Waldron Valedictorian honoring family ways by attending Purdue University

Forgive Parker Douglas for following family traditions.

Both his older brother, Stewart, and older sister, Madeline, were valedictorians at Waldron High School. Both went to Purdue University just as their father and grandfather before them.

So, it should come as no surprise that Parker Douglas is the Valedictorian for the Class of 2025 at Waldron and will attend Purdue beginning in August to study Agribusiness.

“My brother has a spray drone company. I want to finish up my four years at Purdue and maybe take that over,” said Douglas. “I will look into other fields with my business degree. I’ve always liked drones, so I am going to help him this summer and see if that passion stays.”

Stewart Douglas was the valedictorian in 2019. Two years later, Madeline Douglas accomplished the feat. She will start Physical Therapy school at the University of Indianapolis this fall.

Parker Douglas is staying busy this summer mowing properties and working toward his pilot’s license to fly professional use drones. A late July trip to Jamaica will cap off his summer before heading to West Lafayette.

“I am kind of excited. Waldron is really small. Up at Purdue, there are a lot of chances to meet new people,” he said. “I am excited to grow and expand and live in a bigger city.”

Shelby County basketball fans will remember Parker Douglas as an undersized guard that loved to compete. He admits to being a day one basketball junkie.

“When I was born, that was my sport,” he said. “I’ve been watching the (Indiana) Pacers and Purdue since I was like 5- or 6-years-old. I’ve watched those teams forever and I’ve always loved basketball.”

For the first time in many years, Douglas is not on a hardwood court sweating through the month of June.

“It’s a little different but also a little nice,” he said with a laugh. “After four years of that, I’ve done my time. I’m ready to move on and see what the next chapter is.”

While involved in several clubs at Waldron like student council, National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and a 10-year 4-H member, basketball was his only sport and he doesn’t anticipate not finding ways to play while at Purdue.

“It brought out my competitive side,” he said. “It also brought a lot of bonding with teammates and learning to work with a team. And being the smallest guy, figuring out different ways to play defense. That tested my mental side a lot.

“I might join an intramural squad. I am not going to totally quit basketball. I still like playing.”

As for his favorite Waldron basketball memory, that was an easy recall.

“My freshman year we won the Shelby County Tourney. We beat Triton Central. There is nothing better than that,” he said.

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