PARKS, Bryce

PARKS, Bryce. ( ) A graduate of the University of Northern Iowa (1992-1995) with a degree on broadcast journalism, Parks was the publisher of Community Incorporated/365Ink from October, 2000. His vocation in broadcasting actually began in high school.

In 1987 Parks, then a student at STEPHEN HEMPSTEAD HIGH SCHOOL was asked by Charlie Ellis, the multimedia director for the DUBUQUE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT to join the Video Rangers, a group of high school students who earned class credit for working with the district's multimedia equipment. In 1995, and a graduate of Hempstead and U.N.I., Parks had Ellis' job with his former boss's blessing. In his job, Parks broadcast school board meetings; programmed information about school activities for Channel 46, the district's cable channel; produced videos' produced brochures; and helped coordinate the installation of an Iowa Communications Network site allowing the district participate in interactive communication through fiber optics. He also helped lead the Video Rangers. (1)

In 2016 the Dubuque Toys for Tots program was recognized as the Midwest Regional Campaign of the Year with Parks named a regional winner. In 2021 Toys for Tots in Dubuque was named the #1 Campaign in the United States by the National Marine Forces Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation. Parks was named the National Coordinator of the Year among the 832 national campaigns. In September, 2022 Parks was scheduled to speak for a third time at the National Toys and Tots Coordinators Conference in Washington, D.C. The Dubuque campaign, according to a press release from the national headquarters, provided new toys for an estimated 5,000 children in the tri-state region each holiday season. (1)

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Source:

1. Jerde, Lyn, "Ex-Video Ranger Snaps School Multimedia Job," Telegraph Herald, December 17, 1995, p. iA

1. "Dubuque Toys for Tots Coordinator Recognized as Top in U.S." Telegraph Herald, June 19, 2022, p. 2A