Three North Staff Members Nominated for Pillar of Parkway

by Brandon Fredman, Online Coordinator

There are hundreds of people who work and volunteer for the Parkway School District. Every year, a handful of those people earn the “Pillar of Parkway” award, the most prestigious award one can receive in Parkway. This year, three staff members at Parkway North have been nominated: senior principal Dr. Karen Calcaterra; college and career coordinator, Stephanie Martin; and math teacher Nancy Overby.

Dr. Karen Calcaterra has been an assistant principal at North since 2007. Before she was principal, Calcaterra was a special education teacher from 1998-2006.

“I am humbled someone in the Parkway community took the time to recognize what I do  with the students, parents, and the staff everyday,” said Calcaterra.

Martin has been working at North for the past twelve years as the college and career coordinator.  Before that, she volunteered for twenty years throughout both the Parkway Central and Parkway North areas.  She also works part time at the St. Louis Community College. Martin plans to retire from Parkway at the end of the school year.

“Being nominated makes me feel very special,” said Martin. “It makes me feel like the work I have done in the past has mattered. I plan on continuing to volunteer at North after I retire.”

Overby has been a math teacher at North for seven years. Before teaching at North, Overby volunteered as a parent at Ross Elementary for ten years.

“I was pleasantly shocked [when I found out about my nomination],” said Overby. “This award recognizes people whose heart is truly invested in Parkway.”

The Pillar of Parkway award is the most prestigious award in the district. Every year, dozens of staff members are nominated, but only a handful of the nominees earn the award. Each pillar has a particular strength that makes them stand out.

“I know how important my job is to student success,” said Martin. “That is why I go the extra mile with my students.”

As important as it is to work with the students, it is also important to work with the parents since this is a community. As a parent herself, Overby knows how important that is.

“I take a special interest in helping parents become more aware of what their child is experiencing at school,” said Overby.

While every pillar is unique, they all have a passion for Parkway.

“I am very thankful to work in such a great community,” said Calcaterra. “I look forward to coming to North everyday.”