Sometimes we share a gift with someone which becomes apparent when we stop to see the beauty of a similar journey. Kai Munroe (Parks) and I arrived at St. Francis as a couple of skinny pups in 1977. Kai was from a family of 10 children and she had lived all over the world. Her father was in the Air Force. She started high school in South Korea, but finished it in Bangor, Maine.

We had a mutual friend and mentor, Monsignor James Kidder, who recruited us to teach at SFHS. She taught Social Studies and I taught Theology. We both taught Algebra 1. Quickly, we found we had a lot in common: the Catholic Faith, American River College, Cal State University, Chico, Cal State University, Sacramento, French existentialism, music, and photography.

It was 1977, the height of the disco era (the Bee Gees, Too Much Polyester, and Saturday Night Fever). I recall going to hear music in Old Sacramento with Kai and other St. Francis teachers. Kai had long hair, pigtails, and Birkenstocks. She married Bill Parks in 1978 and it was one of the all time great wedding parties. She and Bill have two great sons, Tyler and Casey.

So what can I say about this wonderful colleague and friend? Well, the first word would be “fun-loving.” Her joyful sense of humor is inspiring. She even laughs at her own jokes, which is kind of hilarious. Most of all, Kai is a truly strong woman. There is not an inauthentic cell in her body. Her strength shows itself in being encouraging, supportive and loyal. In other words, she’s got your back. She’s not afraid of the tussle. As Richard Rohr, the great Franciscan priest, writes, “It’s finally just compassion and solidarity… and a willingness to pay the price for that friendship.” Mrs. Parks is a woman of solidarity.

Her dedication to SFHS has been her legacy to us. She has supported and embraced this community for decades. Back in our historian and photography days, we would often trade and exchange pictures: “I’ll trade you a Spirit Week for a Junior  Prom, or a St. Francis Day for a Father Daughter Dinner Dance.” She collected and archived the school’s history. The yearbooks were always first class. Presently, Kai proudly proclaims that she is teaching the children of her previous students.

Just the other day, Mrs. Parks told me that she “grew up at St. Francis.” She sees the gift of this holy community and she truly loves us. Well, the feeling is mutual. Interestingly, she is called “Kai” (a nickname she picked up in Japan when she was a year and a half old ) when her legal name is “Carol.” We all know that “Carol” means song or hymn. We have enjoyed and treasured your song, Carol Parks. Continue to sing that graceful tune. We will continue to hum it here on campus. Some songs we just never get tired of hearing.

Write a message to Mrs. Parks or tell us your favorite story. Please leave your name and graduation year.