Mykal D. Parker Foundation SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

The first Mykal D. Parker Foundation Scholarship, in conjunction with the Rampant Band Spirit Award, was presented to Kollin Pongpairoj at the JH Rose Band Banquet on May 23, 2024. Kollin plans to attend the University on North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) as a Finance major and Music minor. 

(Pictured left to right: Kollin's mother Amanda Pongpairoj, Mykal's mother Marguerite Morrisey, award recipient Kollin Pongpairoj, and Mykal's father Mark Parker.)

The first Mykal D. Parker Foundation Summer of Music Award was presented to Jayden Barnes, a rising 7th grader at CM Eppes Middle School on June 6, 2024. This scholarship award provides eight private music lessons over the summer through the Music Academy of Eastern Carolina. Jayden was selected for the award by Helen Park and Olivia Taggart, former teachers of award namesake Mykal Parker. 

The summer of 2017, between leaving CM Eppes Middle School and starting at JH Rose High, Mykal took private trumpet lessons through the Music Academy of Eastern Carolina in preparation for band auditions. Through his lessons at the Music Academy, Mykal was able to secure a place in the Marching Rampants. Being a part of the band brought him joy and friendships he would keep the rest of his life. 

It is our sincere hope that this award (providing 8 private lessons over the summer) will do the same for all future Summer of Music Award recipients. 

 Xavian Holmes (pictured with his family), is a 6th grade trombone player at CM Eppes Middle School. Xavian was selected by Olivia Taggart and Helen Park, former teachers of Mykal D. Parker.