South Grafton Elementary playground named for retiring principal

Photo by Laura Often

The playground at South Grafton Elementary School will be named in honor of longtime principal Doreen Parker, who will retire at the end of the school year.

The School Committee announced the honor during Tuesday’s meeting, presenting Parker with a proclamation lauding her continued support of Grafton’s students.

“Doreen Parker has had a tremendous and positive impact on the lives of many young scholars, teachers, and administrators by instilling in them the importance of education, teamwork, discipline, and hard work,” the proclamation reads.

For 38 years, Parker has welcomed many of Grafton’s youngest students into the world of learning. She began her career as an elementary school teacher, staying in fourth and fifth grade classrooms for 18 years before becoming an assistant principal at Grafton Elementary School.  

Four years later, in 2006, she was appointed principal at South Grafton Elementary School.