This week we take a moment to celebrate the life of one of the Lead4Change Educator Advisory Board members, Shaylene Parry. Shaylene passed away on September 23, 2021 after a long battle with cancer.
Shaylene served on the Lead4Change Advisory Board for 5 years. She was a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher and FCCLA Adviser at Odgen High School in Ogden, Utah.
To her students, Shaylene was an inspirer, mentor, encourager, coach, leader and advocate for their success. We heard many stories through the years from students who became leaders because ‘Mrs. Parry taught me to believe in myself’, ‘Mrs. Parry taught me to speak up for things that needed to be changed’, ‘Mrs. Parry helped me go to a conference and see what was possible’. She saw every student as an emerging leader!
Shaylene worked tirelessly to bring the lessons in Lead4Change to her school, her community and across the FCCLA membership. She was always willing to tell her story and mentor other teachers and FCCLA advisers.
In her role as an Advisory Board member, Shaylene helped to develop resources, introduce new ideas and try new ways to share the lessons in a variety of learning systems. She was never afraid to share an idea, work on a project or speak at conferences.
Shaylene led Lead4Change teams that repeatedly won the Lead4Change Challenge. Her school earned Lead4Change Certified School status. Her awards and recognition all showcased the efforts she poured into students so they graduated as confident leaders who would serve and give back to their community.
We grieve her loss and extend our condolences to her husband, David, and three daughters. Her obituary can be viewed here.
We are thankful for Shaylene – and for every educator who leads, serves and inspires students to be their best self.