Colton High “Fact of the Day” – Nov. 4
M. Jeannette Parkinson, loving known as “Parky,” She was an inspirational advocate for girls’ sports. She taught at Colton High School from 1922 until she passed away from complications of scarlet fever in 1933.
Colton High School opened in 1895. It is one of the oldest high schools in the Inland Empire. In this daily feature, we celebrate Colton High’s rich history.
Ms. Mariva Jeannette Parkinson taught at Colton High School from 1922 until her untimely passing in 1932. During that decade, she was an inspirational advocate for girls’ athletics in the Colton community 50 years before the passage of Title IX in 1972.
Ms. Parkinson founded the Colton High School Athletic Association, the G.A.A., which worked to enable girls to join competitive sports. Through the awarding of participation points, certificates, and awards, young women were inspired to keep breaking the barriers that blocked them from competing.
In 1932, Ms. Parkinson developed a debilitating case of scarlet fever, paralyzing her right arm and shoulder. Despite a surgery, she moved into a nursing facility and died that winter. She was 37-years old.
The 1933 yearbook is dedicated to “Parky.” The dedication reads:
“To the memory of ‘Parky’ our beloved coach, teacher, and friend who gave so unsparingly of her time toward improvement of our school, the seniors dedicate this yearbook.”
Recently, the CHS Publications Department experienced a major theft as over $20,000 in photography equipment was stolen from our studio over Spring Break. This included all cameras. Any amount you donate will help rebuild our program. Thank you!