Written by Sha’kyia Parker
Famous people have managers that are always doing the hard work but they’re never acknowledged. Much like Mary Parmerlee who does the heavy lifting for the athletic department, yet the face we see is Marsman.
Parmerlee went to Cornerstone University where she got an athletic scholarship for three sports; basketball,volleyball and track. She was one of the first athletes to receive one of these scholarships. She even made it into the athletic hall of fame at Cornerstone. Parmerlee played forward for basketball and side hitter for volleyball. Throughout these years Parmerlee took on challenges that pushed her.
“Actually one year I ended up at point guard but I didn’t have the skill set, it was kind of a ‘we need somebody to do it’,” Parmerlee said.
After getting her bachelors at Cornerstone she then got her masters at Michigan State University and got her degree in P.E.
“I got my graduate degree at Michigan State. Then caught on coaching there until I started having children,” Parmerlee said.
Being apart of the Northview community for 12 years has influenced Parmerlee and her children’s lives. Having four kids who have all attended the school put her foot in the door for a position in the district. Little did Parmerlee know, being apart of Northview was so much more than a job.
“Northview is a fantastic place to be. We’re not perfect but we do have a caring community that really encourages me to care about you and you to care about me and to have those kind of relationships Northview was great for my kids to go through,” Parmerlee said.
Much of Parmerlee’s job consists of rallying officials and gameworkers. She also pushes papers and even makes deposits for Northview. A typical day on her job varies which makes things exciting.
Though she stays hard at work while at school, her job does not end there. Being blessed with 10 grand kids made it possible for her to stay busy at home as well. Parmerlee’s favorite thing to do is play with her grandchildren on her free time.
“Right now playing with my grandbabies is by far the most fun thing there is,” Parmerlee said.
Eventually Parmerlee plans on slowing down to truly take in everything she has accomplished. She wants to enjoy the little things in life.
“I think being happy in retirement will be one of those goals, to slow down and enjoy that stage. And I know that sounds silly. But that is one, to step back and enjoy a slower pace,” Parmerlee said.