WHO IS MR. PARKER?

MAE STAFF WRITER, RUBY ACOSTA, 10/15/24

Mr. Parker is a security guard at Lincoln High School.  He jokingly says, “Peter Parker is my cousin,” showing his sense of humor. He has been at Lincoln High School since 2016 and is one of the best security guards I know. He is both a caring and cool guy who, in high school, earned the nickname “Pooh Bear.”

Parker grew up in Southeast San Diego but went to La Jolla High School and graduated from Pt. Loma High in 1994. He planned to play football in college and had a partial scholarship to the University of Hawaii. Parker’s mother, however, was concerned that he wouldn’t know anyone in Hawaii, decided that it was too far away, and did not allow him to go. Instead, Parker decided to attend San Diego State, close to home, and close to his mom and younger brother. After 1 semester, he decided SDSU wasn’t for him and focused more on his job at Sea World. He said, “working at Sea World was a cool and chill experience.”

Parker talks fondly about his daughter, about how changed him in a good way. He says, “I don't know what it is about being a girl dad, but it changes you in the best way possible.” His daughter is twenty years old, attends Florida A&M University. They are best friends. 

Parker enjoys his job at Lincoln, especially talking with all of the students. Parker was surprised that so many students wanted to talk with him and even ask him for advice. This is not a surprise, even his daughter understands why. When Parker spoke to her about connecting with students she said, “They want to talk with you because you are a very comforting person and a teddy bear.” The funny thing is Mr. Parker's nickname in high school was Pooh Bear.

Parker plans to stay at Lincoln and continue to help and support students. But if something comes up, he’s willing to try something new.