snyder, states, “ArShawn brought a spark to Concord, uplifting students, energizing hallways, and transforming the girls basketball program with heart and dedication. Whether leading a field trip or supporting a colleague, he showed up with purpose and care. His presence made a lasting impact, and he will be deeply missed.” Snyder conveys that there was never a day when she couldn’t ask him for a helping hand. and many in our community agree. Arshawn Parker is truly one of the sweetest, most helpful, and empathetic people we may ever meet.
Arshawn is a joyful person who never fails to lighten up a room. The girls have described him as motivational, resilient, outgoing, and extremely loud at times; they all agreed on this one, playfully. Hannah Stimer was another senior on the team at this time. She says that she and Arshawn had many great moments together. She says, “Some of my favorites are when he showed up to practice in his bucket truck, also when he fell down the bleachers and knocked over a trash can at Maple Valley.” There have been many serious talks but even more laughs. While leading the girls to success, Parker always made sure to keep a smile on his face, whether we were up or down, he never stopped believing in his team.
To say that Mr.Parker will be missed is truly an understatement. He made a huge impact on everyone he came in contact with every day. There is never a day you will see him without a smile on his face. We are overjoyed that we got to share this experience with you at Concord, and we are excited to see all the amazing things you will do in your future.
