Education Leaders Program / Dusty Parrish

"Whether you're 5 years old or 104, you have creative stories to tell. The question is — will you tell them? And how?"

Dusty Parrish teaches broadcast and commercial photography, emphasizing student-to-student mentoring in a creative and collaborative environment that delivers real-world skills. His goal is to develop his students' passion for broadcasting, filmmaking, and photography. In addition, he consults with schools nationwide on how to engage students with digital media processes.

Parrish is also an award-winning photographer, having received the Heard Museum's 2004 Best of Show award for Environmental Photojournalism. He has taught digital photography and independent film at the college level, produced short films (including "Bailey Lane" for PBS), and, as time allows, continues to shoot commercial photography.

Parrish and his student-led staff maintain an Adobe software-based broadcasting studio, producing a ten-minute newscast seven days a week. Recognized as a leader in the Career Preparation and Technology Education departments, Parrish helps his students support dozens of projects throughout the Allen Independent School District. Under Parrish's guidance, Allen High School's photography program has garnered numerous prestigious awards, including the coveted Top Photography Program in Texas from the Association of Texas Photography Instructors.

Parrish helps his students obtain sought-after internships with local companies, such as Lifetouch Studios. He also works to secure venues for student films, which have appeared at the Angelica Theatre, Studio Movie Grill, McKinney Historical Society, and Allen Public Relations, to name a few.