The main priority for many students who just finished up their high school careers will be spending the summer enjoying time with friends before heading off to college. But at least one member of the class of 2015 has a big project on her hands this summer.
Allie Parker graduated this weekend after four years at Chapel Hill High School. Now she is off to Haiti for a special project.
“[We’re going] a little bit outside of the capital, Port-au-Prince,” she says, “to build a playground that I’ve been raising money for and working toward for the last two years.”
The playground will be for an orphanage in Haiti. This will be Parker’s second trip with a group out of Raleigh who visited the Caribbean country after it was hit with a devastating magnitude seven earthquake in 2010.

At least 52 aftershocks were felt in the two weeks following the main earthquake. The Red Cross estimates three million people were affected by the quake. And more than 100,000 people lost their lives during the disaster, according to the US Geological Survey.
Parker says seeing the children living at the orphanage on her first trip made her want to take on a larger role in helping others.
“I had a watch on when I went, and to them that was the most amazing thing,” she says. “Just seeing how much a watch could mean to them, that was what struck me to do a playground.
“If they actually had something meant for playing, how much that would mean to them.”
Parker has been fundraising through her church – the United Church of Chapel Hill – in conjunction with the group fundraising out of Raleigh.
“Through my church, I sold jewelry that actually came from Haiti and ornaments,” she says. “And then the church in Raleigh has done dinners to raise money.
“So far, we’ve got about $4,000.”
Parker says the $4,000 raised so far will fully fund the nine-day trip that leaves this Thursday. Parker will be leading half of the group on the playground project, but another half of the group will be building an art camp and dance camp at the orphanage.
While this trip will be sponsored through the fundraising efforts up to this point, Parker says you can contribute and the funds will go toward future projects with the organization.
After her return from building the playground in Haiti, Parker will be off to the honors program at Virginia Tech in the fall.
Related Stories
‹

Chapel Hill Town Council Reviews Updated Apartment Concept Along MLK BoulevardThe Chapel Hill Town Council recently opened a public hearing to review a potential multifamily development at 701 MLK Jr. Boulevard.
![]()
The 5:00 News - Football Win, Local Government, Leaf CollectionThe Hill's Andrew Stuckey presents the afternoon news. Included in this edition of the news, we check the local government meeting schedule, which includes meetings today for the Chatham County Commissioners, and the Durham City Council. We learn of a new policy on leaf collection this fall from the Town of Chapel Hill, and we hear a Carolina Connection story on a September 11 memorial events at Keenan Stadium last week. In sports, UNC linebacker Makai Gbayor is named ACC Linebacker of the week, and we hear more on UNC Football's Saturday afternoon win against Richmond, and more.

On the Porch: Mayor Kyle Shipp and Tami Schwerin - Sculpture Celebration at The PlantThis Week:
Tami Schwerin is a re-developer of The Plant, taking a cold-war industrial plant and creating a community hub of food, beverage and experiences. Her past experience includes founding a local food, renewable energy and cultural non-profit; Abundance NC. Before that she helped build Chatham Marketplace, a local co-op grocery store. She has served on art and environmental boards of directors. She traveled the world selling software in her younger years and renovated several old broken-down houses. Tami loves a challenge and creating a world that she wants to live in. She grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina and loves the south and Pittsboro.
Kyle Shipp serves as the Mayor of Pittsboro, North Carolina, where he focuses on responsible growth, infrastructure, and transparent governance. He previously served as a Town Commissioner and Planning Board member. In his full-time role, Kyle works as an engineer in the data center industry, specializing in industrial control systems. He also serves as Board Chair of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Carolina, supporting youth development across the region. With a background in engineering and a passion for community service, Kyle works to ensure Pittsboro grows in a way that reflects its values and long-term vision.

Chapel Hill Police Say 28-Year-Old Reported Missing Is Now Safely LocatedUPDATE: Chapel Hill Police shared an alert on Tuesday, Sep. 16 at 5 a.m. saying Kendrick Pierre was safely located.

Chapel Hill Changes Its Leaf Collection Policy to Only Accept ContainersWith the fall season approaching, the Town of Chapel Hill is changing how it collects leaves and is no longer collecting loose piles.

Chapel Hill's He's Not Here Among The Athletic's 'Top 10 College Bars' for 2025A downtown Chapel Hill staple long known for its appeal to both UNC students, Tar Heel fans and visitors recently landed on a national list. The college football staff for The Athletic — a sports journalism magazine under the New York Times’ umbrella — named the 112 1/2 West Franklin Street bar He’s Not Here […]
![]()
Chapel Hill: Town Council Update, Chantal Updates, Honoring First RespondersChapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, September 11, discussing town news and events. She gave updates on the major items from this week's town council meeting, including a mixed use development project on MLK Blvd, updates on the affordable housing plan and Chantal recovery. She discussed a change to the way the town will be collecting leaves from residents this fall, some upcoming closures to Parks and Rec facilities, and more.

After Reopening For Dinner, Mediterranean Deli Set To Open For Lunch HoursTwo years and two months after a fire destroyed its interior, Mediterranean Deli will welcome back customers to in-person dining next week.

Silverspot Cinema Re-Opens in Chapel Hill After 7 Weeks of Flood Damage RepairsThe Chapel Hill movie theater, which sustained flood damage during July's Tropical Depression Chantal, welcomed patrons back on Friday.
![]()
The 5:00 News - The Return of Med Deli, Displaced Residents, Solid Waste ClosureThe Hill's Andrew Stuckey presents the the afternoon news. Included in this edition of the news, Chapel Hill staple Mediterranean Deli is set to reopen early next week. We also hear more on funding for residents displaced by July's flooding. We learn of a brief midday closure coming Friday for Orange County Solid Waste sites, and more. In sorts, UNC Football Head Coach Bill Belichick addresses several areas of needed improvement. The women's soccer team welcomes and undefeated Alabama team, and more.
›