Bruce Parry: Shining Example

"Family impacts your success." These few words have been the force behind Bruce Parry's accomplishments. He began life with his family on the Washakie Indian Reservation. When Bruce was just 4 years old, his grandfather wanted the family to move to find more opportunities for education and jobs. They left the reservation and relocated to Clearfield.

Their new home brought many other new things for Bruce's family. The traditions and customs they found in Clearfield were different from those they knew. And, as most people who have moved know, changes can be difficult. The Parrys were proud of their Native American heritage, but they knew this was a chance to improve, so they worked hard to settle in their new environment as they met new people in their community.

Bruce had many interests, but he loved sports most of all. During the winter, Bruce needed the outdoor basketball court clear in order to practice, so he shoveled snow no matter how much fell. Bruce wanted to be ready. He played sports in junior high and high school and won recognition, as well as college scholarships, through his determination. At the same time Bruce was becoming a consistent athlete, he worked to keep his grades high. When he graduated from high school, there were scholarships waiting that paid for all four years of his higher education.

Bruce had a dream to coach, and it became reality when he was hired by Union High School. This gave him a job that allowed him to both teach and coach. It was what he had always hoped for. Bruce and his family moved to eastern Utah. They again made new friends, many of whom were from the Ute Indian Tribe.

Yet another change came to the Parry family when Bruce was offered a job as the state director of Indian Affairs. He served in that position for 13 years, traveling around the United States to meet with a number of Indian tribes, as well as the tribes in Utah. He served the Paiutes, Goshutes and Navajos, working to improve conditions for his people in education, employment, health issues and more.

For more fun reading and other activities, try these Web sites:    • PBS Kids: Everyday Heroes    • American Red Cross: Everyday Heroes

Even when his government job ended, his dream continued. He served as an important role model for a young man who had broken the law, and helped him work through his problems.