Parting Words from Student Council President Parker Corbin `24

My favorite Country Day memory is…the 5th grade ski trip. It was super fun. I'm not a skier, which is ironic, but that trip was really fun. Going to [Washington] D.C. in 8^th grade was also really fun. We got to go in the fall before Covid hit.

For college I will attend…University of Maryland to play baseball. I plan on taking the pre-law route. I would like to stay in baseball, of course; the big goal is to play professionally. But knowing how difficult that is, it's always good to have a Plan B. I've always been fascinated by law and helping people. And I really liked Maryland’s campus. The minute I stepped on campus, it felt like home.

I definitely stressed about…where I wanted to go to college. I was fortunate to have a lot of options academically and athletically, but I stressed about school. Last year I had such a heavy courseload, but with the teachers I had and the way they went about teaching I didn't have to stress. Obviously, everyone goes through stress and what's special about Country Day is the support staff. We have psychologists and access to therapists and our teachers are in their offices to talk with us. You learn to manage your stress and manage your time so efficiently so your stress can be minimal. And the students all understand because we're all going through it together.

I'm looking forward to…creating new friendships, like I've done here [at Country Day] where I have a big group of people I can really trust. I'm outgoing and I'm excited to meet new people from different walks of life and different areas and who are different than me. And I’m looking forward to playing baseball at a school that has been very dominant and in the Big 10. It’s going to stink leaving here, so I'm definitely looking forward to being able to stay in touch with everyone. Our grade will have a ton of successful people and I'm excited to see how they do.

Being at Country Day is…an amazing experience. I've been privileged to attend such a rigorous and prestigious institution. It's different than most schools because it's not only the academics, it's the community here that sets the school apart. I've been here since second grade and feel fortunate to have been here for that long. Athletically, what is so special is that you have the opportunity play multiple sports, unlike most other schools. The brotherhood and teammates and friends and memories I’ve made playing sports for four years – I'll remember them forever. If I have kids and am living in Cincinnati when I’m older, I want them to go to Country Day because of how amazing the students, community, and teachers are. There is so much support here.

My favorite thing about senior year is…how close our class is and how well we get along with one another. To see 30 seniors sitting and talking at the top of the Upper School Commons is an everyday thing. It's knowing that this is the last time I'll be in this building as a student, so I just get to take it all in and make the most of it. The end is coming sooner and faster than we realize.

Covid impacted my class…by making us closer. Everyone in my class knows what everyone likes and doesn't like. There is no drama or awkwardness. It's awesome how close we are and how well we all get along. Covid also made us realize how fortunate we are to be in a school like this where we could attend school in person so we could get through it together. It showed us how strong we are as a class and individually. For me, the pandemic was mentally tough, and I think it was the same for a lot of my classmates. But it built character and made us stronger.

My favorite meal in the dining terrace is…I have two. I love the bang bang chicken. It's a very popular one, I know. But I also have to give a shout out Ms. Phyllis and her Caesar salad. I don't add anything to it because I don't want to mess up her recipe. The way she does it is perfectly fine for me.

My best advice for next year's senior class is…don't let the highs be too high and the lows be too low. You're going to go through moments of stress and despair and tons of joy and happiness. It is your last year of high school so enjoy it to the best of your ability because it really does go by so fast, faster than you think it will. When you feel like you're getting stressed or if something bad happens, take a minute to realize where you are in your life and that these are some of the best times in your life. Live life to the best of your ability because it doesn't get much more enjoyable than this.

In 25 years, I hope to…be retired from Major League Baseball but still be involved with baseball, maybe coaching at the high school level or coaching my kids. I hope to be working at a good job where I can make an impact on people, whether it's law or something else. I also hope to have a family and live in Cincinnati. I hope to have kids who I can send to Country Day or to a school like this. Knowing the profound effect it has had on me, I want to see that for my kids.

To me, leadership is…the most important trait someone can have, especially an athlete. Ever since I was young it has been engraved in me to be a leader. What we make of our world will be determined by the kids and teens of today. I encourage people around me to do the right thing and have integrity, because I believe it's contagious. I encourage everyone to take on leadership roles because I believe the experience can make you a better person, a better version of yourself.

Senior year in three words: So much fun.