Congratulations to Cabarrus County Schools’ 2022-23 Teacher Assistant of the Year, Coach Scott Parkin. Mr. Parkin was surprised at Cox Mill High on Tuesday morning, November 1, with the announcement from Cabarrus County Schools Superintendent, Dr. John Kopicki and Human Resources Chief Talent Officer, Dr. Marion Bish. 

Parkin began his career as a public-school educator in the Charlotte Mecklenburg school system, spending 3 years at Hopewell High as an Instructional Assistant and Assistant Athletic Director.  In 2021 he joined Cabarrus County Schools and Cox Mill High School, serving as the YES Center Coordinator (Youth Experiencing Success), for virtual learning students.  

Colleague Kathryn Sweeney, YES Center Coordinator for on-campus learners, describes Parkin as “an asset to our YES Center program, working through logistics and planning, providing consistency and structure with our students, and offering guidance and support to all.” 

Coach Parkin serves his school and community in a multitude of capacities, including Women’s Basketball Head Coach, Assistant Athletic Director at Cox Mill, and even as part of the custodial staff for Saturday Schools when needed. 

Students describe Coach Parkin as possessing “fatherly attributes who gives advice and wisdom to us.” Students and colleagues alike recognize the countless hours Parkin spends at the school in addition to his daytime work, including many late nights and weekends, giving his all to his students, colleagues, school, and community.

“Communication has been at the heart of each relationship that I have with students which has put me in a position for students to be incredibly open with me,” Parkin said.  “Dealing with today’s high school students, communication and trust are extremely important, and I feel this has helped me to impact so many of our students.”