Last week, AP European History teacher Patrick Parker announced his retirement, after teaching at SCHS for 11 years.

Parker decided that he wants to spend more time with his wife, who was diagnosed with lung cancer four years ago.

“I have lived long enough that I have people that I love who have health issues, and if I am not working, I can do more for these people than I can while I am working,” he said.

At Friday’s Renaissance rally, Parker was named Teacher of the Year.

He plans to retire at the end of this school year.