Parker recognized by AHSAA with Making A Difference Award
Robby Parker (left) seen with Dale Strong at a Bob Jones football game.
(RECORD PHOTO/LINDSAY VAUGHT)
MADISON- Bob Jones principal Robby Parker has been chosen to be the 6A recipient of the most prestigious Alabama High School Athletic Association award a coach or administrator can receive. Parker was named the winner for Class 6A of the 2014 Making A Difference Award.
The award was established in 2011 by the AHSAA and AHSADCA to recognize individuals who go beyond their normal duties as a coach, teacher, or administrator to make a positive impact in their schools and communities.
Parker has been at Bob Jones for 26 years and has served as teacher, baseball coach, assistant football coach, athletic director, and principal. He was named principal in June, 2005. He was baseball coach for five years in the mid-1990’s.
AHSAA Executive Director Steve Savarese announced the six individuals who won last week.
“The recipients in this class are tremendous role models for their students, faculty, and community. They are excellent examples of what this award stands for. This award is the most important honor a professional educator in our state can receive. Characteristics considered for this award include character, integrity, and service, all of which have enable Mr. Parker to have a life-changing impact on the community and school,” Savarese said.
Parker will be presented the award at the Championship Coaches Banquet at the Renaissance Montgomery Convention Center on July 25. The 6 p.m. event will close the 2014 Summer Conference and All-Star Sports Week for member schools.
Bob Jones Softball Coach Kent Chambers nominated Parker.
“We are blessed at Bob Jones to have Robby Parker as our principal. He lets students know they are important, going above and beyond what the average expectations are of an administrator. He has created a sense of family in our students and his love for Bob Jones is evident in all he does. He sets the bar extremely high for all high school principals,” Chambers wrote.
Parker attends all football game and basketball games. He attends every signing that his schedule will allow; often talking about his days as a college baseball player at Samford University in Birmingham. He is a 1981 graduate of Fairfield High School.
Parker has an undergraduate degree from Samford and a Masters from UNA.
Academically, Bob Jones was named among the top 5% of American High Schools. The school regularly produces Presidential Scholars including one this year.
Athletically, the Patriots have won state titles in girl’s and boy’s basketball programs. The volleyball team also won a state championship this past year.
