Flathead grad says thanks

School's out for summer, and it may well be the last thing on the minds of most teens.

But one graduate took time recently to reflect on her high-school years and voice her gratitude for the lessons she learned - both academic and in life.

Katie Davis didn't take "easy street" while she was at Flathead High School.

She enrolled in tough advanced placement and honors courses, challenging herself to work hard in the hope that it would pay off in the long run.

Davis, the daughter of Mike and Lore Davis of Kalispell, graduated with high honors in 2004. She just finished her sophomore year at the University of Montana in the pre-pharmacy program, and has been accepted to UM's Pharmacy School, where she will pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Being accepted in UM's four-year pharmacy program wouldn't have been possible without the work ethic she developed through her career at Flathead, she says.

"Because college classes are very demanding, I would have been ill-prepared for them had my high-school career been a breeze."

Students who want to enter the program need to do well on the mandatory PCAT test and have either work or volunteer experience that would be useful for working in a professional capacity. Davis' job at the Kalispell Walgreen's store last summer was the perfect environment, she says, because it involved daily interaction with the public in a typical pharmacist setting.

Davis says she continually is surprised when she talks with fellow college students about their high-school educations.

"Many of them indicate that it was a 'piece of cake.'"

But "having their cake and eating it too" might be a disappointment when those students have to hit the books at the college level.

"Students who are unfamiliar with a rigorous workload often don't succeed," she cautions.

"I know from personal experience that students are capable of a lot more than they think [or others think] they are." Davis credits family friend and semi-retired pharmacist Jess Johnson for his encouragement, and her faith for fueling her motivation and desire to reach her goals.

Her plans include possibly working in a hospital or with the elderly with a focus on pain management.

"Pharmacy is changing and developing as the population ages," she says. She sees herself in a position helping the elderly to better manage their medications, and working in a community where she can get to know the people she serves.

"It's important to form good relationships with people to be able to help them."

In her letter to the Inter Lake, Davis also took the opportunity to thank all of the teachers, the administration, and school board of Flathead High School.

Her wish is to see high-quality education continue here in the Flathead, and sees it as crucial for the success of all students as they pursue education and throughout their lives.

She encourages other students to use the opportunities they are given and do the best they can to succeed.