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William Parschen, class of 1965, who was the principal of Towslee Elementary School until his untimely death in 1999, was selected to receive the award posthumously. A much-beloved teacher and principal, Parschen was a lifelong resident of Brunswick who was one of those people who never met a stranger.

He received many honors as an educator, and speaker. He was the National Distinguished Principal for Ohio in 1996; received the Hall of fame Award from the Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators in 1990 and 1996 and many more. He was a tireless volunteer who was a strong advocate of this country’s veterans. His annual Veteran’s Day extravaganza featuring all the school’s pupils, was a standing-room-only event bringing veterans from around the region to their feet.

He was a big fan of Walt Disney and the Disney philosophy, which he often incorporated into his many speaking engagements. Parschen’s sense of humor and honor were an inspiration to his students and adults alike. He was popular speaker who always had an uplifting tale to tell, especially his signature story about the starfish, which has become a symbol for hope to many.