Home of: Kassie and Jerry Parson

If you’ve been to an Arlee event in the last 36 years featuring school children in some capacity, be it sports, music or drama, you’ve probably seen them. And if you’ve seen them, you’ve also heard them: two voices louder than the others, cheering on their extended family. The “them” is Kassie and Jerry Parson, retired Arlee schoolteachers who just happen to be the students’ biggest fans, so much so that the duo was honored as Arlee “Super Fans” between boys’ and girls’ basketball games on Jan. 22.

“When they read my name I was totally shocked,” Kassie said of receiving the award. “A lot of teachers were at the game that don’t normally come, and we were playing St. Regis, which is a pretty small squad. [The other teachers] knew we were getting the award, so it was lots of fun.”

Despite retiring in June 2008, stories abound of Kassie and Jim’s legendary appearance at almost all Arlee home events since 1972. Even at away games, which they try to attend as often as possible, opposing fans have noticed the Parson’s enthusiastic, positive display for all the kids they care so deeply about.

“I always try to cheer them on no matter how they’re doing,” Kassie said. “All kids everywhere deserve to be cheered. I’m usually the loudest one in the gym.”

Their positive reinforcement was officially recognized with the “Super Fan” award. Sponsored by the Montana High School Association and U.S. Bank as part of a joint sportsmanship program, high schools around the state can nominate fans they feel deserve the recognition. Susan Carney and other administrators and teachers in Arlee banded together to nominate the Parsons. At the end of the year, Kassie and Jerry’s names, along with other super fans from across the state, will be reviewed by the MHSA. A statewide award will be given to the fan deemed the most super.

“We had teachers and coaches look at different people, and look at who was a good representative of our community,” Arlee athletic director Jim Taylor said. “They’re at all of our activities. You name it, they’re there: concerts, athletic events, music performances. They’re great people and used to teach in the district, and still love being around the kids.”

Jerry taught high school English during his tenure and Kassie subbed and taught second graders.

The couple has three adult children, all graduates of Arlee schools, who are now spread across the country doing a variety of different things. Kassie had two of the boys, while dad taught all three the intricacies of the English language.

“They still roll their eyes when I talk about ‘Moby Dick’,” Jerry said.

Kassie claims her infamous cheering comes from growing up in Anaconda and attending sports games at “The Snake Pit,” a school gym notorious for its loud and rowdy atmosphere. Jerry grew up in Great Falls, and when he and Kassie landed in Arlee, they weren’t sure how long they’d stick around.

“We said we’ll stay here until we find a place we like better, and 40 years later, we’re still here,” Jerry said. “This is a special place, and I’ve been around lots of different places to be able to justify that.”

While the award is nice, Kassie said the reason they got it was because of the community spirit in Arlee.

“We got a certificate and the recognition at the game, but being with people who recognize you is the real reward,” she said.

Jerry said the close relationship he developed over the years with the different children creates a bond that is hard to shake.

“Even though I’m not at the school anymore, they’re still my brats,” he said.