Name: Mary J. Parnell

Occupation: Retired Registered Nurse

Name of High School: Cleveland Central Catholic High School

Location (City/State): Cleveland, Ohio

Name of College:  The University of Akron

Location (City/State):  Akron, Ohio

Please state the reason(s) you are supporting Project GRAD Akron and raising funds for the scholarship fund.  I believe in the vision and programs of Project Grad Akron. Providing programming and monetary means for the underrepresented students within our community affords them the opportunity to move forward academically as well as culturally.

Name of your favorite teacher and what made the person special to you:  My favorite teacher was Mr. France. Mr. France was an African American soft spoken man that encouraged his students to strive for excellence in every aspect of their work. His encouraging spirit challenged his students to excel.

Looking back over the years, what advice would you give to your high school self or college self?    I would tell my high school and college self to enjoy each moment of their school years and to not rush the process!  

Favorite quote:  My favorite quote is Lamentations 3:22-23. “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed because his compassions fail not, They are new every morning; Great is Thy faithfulness”. And “Don’t take it personal, even if it is personal”