Light of Parkway Awards

The Parkway Alumni Association Light of Parkway Award was created to recognize Parkway operations (support) staff members who have helped to create a positive and caring environment for the people they serve in Parkway.

The award honors the memory of Sandy Finch, a former Parkway bus driver known for her exceptionally upbeat attitude and helpful interactions with staff members, students and parents.

The awards are supported by the Sandy Finch Light of Parkway Fund. 

About the Award
Each year, up to five operations staff members will be selected to receive the award. Nominees will be evaluated on how well they have demonstrated Sandy Finch’s principles for living. Those principles are:

• Show respect to others
• Show joy in your job
• Laugh with each other
• Smile more
• “Be the miracle for someone else each day”

Each winner will receive recognition and $500 from the Parkway Alumni Association during Appreciation Evening in the spring. (Note: If social distancing guidelines are still in place at that time and Appreciation Evening is not possible, recognition will be provided in an alternate format.)

Eligibility Guidelines
Nominees for the LOPA must meet the following qualifications.

• Must be employed (including Special School District and VST Bus Drivers) to work full-time or part-time on a regular basis to serve Parkway School District students;
• Must have been employed on or prior to July 1, 2023; and
• Must have demonstrated Sandy Finch’s five principles for living (as stated above), as well as outstanding commitment and service to Parkway.

These individuals are not eligible to receive the Light of Parkway Award:

• Certified teachers, librarians and counselors;
• Administrators and supervisors;
• Parents, community members and volunteers.

Nominating a Parkway Staff Member
Nominations must be submitted by a current Parkway employee. Letters of support from parents, volunteers and community members may also be included with the nomination form and are strongly encouraged!

Because no copies of the nominations will be released by the Parkway Alumni Association, nominators should retain a copy of their submission for their records.

Submitting a Nomination
Nominations can be submitted by completing and submitting the nomination form below. If your nomination includes letters of support, please upload them in one document when submitting the form.

All nomination materials MUST BE RECEIVED by 11:59 p.m. on February 6, 2026, to be considered for the 2026 awards. 

Questions? Please contact PAA Executive Director Sandy Riutcel at 314-415-8074 or email ParkwayAlumni@parkwayschools.net.