Beloved Butte Educator to Serve as 4th of July Parade Grand Marshal

From classrooms to carousels, George Parrett’s legacy of kindness, service, and community spirit earns him a place of honor in Butte’s beloved parade

Serve as 4th of July Parade Grand Marshal

“People say I ran the best school in Butte and was involved in all of the activities of the kids, whether it was skating, football, basketball, volleyball, attended all of their activities and was visible,” said Parrett. “That’s the most important thing.”

In a city rich with history and hard work, few names evoke as much warmth and respect as George Parrett. A lifelong resident of Butte, Montana, Parrett has spent his 92 years building a legacy that stretches far beyond the classroom walls of Whittier Elementary School, where he served for decades as a principal and teacher.

“It’s just a great feeling that they remember me. And they can tell me something that happened that sometimes I’ve forgotten about,” Parrett shared, reflecting on how often former students still stop him to share stories. His genuine presence in students’ lives didn’t stop at the school gates—he was there in the bleachers, on the field, and in the stands, cheering on every kid like they were his own.

But teaching was only part of his lifelong service. Parrett volunteered as a firefighter for over ten years, played a pivotal role in reviving the Spirit of Columbia Gardens Carousel at Stodden Park, and even helped raise more than $10,000 through a humble penny drive. “I think I helped somehow on every one of the horses. If they were putting a tail on, they needed someone to hold the tail, and I was good at that,” he joked.

Butte 4th of July Parade to be largest in years

Never one to sit still, Parrett took up long-distance running after turning 50—eventually competing in around 100 half-marathons. He’s also a devoted gardener with a heart as generous as his green thumb. “I have a greenhouse and when I was at the school, every child in the school planted a marigold and decorated the front of the school,” he said.

Even now, his humor is as vibrant as ever. “Shocking, and you wonder why they picked me,” Parrett said when asked about being named grand marshal of the parade he’s long cherished from the sidelines.

This Friday, at 10 a.m. along Harrison Avenue, Butte will celebrate a man whose life has been a masterclass in dedication, humor, humility, and community.

George Parrett isn’t just a local treasure—he’s a symbol of what it means to give, grow, and guide with purpose. In an age of fleeting fame, it’s grounding to see someone honored not for viral moments or grand gestures, but for decades of quiet consistency, community care, and genuine love for people. The Mining City chose well—Mr. Parrett didn’t just educate minds; he shaped lives. And in doing so, he reminded us all that greatness often looks like kindness.

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