World-class students
The Daily Inter Lake
Fourteen Flathead High School seniors graduate today with a unique diploma after completing a more rigorous curriculum than most of their peers.
These International Baccalaureate students have devoted countless hours to the program's demanding requirements.
In addition to tough classes that go beyond the typical high school curriculum, students in the International Baccalaureate Programme write a 4,000-word extended essay and complete 150 hours of community service.
International Baccalaureate is recognized around the world as a top college-preparatory program. Flathead is the only high school in the state to offer an IB diploma program.
Duncan Aylor
Age: 18
Parents: Dave and Carol Aylor
Post-graduation plans: Attend U.S. Military Academy at West Point
Life goal: Soldier in the U.S. Army
Extracurricular activities: Wrestling, football, track, Anchor Club president, Lunch Pail Pals, Highlanders track coach, Special Olympics volunteer, Somers Volunteer Fire Department volunteer
Secret to achieving top grades: Making a commitment to schoolwork.
Words of wisdom to younger students: Set meaningful goals that will motivate you to work hard.
Julia Bechtold
Age: 18
Parents: Brian Bechtold and Renee Boisseau
Post-graduation plans: Attend Whitworth University
Life goal: Print journalism/international studies
Extracurricular activities: Editor-in-chief of "The Arrow," National Honor Society, varsity golf, tennis
Matthew Belleville
Age: 18
Parents: Bruce and Pam Belleville
Post-graduation plans: Attend Montana State University; hope to go to medical school after that
Life goal: My life goals are constantly developing, but right now I am hoping to become a doctor.
Extracurricular activities: Symphonic band, pep band, speech and debate, Wildlife Forever State Fish Art contest winner, IB service and activity projects, youth soccer and baseball coach
Secret to achieving top grades: Well, paying attention in class usually helps. Keeping yourself from prioritizing homework and pushing essential human activities aside such as eating, sleeping or even staying physically fit.
Words of wisdom to younger students: Don't make schoolwork your deity. Have a balance in activities, as many as you are comfortable with, and stay dedicated to these activities.
Cam Clevidence
Age: 18
Parents: Craig Clevidence and Pam Clevidence
Post-graduation plans: Attend Montana State University
Life goal: Biologist
Extracurricular activities: All-state soccer, Crocheting for Charity
Secret to achieving top grades: Being motivated.
Words of wisdom to younger students: Don't procrastinate too much.
Searra Donnelly
Age: 17
Parents: Dan and Sarah Donnelly
Post-graduation plans: Attend Montana State University
Life goal: Undecided
Extracurricular activities: Golf, tennis, "Anne of Green Gables' play, Recycling Club, speech and debate, Rugby Club
Secret to achieving top grades: Endurance.
Words of wisdom to younger students: Don't skip. Stay in school.
Colin Gaiser
Age: 18
Parents: Scott and Heidi Gaiser
Post-graduation plans: Attend Montana State University
Life goal: Film/photography and ecology
Extracurricular activities: Soccer, speech and debate, theater
Secret to achieving top grades: Don't worry about being organized. Organization is overrated.
Words of wisdom to younger students: Take challenging classes in order to better yourself as a person intellectually rather than taking easy classes just to maintain a 4.0. You will be better prepared for college and life in general.
Katie Hoag
Age: 18
Parents: Davy Hoag and Jonna Mihalic-Hoag
Post-graduation plans: Attend Montana State University
Life goal: Something in the sciences: biology, neuroscience or medical research
Extracurricular activities: Speech and debate, National Honor Society, band, IB service projects
Secret to achieving top grades: I.B., therefore I B.S.
Words of wisdom to younger students: Don't lose perspective. High school is not the end-all be-all.
Jacob Jenks
Age: 18
Parents: Gary and Joni Jenks
Post-graduation plans: Attend Montana State University-Bozeman
Life goal: Computer programmer
Extracurricular activities: Speech and debate, track, jazz band, pep band, student council
Secret to achieving top grades: Balancing work and play.
Words of wisdom to younger students: It isn't as bad as it seems.
Patrick Liddell
Age: 18
Parents: Andy and Kim Liddell
Post-graduation plans: Attend Montana State University
Life goal: Mechanical engineering
Extracurricular activities: Whitewater kayaking and skiing
Secret to achieving top grades: Well, it is a secret.
Words of wisdom to younger students: In the words of Warren Miller, "Don't take life too seriously - you can't come out of it alive."
Izzy Makman
Age: 18
Parents: Stan and Liz Makman
Post-graduation plans: Attend Bates College, Lewiston, Maine
Life goal: Major in Chinese and economics, then join the Peace Corps
Extracurricular activities: Varsity tennis, student council, volleyball, National Honor Society
Joe McGlenn
Age: 18
Parents: Tim and Paula McGlenn
Post-graduation plans: Attend the University of Montana
Life goal: Help people cope.
Extracurricular activities: Jammin'.
Secret to achieving top grades: Freedom.
Words of wisdom to younger students: Everyone is an example of something.
Cailin Rogers
Age: 17
Parents: James and Christine Rogers
Post-graduation plans: Attend Macalester College, St. Paul, Minn.; study political science
Life goal: Lawyer/politician
Extracurricular activities: Student council, band, flag corps, National Honor Society, IB Buzz editor-in-chief, Peace Garden Zen master, tutoring, acting
Secret to achieving top grades: I don't procrastinate and use my time well.
Words of wisdom to younger students: Eat and sleep like a normal person. It'll make you healthier and happier.
Kimberlee Spor
Age: 18
Parents: Gary and Deanna Forester
Post-graduation plans: Attend Montana State University College of Nursing
Extracurricular activities: Health Occupation Students of America, Invisible Children, Spanish Club
Words of wisdom to younger students: Attend class.
Jonathan Watkins
Age: 18
Parents: Richard Watkins and Delia Keane
Post-graduation plans: Attend the University of California, Davis; major in physics
Life goal: Professor, work for NASA
Extracurricular activities: Speech and debate, National Honor Society, French Club, senior class representative, golf
Secret to achieving top grades: Make your standard the highest grades, and don't be content with anything less.
Words of wisdom to younger students: High school is a marathon. Don't be discouraged by the length of it. Keep your head up and your eyes on your goals in order to do well. It will be over with one day, and you don't want to finish a loser.