Alumni Association

2024 Parkway Alumni Hall of Fame

Dr. Dwayne Buckingham – Parkway West '92

Chip Caray – Parkway West '83 (will be inducted in 2026)

Chip Caray is a well-known figure in the Greater Saint Louis Area, having served as the voice of the St. Louis Cardinals in recent years for Bally Sports. Continuing the legacy of his father, Skip Caray, and grandfather, Harry Caray, before him, Caray has established himself as a well-respected sports broadcaster.

After graduating from Parkway High School, Caray pursued journalism at the University of Georgia, graduating in 1987. His career took flight soon after, landing his first major role as the play-by-play announcer for the Orlando Magic from 1989 to 1998. During this time, Caray also called baseball games for the Seattle Mariners from 1993 to 1995.

In 1998, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Harry Caray, Caray assumed the mantle as the voice of the Chicago Cubs, serving as the team's lead broadcaster until 2004. He then transitioned to become the television play-by-play announcer for the Atlanta Braves in 2005, a role he held until 2022.

Returning to his roots at the start of 2023, Caray joined the Cardinals as a play-by-play announcer, working for the team that started it all. His love for baseball has been the cornerstone of his broadcasting career, and he has become a respected and beloved broadcaster to fans and coworkers alike.

Julie Sparks Gibbs – Parkway Central '84

Gibbs has a long and remarkable career of service and leadership. After graduating from Parkway Central, she attended the University of Missouri – Columbia, where she found her place in Kappa Delta. Her dedication to Greek life led to her election as President of Mizzou’s Panhellenic Council, the governing body of the University’s sororities. She also was inducted into the prestigious honor society, Mystical Seven and was Homecoming Queen runner up her senior year. In 1988, Gibbs earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism and spent the following years working her way up to become the Director of Planned Giving at the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO).

After a decade at the SLSO, Gibbs decided to focus on her family and community, taking an active role as the President of the PTO at Green Trails and helping raise funds for their library renovation. In 2005, she reentered the workforce as the Development Director at the United Hebrew Congregation where she led the congregation in raising money for and celebrating commissioning a new Torah, and later transitioned to the role of Development Associate at the St. Louis Jewish Community Center (JCC), doing development and alumni relations for Camp Sabra.

In 2014, Gibbs joined the Jewish Federation of St. Louis as the Director of Women’s Philanthropy. She excelled in various roles, including Director of Major Gifts and Affinity Groups, and eventually rose to Vice President of Development. During her tenure, she developed numerous new programs and significantly increased support for the organization. She also served as President of J Pro, a Federation program bringing together professionals working in the Jewish community.

In 2022, Gibbs returned to the SLSO, this time as Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer. After making an impact there, she was called back to the JCC and now serves as their Chief Philanthropy Officer.

Throughout her career as a development professional, Gibbs has exceeded many fundraising and community connectivity goals for the SLSO, JCC, and Jewish Federation. She has made a mark initiating new programs from planned giving programs to capital campaigns and while at the Jewish Federation, she helped create the Jewish Federation's signature women’s campaign event, L’Chaim, which is now in its 10^th year.  Julie played a key role in fundraising for the renovation of Camp Sabra, expansion of the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum, helped successfully move along the Powell Hall project and now is working on taking the renovation of the J’s Marilyn Fox building project across the finish line.  Her outstanding contributions to the Jewish community have led to her nomination for the United Hebrew Chai Society, a prestigious award honoring congregants who have made an impact at the temple and the wider Jewish community. 

Gibbs's unwavering dedication and exceptional leadership have left a lasting mark on every organization she has been a part of. Her strategic vision, innovative program development, and relentless commitment to community service have not only advanced the missions of the SLSO, JCC, and Jewish Federation but have also enriched the lives of countless individuals. Her legacy of service and achievement stands as a testament to her profound impact on the St. Louis community and beyond.

Lori Wells Jacob – Parkway North '84

After graduating from Parkway North, Lori Jacob attended Mizzou, University of Missouri St. Louis, and Columbia College where she earned her BS in Business Administration. She continued earning her MBA from Lindenwood University.  While obtaining her degree, she kicked off her longstanding career as part of the Greater St. Louis Junior Achievement organization, balancing her professional aspirations and raising two children.

Jacob's journey at Junior Achievement is marked by her steady ascent through various roles in marketing, education, development, and operations, culminating in her role as CEO/President. Under her dynamic leadership, Junior Achievement has expanded its reach to 96 counties in Missouri, 43 counties in Illinois, and five counties in Indiana, making it the fourth-largest Junior Achievement organization in the United States. Last year alone, JA reached over 173,000 students.

One of Jacob’s most recent achievements is her collaboration with Parkway on the Junior Achievement Trades Program. This innovative project provides students with opportunities to explore technology, engineering, computer-aided activities, and carpentry/construction. Additionally, she has significantly impacted the Parkway School District through "JA BizTown," an event where fifth graders assume various roles to learn essential economic principles like commerce and purchasing. Junior Achievement volunteers also frequently visit classrooms to teach financial literacy and the importance of savings and resources. 

Under Lori’s leadership, JA reached over 173,000 students last school year. The impact JA has on lives is lasting.  Third party impact study shows that 97% of JA Alumni graduated high school, 68% earned a bachelor’s degree, 31% earned advanced degrees, 40% are involved in business ownership, 97% are satisfied with their careers, 98% are confident in managing their money, and 1 out of 3 ended up working in same job as their JA volunteer.  The study shows a significant upward shift in social mobility.

Jacob’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. Her dedication has resulted in numerous national awards, including the Charles R. Hook Award, the Karl Flemke Pioneer Award, and recognition by the House of Representatives in the Congressional Record. 

Lori Jacob’s commitment to empowering youth and fostering financial literacy has not only transformed Junior Achievement has also left an indelible mark on countless communities, including the Parkway School District. Her innovative programs and strategic partnerships have provided invaluable opportunities for students to explore their potential and gain essential life skills. As she continues to lead with vision and passion, Jacob’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to shape the future, one student at a time…making lives and our communities even better.

Karen Clisham Johnson – Parkway South ‘83

Karen Johnson brings a wealth of experience and leadership to her role as Chief Deputy Executive Director, Operations at Covered California, a position she has held since January 2017. As an integral part of the executive leadership team, she is tasked with setting the strategic direction and providing leadership and oversight across the Administrative Services, Financial Management, and Information Technology Divisions. Her core mission is to enhance organizational effectiveness by shaping, driving, and evaluating policies and procedures related to operational processes. She adeptly coordinates daily operations, spearheads cross-divisional project plans, and tackles issues that affect both operations and financial health, ensuring the smooth running of Covered California.

Before her tenure at Covered California, Ms. Johnson made significant contributions as the Chief Deputy Director at the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), where she was instrumental in managing day-to-day operations and played a key role in both implementing and shaping the department's policies, aligning them with its overarching mission. Her career also includes a pivotal stint as the Deputy Director of Administration for the California State Board of Equalization, further showcasing her comprehensive background in public administration and policy implementation.

Ms. Johnson's academic background is as impressive as her professional journey. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, with a specialization in accounting, from St. Louis University. Her combination of practical experience, leadership acumen, and academic credentials make her a cornerstone of Covered California's executive team, driving the organization towards its operational and strategic goals.

Dan Koboldt – Parkway West ‘98

After graduating from Parkway West in 1998, Dan Koboldt attended the University of Missouri, where he graduated in 2001 with a double major in Computer Science and French Language. He continued his education journey at Washington University where he earned a Master of Science in Biology in 2007. 

Typically, people will align themselves as either left or right brained in career or vocation, but Koboldt took his love of science and pursued a career not only as a research scientist but as a science fiction and fantasy author. Koboldt serves as the Director of Biomedical Interpretation and Training at the Institute for Genomic Medicine at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where he has contributed to the fight against diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and macular degeneration. Simultaneously, he has enjoyed success as an author, publishing numerous books including the Gateways to Alissia trilogy, the Build-A-Dragon Sequence, and has served as the editor for Putting the Science in Fiction and Putting the Fact in Fantasy.

Koboldt has made many contributions to the wellbeing of the community at large through numerous projects. He was a key contributor to the team that sequenced and analyzed the first cancer genome, participated in The Cancer Genome Atlas projects, Pediatric Cancer Genome Project and more. While working at Washington University he was the lead developer of VarScan and MendelScan, open-source tools used to analyze data from studies of inherited genomes and cancer. He also contributes to the understanding of genomics by the general population with the authorship of two blogs, MassGenomics and KidsGenomics. In addition, he has published numerous works in preeminent scientific journals including Nature, New England Journal of Medicine and more. As a sci-fi/fantasy author, Koboldt continues to provide entertainment and intellectual stimulation to readers, offering armchair adventures within a smart, educated framework.

Dan Koboldt’s diverse career, blending scientific research with creative writing, is a testament to his exceptional talents and dedication. His impactful work in genomics and his contributions to literature illustrate a unique integration of science and storytelling. Koboldt's achievements reflect his commitment to both advancing scientific knowledge and enriching readers' imaginations. His journey from Parkway West to leading roles in groundbreaking research and successful authorship continues to demonstrate the extraordinary possibilities that come from pursuing one's passions with enthusiasm and integrity.

John Krewson – Parkway West ‘93

John Krewson's journey began in the Parkway School District in eighth grade, where he discovered a passion for theatre and technology. His love for speaking and acting flourished during his time at Parkway West High School. Krewson focused his passion on the speech and debate team, where as a senior he placed 11^th nationally among thousands of students in Humorous Interpretation. Pursuing this passion, Krewson attended The University of Missouri, then later graduated from Lindenwood University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. His dedication and talent eventually led him to the set of Saturday Night Live, where he satisfied a life-long dream by appearing in an episode in 1997. Simultaneously, Krewson developed his skills in software development and went on to earn his Master of Business Administration from Maryville University in 2010.

After returning to the St. Louis area and gaining experience in the technology industry, Krewson founded Sketch Development Services, a software development and business consultancy firm. Since its inception in 2015, Sketch has grown into a leading business in the St. Louis area, serving major companies locally and beyond. The company has been honored on the Inc. 5000 list for two consecutive years and was named one of the St. Louis Business Journal’s Best Places to Work in 2021.

Krewson is especially known for drawing parallels between the creation of a comedy sketch and software development. This concept inspired the creation of Sketch, and his forthcoming book, Shortform: What Businesses Can Learn from Sketch Comedy Teams. As Sketch's influence has expanded, Krewson has remained committed to the Parkway community. He hosts numerous events at Sketch headquarters, visits Parkway computer science classrooms, and invites student groups to learn about software development. In recent years, Krewson has become an advisor and industry partner to Spark!, sponsoring projects and micro-internship experiences for over 10 Parkway students.

Krewson was known during his time at Parkway as a student that consistently demonstrated a remarkable level of determination, creativity, and genuine compassion. While in junior high school, he helped lead the way as a cast member of the Peanut Gallery, a traveling improv group which focused on bringing messages of violence prevention to young children. As an entrepreneur and leader, Krewson has only become more generous. He has reached remarkable success while focusing on contributing to the community through his willingness to help and give back to fellow entrepreneurs and supporting numerous programs such as the Parkway West Baseball Boosters. 

From his early days in improv theatre to his successful career in software development and entrepreneurship, Krewson has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and giving back. Beyond his professional achievements, he is a devoted husband and father, whose support and presence have had a profound impact on his children's lives. Krewson remains a dynamic force in both the business and local communities, exemplifying the values of leadership, innovation, and generosity.

John Lenac - Parkway West '86 

John Lenac is a trailblazer in the music, radio, and talent industries. His relentless work ethic, natural curiosity, and ability to forge strong connections have been pivotal in bringing artists like Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Rihanna, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Beck, Alice In Chains, Radiohead, Soundgarden, Stone Temple Pilots, Green Day, The Smashing Pumpkins, Oasis, Blind Melon, Nine Inch Nails, Bush, Rage Against The Machine, Weezer, Jane's Addiction, and many more into the mainstream.

As an entrepreneur, strategist, consultant, advisor, writer, connector, and speaker, John has been at the forefront of the intersection of music and technology since his early days in FM radio in the ‘90s. His journey spans from building websites for radio stations to creating immersive music experiences in virtual reality. John is passionate about innovation, music, and startups, and he’s dedicated to helping creatives expand their fanbase and better monetize their art and brand.

At Kluge Interactive, an XR game studio, John oversees music strategy and procures music licenses for the award-winning game Synth Riders. As the Head of Programming and Artist/Label Relations for Yahoo! Music, John was instrumental in defining the digital music space, delivering music and videos to millions of fans long before the days of Spotify and YouTube. Under his leadership, Yahoo! Music became one of the company’s most successful properties, reaching record levels in ratings, revenue, and scale, and becoming the largest music website on the internet during his tenure. Prior to this, John worked in promotions at TVT Records, served as the Rock Editor for HITS Magazine, and programmed KTOZ FM, one of the first alt-rock radio stations in 1991.

Throughout his career, John has developed and managed artists, served as President of a music festival/concert series, and founded his own FM talent management company. His efforts have contributed to the sale of hundreds of millions of albums, earning him dozens of gold and platinum plaques.

During the pandemic, John pivoted to live streaming, producing over 150 virtual events and raising more than $33 million for various charities. Following one of the David Bowie virtual tribute concerts, he collaborated with NASA to play Bowie’s music on Mars during the Perseverance Mars Rover landing.

John also teaches marketing at Berklee Online and consults for various music and tech startups. He has moderated and spoken on panels at music industry conventions around the world, including SxSW, ASCAP Music Expo, CMJ, MUSEXPO, Music Export Finland, and the Worldwide Radio Summit. His insights have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Variety, Billboard, and MTV, among other media outlets.

Bradley “BJ” Levin – Parkway Central '99 (will be inducted in 2026)

BJ Levin's high school years at Parkway were filled with diverse extracurricular activities including theatre, band, sports, and debate. Graduating with honors in 1999, Levin continued his academic journey at the University of Maryland - College Park. There, he was selected for the University's Scholars Program after demonstrating exceptional academic ability and promise. Levin graduated with honors in 2003, earning a Bachelor of Science in Management Science and Statistics with a specialization in Decision and Information Sciences from The Robert H. Smith School of Business. His academic excellence and diverse interests have laid a solid foundation for his professional success.

Upon graduating, Levin joined Wachovia Securities as an Investment Banking analyst in the Special Situations division. Ultimately, Levin decided to follow his passions and dove headfirst into the Entertainment Industry where he set out to change the world through the lens of media. He started his career training under Amy Palmer, helping to create a local New York television show, “NYC360”. From there Levin took part in producing several successful TV shows and documentaries. Some of his most notable projects include “MADE” by MTV, for which he won his first Emmy for his contributions; “Project Runway”, which landed him his first position as Executive Producer and Showrunner for Al Roker’s Food Network show called “My Life in Food”; a documentary about psychic mediumship on HBO called “No One Dies in Lily Dale” and the “VICE” show on HBO  which garnered  a total of eight Emmy nominations during his tenure and the award for Best Outstanding Informational Series in 2014.

His many roles in the industry include Executive Producer at VICE Media, Senior Vice President, Development and Original Programming for NBC Universal, Executive Vice President of Development for AGC Studios and his current role as Senior Vice President, Head of Documentaries and Factual Content for Legendary Entertainment. 

Levin has dedicated his career to making global content that changes the world for the better. At VICE he made many feature documentaries focusing on environmental and social justice issues such as the HBO documentary “Fixing the System” with President Barak Obama, “Our Rising Oceans” with President Joe Biden, and films “Fighting ISIS”, “Killing Cancer” and “Countdown to Zero”. Levin went on to Executive Producer the series “The Business of Drugs” for NETFLIX, “Hip Hop Uncovered“ for FX Network, “RapCaviar Presents” for HULU, and the feature documentary “Transition” which had its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival. One of his most notable and risky projects was the arranging and documenting of the trip to North Korea with Dennis Rodman and the US Globetrotters for “VICE” on HBO. 

BJ Levin's career is a testament to his passion for storytelling and his commitment to making a positive impact through media. Transitioning from investment banking to the entertainment industry, Levin quickly established himself as a creative force. Levin continues to push the boundaries of documentary filmmaking. His career is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a drive to create content that informs, inspires, and effects change. Levin's journey is a powerful example of how media can be harnessed to address critical global issues and shape public discourse. 

Dr. Mariam Nawas – Parkway South '07

Mariam Nawas graduated from Parkway South High School in 2007 and started her journey in medicine through the 6-year BA/MD program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. There, she earned both her undergraduate and medical degrees. She then honed her skills during her internship and residency at the University of California, San Francisco Health, followed by a fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. Currently, Mariam is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Chicago Medicine. 

Mariam’s research in hematology and oncology, conducted at both Memorial Sloan Kettering and the University of Chicago, has positioned her as a leading expert in the field. She specializes in the intricate and fast-paced areas of bone marrow transplants and leukemia, with a focus on myeloid diseases including acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).

Mariam's work has been featured in several prestigious peer-reviewed journals, including Blood Advances and Transplantation and Cellular Therapy. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she received the ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology) Young Investigator Award (YIA) in 2020, an honor that supports promising researchers transitioning from fellowship to faculty positions and promotes high-quality oncology research.

Her passion for medicine was ignited by a personal experience—her brother's life-threatening leukemia diagnosis during their childhood. The profound impact of his physician on her family left a lasting impression on Mariam, inspiring her dedication to the field and her mission to make a difference in the lives of her patients. She was also inspired by her parents, who were both Palestinian refugees that overcame adversity to become doctors. 

Mariam Nawas's unwavering dedication to medicine, inspired by her family's resilience and her personal experiences, has distinguished her as a leader in hematology and oncology. Her contributions to research and patient care reflect her commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of her patients. As she continues to innovate and inspire, Mariam's journey serves as a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make through passion, expertise, and an unyielding drive to improve the world of medicine.

Aaron O’Neal – Parkway North ‘04

Aaron O’Neal marked his time at Parkway North with dedication and passion for athletics. He was a four-sport athlete with an exceptional talent for football. His outstanding athleticism was rivaled only by his relentless drive to improve. As a running back under the tutelage of Bob Bunton and the rest of the coaching staff, O’Neal accumulated numerous records and honors. He left Parkway North holding most of the school’s career rushing and scoring records, along with all-state, all-metro, all-conference, and all-district honors.

O’Neal was not only an outstanding athlete but also an amazing person. He truly cared for people. When someone was down, he was always there to make them smile. If someone was sitting alone in the cafeteria, he would join them. Known as a hype man among his friends and teammates, he constantly encouraged others, telling everyone how great they were and inspiring them to do their best. O’Neal was a bright and happy person who left a lasting impact on everyone he met.

O’Neal dreamed of playing Division I football. He dedicated time not only to football but also to his academics, knowing he needed to meet NCAA eligibility requirements. After much hard work in the classroom and on the field, O’Neal signed with the University of Missouri. Unfortunately, O’Neal never had the chance to play a down for MIZZOU. However, his legacy forever changed the sport. After his tragic passing, O’Neal’s impact led to significant changes in the Tiger football program and influenced NCAA rules and regulations regarding the sickle-cell trait.

Aaron O’Neal's legacy is a testament to his remarkable talent and extraordinary character. His contributions to Parkway North and his impact on those around him are enduring reminders of his dedication and kindness. His life, though brief, left a lasting mark on those who knew him and on the broader sports community. His story continues to inspire athletes and individuals alike to pursue their dreams with passion and to treat others with compassion and respect. Aaron O’Neal remains a symbol of determination, kindness, and the profound difference one individual can make in the lives of many.

Gene Solomon – Parkway High ‘65

Gene Solomon’s path in life was decided early on, sparked by his experiences in French and Social Studies classes at Parkway. These interests led him to pursue a double major in French and History at Southeast Missouri State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in 1969. Solomon’s passion for teaching then guided him to Millikin University, where he obtained a second Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1973. With these foundations, Solomon embarked on a long and inspiring career in education.

Throughout his career, Solomon found ways to combine his love for teaching with his passion for travel and cultural exploration. He led a group of students on an archaeological dig sponsored by the Illinois Association for the Advancement of Archeology and received a Fellowship to work on an archaeological project in Israel, led by Harvard Professor Ofer Bar-Yosef. Solomon’s commitment to global education was further recognized when he was awarded a Fulbright-Hays grant for a six-week travel and study program in South Africa. He also participated in the Fulbright Teacher Exchange program, spending a year teaching high school in Benin, West Africa. Through another Fulbright-Hays grant, in collaboration with the Harambee Center of Portland, Solomon was selected for a six-week “Glimpse of Ghana” study trip.

Solomon’s extensive travel and study abroad experiences became integral to his teaching philosophy, leaving a lasting impact on hundreds of students during his career, which included 39 years as a teacher and 25 years as a soccer coach. He became particularly known for his innovative “World Project,” where students were tasked with running a simulated country—a project that many found both meaningful and memorable. His classes were also part of the International Baccalaureate Program at Cleveland High School in Portland, Oregon, helping students prepare for careers in international business and service.

Even in retirement, Solomon remains dedicated to education and cultural exchange. He continues to inspire and support students and teachers through his volunteer work and fosters respect for other cultures by leading Spanish and French conversation groups. His enduring commitment to education and cultural understanding continues to shape the lives of those around him. His life’s work stands as a testament to the power of education and the importance of global citizenship, inspiring future generations to pursue knowledge, understanding, and compassion across borders.

Roberta Solomon – Parkway North '74

There’s a pretty good chance you’ve heard Roberta’s voice. A prolific voiceover artist, she’s been heard on promos and programs for every major television network, and narrates docu-
mentaries for A&E, History Channel, NBC Sports, ESPN, NatGeo and Smithsonian Channel. Currently, she’s the branding voice for scores of TV and radio stations around the U.S., and is
heard during football season as the sponsorship voice of the Kansas City Chiefs Radio Network.

Roberta’s career in front of the mic began at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, when she was hired as a student announcer at KCUR-FM. Not long after that, she began a 15 year on-air
run at KMBR-FM, before leaving the station to work full time as a voiceover artist. She was one of the co-founders of Voices Inc., a Kansas City talent agency.

Each week during the 80s, Roberta worked on the radio during the day and on TV at night. She has the unique distinction of being a former TV horror host. Her creepy, loopy, corset-clad alter ego Crematia Mortem haunted Kansas City television screens on KSHB-TV’s “Creature Feature.” Crematia was inducted into Horrorhound Magazine’s “TV Horror Host Hall of Fame” along with Elvira, Dr. Paul Bearer and the Universal Studios’ “Shock” movie package.

Roberta was on the path to a Theater degree at UMKC, but switched majors after switching on the mic for the first time, and graduated with a B.A. in Communications Studies. Today, through
her company Voicegal Inc. and agents in both LA and New York, Roberta is hired to voice radio, TV and film projects around the world.

Mark Weber – Parkway West ‘71

Mark Weber's career in auto racing photography began at Parkway while he was still in high school. At just 16, Weber attended a race and decided to take photos to capture the memory. To his surprise, he was the only photographer at the event, leading racers to request copies of his shots. With the help of a photographer friend who had a darkroom, Weber soon had prints available for sale.

This unexpected start launched Weber into a 50-year journey across North America and parts of Europe, visiting racetracks as both a photographer and eventually a racer. His work has been published in just about every automotive and racing publication in the US and Canada as well some in England and Germany. He has had race photos appear in RACER, AutoWeek, Car and Driver, and more. He has accumulated a number of cover shots and earned several awards.

Weber's passion for racing didn’t stop at photography. After completing driving school in 1974, Weber moved from behind the camera to also taking his place behind the wheel. His racing career has spanned nearly five decades, during which he has competed in over 600 races. Remarkably, Weber has participated in 63—and counting—Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) National Championships, known as The Runoffs, more than any other driver by a significant margin. His contributions to the sport were recognized in January 2022 when he was inducted into the Sports Car Club of America Hall of Fame.

Known for his tireless work ethic, Weber has earned a reputation as the busiest person at the track. He would go from winning a race to post-race inspection to shooting photos of the other cars on the track. His ability to excel both as a photographer and a racer, combined with his relentless work ethic, has left an indelible mark on the sport. Weber’s legacy is a testament to his passion and commitment, making him a distinguished and influential figure in the racing community.

Paul Willard – Parkway North ‘87

After graduating from Parkway North in 1987, Willard continued his education at Iowa State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering in 1991. He later obtained a Master of Science in Manufacturing Systems Engineering from Stanford University in 1999. In 2010, Willard furthered his education by earning an Executive Master of Business Administration from Singularity University.

Willard is a Silicon Valley early-stage investor, known for his investments in companies such as Zipline, Boom Supersonic, Monarch Tractors, SpaceX, and Glidance robot seeing-eye dogs. These investments and his time spent on development of the projects has led to numerous benefits to the community at large. Zipline has been instrumental in rapid delivery of products that have reduced maternal mortality in Rwanda by 88%, provided rabies vaccines, and supplied snake antivenom before amputation or death occurred. Commonwealth Fusion is creating abundant, clean, low-cost electricity via a fusion reactor.  SpaceX rockets dramatically reduce waste as well as the cost of sending objects into orbit or to Mars. Glidance is an artificial Intelligence robot "seeing eye dog" for the blind that is more affordable, reliable, and accessible, allowing blind people everywhere to regain their mobility.

He spent 14 years as a product, design, and marketing executive at tech startups including Atlassian, Coupons.com, NextCard, and Practice Fusion.  Before the internet era, he worked as an aerodynamics engineer at Boeing, contributing to projects involving both commercial and military aircraft, including autonomous vehicles such as the now declassified DarkStar aircraft.

Willard's journey from Parkway North to the forefront of Silicon Valley is a shining example of how a solid educational foundation and a passion for learning can lead to extraordinary accomplishments. His significant contributions to the tech industry, both as an engineer and an investor, have had a lasting impact on aerospace, robotics and beyond.

Aliy Zirkle – Parkway West ‘88

Aliy Zirkle, a 1988 graduate of Parkway West, grew up with a passion for the outdoors and animals. Aliy balanced her scholastics with competitive school athletics and a budding desire to work with and train dogs and horses. During high school, she worked at a horse stable and a dog kennel. Exploring the trails at Queeny Park by horseback was calling for a life of adventure. She left the hallways of Parkway West to study biology at the University of Pennsylvania. Upon graduation, Aliy was drawn to a world where her passion for the outdoors and adventure went hand in hand: the rugged wilderness of Alaska. She moved to a village, population 35, located 50 miles north of the Arctic Circle to work as a biologist. Aliy was immediately given her first sled dog and adopted five huskys soon after. These fun-loving pups became her first ever dog team. She spent all her spare time learning all she could about the care of these amazing dogs, the skills for mushing and surviving in Alaska’s winter wilderness. Needless to say, Aliy found her true calling.

Ultimately, this independent, wilderness lifestyle that Aliy fell in love with nearly 30 years ago, molded her as one of the most successful and popular Dog Mushers to ever compete in the Iditarod Sled Dog Race and other long distance races. For 25 consecutive years, Aliy raced dogs that she proudly raised and trained at her own professional training facility, SP Kennel. In the year 2000, she became the first woman to win the 1,000 mile Yukon Quest. In Dog Mushing events, men and women compete against each other. While she won many other races in her career, she missed winning the “Last Great Race”, the Iditarod by a mere 2 minutes and 22 seconds. Aliy has received many awards from peers in her sport, the state of Alaska and Alaska Sports Hall of Fame. These include numerous Sportsmanship Awards, Inspirational Awards and most notably, she is the only six time award winner of the coveted Iditarod Veterinarians’ “Choice” Award for exemplary care of her dogs.

Aliy and her dogs have many fans and followers in Alaska and worldwide. She is no longer racing but does have a popular children’s educational program called “Husky Homeroom” on the SPKennel.com website and YouTube Channel. She has always believed in a “hands on” approach to community service and visits schools throughout Alaska, speaking to students about leadership and responsibility. In the remainder of her spare time, she also travels around the globe speaking about dog mushing, adventure and the inner drive that we all can cultivate in order to prosper and thrive on our individual lifelong journeys.

**Netflix produced a documentary titled: "Aliy" in 2018. That production is Episode Six in their 'LOSERS' series. Despite the unflattering title, the 33 minute show is entertaining. It details the last several years of Aliy's racing career and has some amazing footage from Iditarod as well as SP Kennel. 

Honorary Inductee

Dr. Keith Marty - Parkway Superintendent

Dr. Keith Marty has been Parkway’s Superintendent since July 2, 2011. A public school educator for 50 years, he previously served four school districts in Wisconsin as a teacher, coach, high school principal, curriculum director, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. 

Married for forty-eight years, Keith and his wife Diana have four grown children and eleven grandchildren.

Under Dr. Marty’s leadership, the district has implemented three generations of Project Parkway, the district’s strategic plan. The plan has established new academic and choice programs, such as Spark! experiential learning which includes eight immersion-based student learning strands, the Early College Program, academies, personalized learning opportunities, and expanded curriculum offerings. The district has seen a growth in a diverse student population, including significant new families where English is not the primary language. The expanded English Language program now serves nearly seven percent of the district’s enrollment. The district has taken on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing programs for the entire St. Louis region. 

The district has recognized the need to address student mental health needs through staffing and student service interventions. With its increasing student and community diversity, Parkway has committed to ensuring that equity of opportunities and success is a significant commitment. 

Annually, Parkway’s high schools are ranked among America’s best and highest-achieving high schools. In Dr. Marty’s tenure, four additional schools have been named National Blue Ribbon Schools, and eighteen schools, as well as the school district, have been named State and National Schools of Character. In 2017, the Parkway School District was named a National District of Character. Parkway has also received the National Green Ribbon distinction for its efforts in energy conservation and the use of our efficient energy solars such as solar and natural gas buses. 

Financially, Parkway remains an AAA-rated school district, one of only three districts in Missouri with that formal distinction. During Dr. Mary’s 14 years in Parkway, three successful bond campaigns of nearly $500,000,000 have been approved by local residents, which have enhanced science instruction, technology upgrades, safety and security, athletic facilities, and ongoing attention to upgrades of systems, such as HVAC, lighting, and other facility needs. 

Parkway has partnered with numerous businesses, community entities, corporations, and others that support Parkway’s academics, student services, fine arts, and athletics programs, as well as support professional development. Early in his time in Parkway, Dr. Marty’s leadership led to a cooperative and robust Community Education program that is partnered between the Parkway and Rockwood School Districts. 

In March 2015, Superintendent Marty received the St. Louis Business Journal Innovation for his noteworthy leadership of new experiential learning opportunities in the school district.

In the spring of 2016, Special School District presented Dr. Marty with an Ambassador Award, the highest recognition given by SSD. The award is presented to community members who have demonstrated an extraordinary level of commitment to SSD and its mission.

In 2020, Dr. Keith Marty was one of eight Missouri superintendents nominated for the Robert L. Pearce Award from the Missouri Association of School Administrators (MASA). 

In October 2024, CharacterPlus presented Dr. Marty with the Sandy McDonnell Dedication to Character Award. The award was to Dr. Marty for his work in championing character education.