Hector and Shirley Parker graduated from Lowell High School in 1934 and resided in the Westlands section of Chelmsford from 1945 to 1992. They are the parents of Ann (CHS ’59), James (CHS ’63) and Heather (CHS ’72). Shirley received a nursing degree from Lowell General Hospital School of Nursing and later became president of the LGHSN Guild. Hector served as an printer’s apprentice at the former Lowell Evening Leader newspaper and was a World War II veteran, serving with the U.S. Army Air Force.

The Parkers established a small printing business, The Panda Press, in the basement of their home and later moved it to the corner of Grace and Liberty Streets in Lowell. The Panda Press published the Lowell Textile Institute (now UMass-Lowell) student newspaper. Hector and Shirley sold the business in 1956. Hector remained with Panda as manager for the new owner until 1956.

Printer’s ink gets in your blood so Hector and Shirley, a long with two partners, purchased the Concord Press. They became sole owners in 1964. They operated the business in West Concord until retirement in 1977.

Hector and Shirley were very active members of the Chelmsford Central Congregational Church. Shirley enjoyed singing in the church choir, while Hector served as Deacon and Sunday School superintendent. Both served on committees during the building of the new church on Worthen Street, Chelmsford.

By establishing this scholarship in the name of their parents, Hector and Shirley’s children hope that their parents work ethic and family devotion will inspire recipients to better, not only themselves, but also their families.

The Hector M. & Shirley E. Parker Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a CHS graduating senior or alumnus furthering their education in the fields of nursing or graphic arts.