The Josephine Barker Lamb Award was established in 1990 to represent Josephine’s spirit, pride, and passion for Stratford. Josephine was the first recipient of this award before her death the following year. Her formal jobs at Stratford included Director of Alumni and Cheerleading Coach, but her service and dedication reached far beyond those roles. Josephine lent her artistic nature and organizational skills to most every facet of Eagle life. She never waited to be asked to something, but just did it in true Eagle fashion.
In addition to working at Stratford, Josephine was a 1964 graduate of Stratford and captain of her cheerleading squad. Her children carried on her legacy as second generation Eagles with Mollye graduating in 1998 and Stephens in 1992. Her grandchildren have further carried on the legacy as third generation Eagles with the last one of those being Will, a member of the current senior class.
Josephine bled blue. She loved all Eagles and her alma mater dearly just as members of the Hugh Parker family have done for decades.
From the onset, the Stratford Booster Club never intended for the Josephine Barker Lamb award to be given annually, but instead reserved only for times when someone truly stands out in sharing Josephine’s character, integrity, leadership, and service. The Hugh Parker family is only the fifth recipient of the award in a 32 year period. It is well-deserved and speaks volumes to the value and importance of this family to the Stratford Booster Club. Hugh Parker served as Booster Club President in 1983-84, son Greg in 2007-08, and daughter-in-law Robin in 2014-15. Hugh’s daughter, Cheri, has worked at Stratford as Cheer Coach, administrative assistant, and teacher assistant.
Not only did this family serve Stratford at their own children’s athletic events, but served the entire Stratford Athletic Program in Josephine style. Collectively, the Parker family has more than a dozen Stratford graduates with the most recent graduating last year. We hope to have the next generation on campus soon.
Previous recipients of this award are Josephine Barker Lamb, Lynn Mercer Schuessler, Julie Jones, and Dr. Bill Argo.
The Stratford Booster Club would like to thank Mollye and Stephens for presenting this award to the Hugh Parker family in memory of their mom.
Original source can be found here.
