David Parker Receives Spirit of Main Street Award

David Parker and the Mississippi Main Street Association Board President Suzanne Smith of Tupelo.

David Parker’s unlimited energy as a volunteer, passion for people and zest for Clinton helped the Mississippian win the Spirit of Main Street Award.

It’s the latest honor for the former Mississippi College student body president who believes the city’s future shines bright.

At the 26^th annual Mississippi Main Street Association’s awards luncheon, the group honored professionals making a difference in their hometowns.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to be involved, and I’m incredibly grateful for the award,” says Parker, a 27-year-old Clinton resident.

In Jackson on June 18, association leaders recognized managers, board members, financial partners and volunteers making Mississippi Main Street communities vibrant places to be.

Since 1993, MMSA, a program of the Mississippi Development Authority, generated nearly $4.8 billion in private and public investment in communities around the Magnolia State.

Main Street Clinton leaders nominated David for the award.

His involvement goes back to the time a friend nominated David Parker to join the Main Street Clinton program. He began volunteering in 2014 soon after his graduation from MC Law School.

David joined its Promotions Committee, but the Meridian native didn’t just occupy a seat. He went to work and encouraged Clintonians to take on 47 projects, including three new events.

Launching a new trivia game named Olde Towne After Dark, Parker utilized social media to draw crowds. He created the monthly evening contest to connect with Clinton’s “twenty-something” adults. 

A quick-witted communicator, David served as the monthly event’s emcee and displayed his funny antics on stage. Whether the Mississippi College grad heckled contest teams, danced or told a few jokes, the new generation loved it. And they kept coming back. But Parker isn’t seeking to replace NBC “Tonight” show host Jimmy Fallon. “Jimmy’s safe,” David insists. “He looks better in a suit.”

To catch his next Olde Towne After Dark show, drop by the 303 Jefferson restaurant off the Brick Streets, every third Thursday of the month, from 8-10 p.m.

Besides his big heart for Clinton, the MC alum bleeds Blue & Gold. He recently joined the Baptist-affiliated university staff as an assistant to Office of Global Education director Mei-Chi Piletz.

“I’m thrilled to be back,” Parker said of his return to the Clinton campus.

He recruits international students, helps them navigate the complexities of immigration law, and gets them involved in campus life. “MC benefits from the cross cultural exchange, and helping to advance that interest is work I’m proud to be a part of.”

The MC office assists more than 400 international students from nearly two dozen nations.

Parker’s award comes in a year when Mississippi College celebrates its partnership with Clinton. Those ties trace back to MC’s birth in 1826.

The fact that Parker received the Spirit of Main Street Award is really no surprise, colleagues say.

“A faithful volunteer, David has made a tremendous impact on the Main Street Clinton program and embodies the Spirit of Main Street,” says MC grad Tara Lytal, director of the local organization.

Parker serves on the Main Street Clinton executive board and remains co-chair of the Promotions Committee.

His best friend, Jonathan Nutt, tapped him to join the Promotions Committee. The Mississippi College director of student development, Nutt sees David making a huge difference at his alma mater, too.

“The Office of Global Education is lucky to have David, and he will be a great asset to the department,” Nutt said.

Former MC Law Dean Jim Rosenblatt believes David Parker possesses the right stuff to succeed in life. “David is one of the most talented young men who have come through MC Law. He is bright, hard-working and selfless. David will excel at anything he does.”