M-A Unveils Plaques Commemorating Sports Heroes
Photo Credit: Ashton Macfarlane
M-A Principal Matthew Zito speaks before a crowd during the public unveiling of plaques to honor Coach Ben Parks, David Paul Tinsley, and Katherine Moore.
On Friday, March 8, Menlo-Atherton unveiled a new set of plaques honoring three individuals deeply ingrained in M-A sports history – Coach Ben Parks, David Paul Tinsley, and Katherine (Kitty) Moore.
The plaques will adorn the wall of the corridor of the I-Wing that leads onto Coach Parks Field, dedicated to Coach Parks in 2005.
From 1968 to 1999, Coach Parks served as a leader and mentor for M-A students on the football and wrestling teams. He is renowned, at M-A and in the greater community, for his inspirational mottos and philosophy; the plaque bears one of his beliefs, that “service is the rent we pay for life.”
David Paul Tinsley, who graduated from M-A with the Class of 1987, passed away in May 2009 after a battle with lung cancer. Tinsley contributed hugely to the football program at M-A, both as a player and through his continuing support in the years after his graduation.
Kitty Moore devoted an incredible 43 years to the M-A boys’ soccer team, traveling with the players, supporting them, bringing treats, and providing a special box of red licorice for players waiting on the wings. Moore would also wash and mend players’ uniforms and present them to the players at the beginning of the season.
Her stunning dedication began in the late 1960s, when her son, Tom, started to play soccer for M-A. Moore had two other sons, Andy and Johnny, come through the M-A soccer program, but she stayed on long after their graduations, continuing to help and inspire the team.
The unveiling ceremony began with speeches by Principal Matthew Zito and Co-Athletic Director Paul Snow, in which both praised the dedication and support of Coach Parks, Tinsley, and Moore.
After the presenters pulled aside a maroon and gold banner reading ‘Menlo-Atherton’, the crowd, including many of the family and friends of the three being honored, took pictures near the plaques and reminisced about times past.
Looking to the future, Snow offered a tour of M-A’s new athletic facilities, and led a group across the new track, as well as through the gyms, weight room, and wrestling room.
The plaques honoring Coach Parks, Tinsley, and Moore will serve as reminders to all athletes that walk through the new corridor to strive to match the dedication, drive, and compassion of these three M-A sports heroes.
Great article. Thank you so much for covering this!!!
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I really like that the I Wing seems to have such a connection to sports.
The addition of these plaques is just a really good idea and, I think, is a good sign of respect to those who helped the MA sports program.
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such a great way to affirm what the athletes do for our school!
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This is a nice way to cement the I wing as part of the M-A campus, while recognizing the achievements of some individuals dear to the M-A athletic community!
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What a great way to connect M-A’s present, in the form of the new i-building, with the past, in the form of our many esteemed sports figures. Our school has such a rich history, and this is certainly a very fitting tribute to some key people involved with M-A throughout the years.
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Glad to see community members who have added something valuable to M-A. I hope that members from other areas will be commemorated as well in the future!
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Its really nice to see M-A honoring the former athletes of the school. Its a great way to give back to the community.
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This is so memorable! It is great to know that this will be marked on M-A’s campus for so many years!
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This addition will serve as an inspiration for many M-A students, and is such an honorable way to commemorate these incredible athletes and community members.
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