Positive Atmosphere Reaches Kids

Did you know

599 PARK Graduates

285 Scholarships

121 College Graduates

24 Servining in Military

20 Masters Degrees

1 Juris Doctorate

1 Ph.D.

spotlight on . . .

Tamra Calamese - Tamra Patterson Calamese is a P.A.R.K. long hauler in its educational infrastructure. With over 20 years in various roles at P.A.R.K., Mrs. Calamese continues to do as the program's mission states - she strives to enrich the lives of Central Arkansas youth academically through guidance, nurturing, and love. Mrs. Calamese's career with P.A.R.K. began as a Student Life Manager directly from Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee as Ms. Patterson. She spent several years in this position until her desire to further her education led her out of state. Upon completing her master's degree, the opportunity to become the Curriculum Coordinator at P.A.R.K. became available, and she couldn't resist returning to the students. Her knowledge of the program eventually led to her current position as Program Director. "I look back over my years at P.A.R.K., and I am amazed at what God can do! I never imagined when I walked through these doors in 2001 that I would wind up serving in so many capacities! I have always had a deep-set desire to help kids discover their inner strength and set them on the path to their best life. The mission of P.A.R.K. has allowed me to reach out in love and positivity to so many of our next generation of change-makers. Now as Program Director, I am truly humbled to be able to pass on so many of the lessons I have learned throughout my time at P.A.R.K." P.A.R.K. is grateful to have Mrs. Calamese as a well-versed team member dedicated to the betterment of its students. Her knowledge of the program eventually led to her current position as Program Director. "I look back over my years at P.A.R.K., and I am amazed at what God can do! I never imagined when I walked through these doors in 2001 that I would wind up serving in so many capacities! I have always had a deep-set desire to help kids discover their inner strength and set them on the path to their best life. The mission of P.A.R.K. has allowed me to reach out in love and positivity to so many of our next generation of change-makers. Now as Program Director, I am truly humbled to be able to pass on so many of the lessons I have learned throughout my time at P.A.R.K." P.A.R.K. is grateful to have Mrs. Calamese as a well-versed team member dedicated to the betterment of its students.

Tamra Calamese is a P.A.R.K. long hauler in its educational infrastructure with over 20 years in various roles. Her love for the students brought her back after leaving to earn her master's degree. She has made a big difference in the program.

- Tamra Calamese / Program Director

Chris Rudley has been a go-to at P.A.R.K. for 14 years. When heavy lifting needs to be done in an office of mostly women, you hear, "Call Rudley." He plays a vital role in the office, but more importantly, he takes his job as Student Life Manager to heart.

- Christopher Rudley/Student Life Manager

Ramel entered the PARK program in the summer of 2022 and has been focused since he began. He has a dream and will not take his eyes off the end goal. Ramel has made a 4.0 GPA every nine weeks this school year earning him $100.00 each time for his hard work from P.A.R.K.

- Ramel Brown/9th grader Southwest High School