Caden Parker posing for his senior photos

 BEST YEARS OF YOUR LIFE. “It's not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up,” quote by Vince Lombardi. This quote means a lot to Caden Parker because it signifies that everyone has ups and downs in life and he would know this better than anyone, considering he has broken three bones in two years.

Caden Lamont Parker was born on March 30, 2004 and is the son of Chad and Amanda Parker. Caden has two younger brothers, Everson and Miles, and a younger sister, Easten. His favorite song is “Life is a Highway'' by Rascal Flatts.  Throughout high school, Caden has been involved in many different clubs and organizations. He has participated in KAYS, NHS, FCCLA, and Mustang Tough for two years, art, StuCo, FCA, basketball, and football for four years. Caden also coaches youth football for the Valley Heights Junior High School. Caden’s ideal Friday or Saturday night would be playing sports on Friday night, hanging out at the square, hanging out with friends, and watching college football. He also enjoys burrito bowls from Chipotle.

Caden’s favorite memory in high school is going to Jackson Heights with only eleven players his sophomore year. “I got to play offensive line every game that year and it was some of the most fun I’ve ever had on the football field,” Caden says. Caden’s biggest influence in his life has always been his dad. “From a young age, I always wanted to grow up to be just like him. Now that I'm in high school I always try to one-up what he did in his high school career. He taught me most of what I know. He always made sure I was humble and worked for everything. He has made me into the man I am today.”

Caden’s best advice to give to an underclassman or young child would be, “Time goes way too fast. When you're younger, you can't wait to grow up and be big like everyone else. Enjoy being a kid as much as possible. It'll be some of the best years of your life. High School is a blast, but it goes way too fast.” Caden’s biggest accomplishment is either being voted StuCo president his Junior year, or making it to State Track in three events.

After high school, Caden plans to attend Kansas State University to major in accounting. In the future Caden says he wants to be the general manager for a professional sports team. In ten years, Caden sees himself married and working in an accounting firm. Caden wants to be remembered as someone who always worked hard and did the right thing. “My dad always taught me to be an upstanding person.”

When asked about how Caden has grown and matured as a person Mrs. Steinfort says, “From when I used to babysit him to now being his teacher, I'd say he’s matured a little since then.” Mrs. Steinfort goes on to say, “The cool thing about Caden is, as many things as he's been through in his young life, he's going to take those things and make something great out of it and prosper because of those adversities.”

Article by: Tyrel Wagner