On September 16, 2024, Parker Worley, Class of 2016, returned to San Antonio Academy to deliver an inspiring Alumni Monday speech.

During his talk, Parker guided the audience through his time at SAA, highlighting moments from his 8th grade year and his time on the Battalion Staff. He spoke on the close friendships he formed, many of which remain strong today. “I actually spent the night at Angelo’s [Huff '16] house last night,” he said, emphasizing the lasting bonds he built during his Academy years.

Parker didn’t shy away from discussing the challenges he faced starting at The Academy as a 6th grade student, particularly the academic rigor that initially left him feeling overwhelmed. “I came from a public school up north, and switching into private, let alone a military school, was a huge adjustment,” he admitted.

However, with encouragement from his classmates and the support of his teachers, he learned to manage the workload and thrive. “What I learned through The Academy was that you don’t really have to focus on being perfect—just doing the little things right every day,” he explained.

Parker emphasized the importance of perseverance and the support he received from classmates and teachers. By the end of his 6th grade year, he found his stride, earning the Joseph Giambruno Outstanding Social Studies Student Award during the commencement ceremony that year.

“Good, better, best, never let it rest, until your good is better and your better is your best,” he recited, a mantra he admitted once stressed him. But through his experiences, Parker came to understand the power of consistent habits. “The bigger things aren’t as scary when you’re doing the day-to-day activities correctly.”

In college, Parker attended the University of Kansas as a Division 1 water-skier. Now working in finance with fellow Academy alumni at 49 Financial in Austin—Jacob Roos ‘14 and Frates Newsom ‘14—he reflected on the powerful influence of his time at SAA and the values the school instilled in him.

He closed with the following words of advice for our boys: “Take care of the little guys. Take care of your elders. And most importantly, take care of each other.”

About Alumni Mondays: Each Monday, we welcome an Academy alumnus to speak to SAA boys during chapel. During this presentation, our alumni speakers share meaningful stories and lessons from their days at SAA. View Alumni Monday Showcase