By Lily Bourne
If you’ve ever called out sick, turned in a guest pass, or arrived late to school, chances are you’ve spoken to the lovely Maria Parrish. Working tirelessly behind the desk at Student Services, Ms. Parrish demonstrates kindness and real interest in helping every single student at Westmont. To learn more about Ms. Parrish’s time in high school, keep on reading!
Where did you go to high school?
Gonzales High School
What was your school’s mascot?
I think it was a Spartan!
When did you graduate?
1993
What was your favorite class in high school and why?
I actually enjoyed Hispanic Culture. We explored tons of history that I enjoyed aside from U.S. History.
What was your most challenging class and why?
It was a math class. It was Algebra 2, just one semester junior year.
What extracurricular activities were you involved in?
I played tennis and softball. I only played one year of softball. I was also in the Interact club and I was in band. I was a band kid. And I had a job!
What was your favorite extracurricular activity and why?
I think band. I played the flute for five years!
Who were your favorite bands/artists/songs while in high school?
The typical, back in the day I listened to everything. I loved Guns and Roses, I loved the Cure. I listened to a lot of Spanish stuff. Mainly like rock bands. Even Madonna!
What was your favorite tv show in high school?
I always caught reruns so for me it was always Three’s Company or the Brady Bunch.
What was your favorite novel?
It’s embarrassing, I think I was reading like Sweet Valley High books.
What was your favorite movie while in high school?
I loved Sixteen Candles, it’s just funny all around and the characters are great.
What are your favorite memories of high school?
My teachers. I had great teachers and I just had a really great experience in school because I was active. It helped me get out of my shell, I was lucky and I had a great time. It was a small town so a lot of people knew each other, which I think made it better.
What is your least favorite memory of high school?
Taking the bus to school. It was from one town to another town. I had to get up super early.
What time did school start and end?
I want to say it started at like 8, but for me my day wouldn’t end until after practice so I was home around 7. Sometimes they would take us on the bus to another small town first before I even got home.
What was your gpa?
It was above 3.4! I had good grades!
Did you receive any awards?
Yeah, I got one of those biliteracy things and I was in CSF. I also had MVP awards for tennis.
Did you ever have to go to the dean or principal’s office? Why?
No! I was a good kid!