Distinctive students
Flathead High School is the only high school in the state to offer the International Baccalaureate Programme. The rigorous internationally recognized curriculum demands a dedication to academic life, as well as time spent in community service, the arts and physical endeavors. These students have all earned the full IB diploma:
Brigitte Baake
Age: 17
Parents’ names: Fritz Baake and Ina Dooren
Post-graduation plans: I will be a youth ambassador representing the United States in a German high school as an exchange student through the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program. This will immerse me in the German culture and make me a more well-rounded global citizen.
Life goal: Undergraduate major in international relations, law school to become an international attorney, hopefully end up working for the European Union or United Nations, living in Geneva.
Extracurriculars: Speech and debate, Peers Educating and Advocating for Changing Expectations (PEACE), National Honor Society, German Club, Flathead High Young Democrats, Flathead County Young Democrats, Spanish Club, IB advisory board, Obama campaign
IB’s impacts: The IB program has enabled me to learn more in high school than I ever thought possible. Journeying through the program was challenging yet rewarding. My peers were incredibly helpful, and I would not wish to change anything if I had to do it all again. IB has made me prepared for college but also made me a more informed citizen of the world.
Words of wisdom: Hard work always pays off. Take advantage of your opportunities — especially free education. Enjoy life, no matter how stressful it may get.
Jerrette Baker
Age: 17
Parents’ names: Patricia and Terry Baker
Post-graduation plans: University of Washington, majoring in international relations and theater with a minor in French
Life goal: There are many aspirations I hold. A duality between artist and businessman. To write and perform whilst upholding a career as a lawyer or politician. As long as I can change lives, I know I have met my aspirations.
Extracurriculars: Theater (over 15 productions), speech and debate
IB’s impacts: IB has served as a means of dissolving at least some naiveté and ignorance. I have become vastly more obtusely aware of my setting whilst becoming apt and capable regarding the most acute details.
Words of wisdom: Take advantage of each and every resource within your grasp. There is extensive validity to the cliché statement of, “You never know what you’ve got until it has gone.” Ensure that you don’t depart your high school chapter with looming regrets that you have left several pages unturned.
Brittney Brewer
Age: 18
Parents’ names: Nicole Brewer
Post-graduation plans: Pre-med at Montana State University
Life goal: General practitioner; helping others with my education
Extracurriculars: 4-H, tutoring, soccer coach and player
IB’s impacts: Enabled me to have greater opportunities in college, helped me to develop good studying habits and has helped in the overall growth in learning.
Words of wisdom: Don’t be intimidated; if you’re willing to put in the effort, it’s possible to do anything. Stay determined and make good study habits!
Severn Crabtree
Age: 18
Parents’ names: Melaina Crabtree
Post-graduation plans: New College of Florida in Sarasota
Life goal: To learn about the world and all its people
IB’s impacts: IB has fostered my curiosity, honed my abilities from the practical to the intellectual and brought me closer to people I never envisioned having relationships with. IB has made my high school career unbelievably satisfying and truly life changing.
Words of wisdom: Work together! Teamwork divides the task and multiplies the success.
Logan Esch
Age: 17
Parents’ names: Tom and Charlene Esch
Post-graduation plans: Montana State University Honors Program and ROTC, major in computer science
Life goal: Be a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army
Extracurriculars: Cross country, track
IB’s impacts: It certainly has made [high school] challenging but worthwhile.
Words of wisdom: The only easy day was yesterday.
Kassandra Hebert
Age: 17
Parents’ names: Kimberly Carin Hebert and Verne James Hebert
Post-graduation plans: My post-graduate plans will include double majoring in finance and accounting and then attending law school to study tax law.
Life goal: I will pursue an occupation as a tax attorney in the future. As a personal goal in my life, I would like to travel the world and ski.
Extracurriculars: Varsity soccer, soccer captain, varsity track, boxed in Whitefish smoker, community service
IB’s impacts: IB has allowed me to take a normal high school education to its highest and rigorous curriculum. The skills and tools I acquired will enable me to a higher performance in college and set me apart from others. I was able to learn and gain knowledge from an international standpoint that provided more cultural perspectives to my education.
Words of wisdom: Seize every opportunity that presents itself, because at some point it may pass you by.
Mary Kate Izzi
Age: 18
Parents’ names: Kyla Izzi
Post-graduation plans: Attending Montana State University in Bozeman, major in business management, minor in international studies. Plans to go to law school after MSU.
Life goal: Corporate law
Extracurriculars: Speech and debate, cheerleading, theater, National Honor Society, Leaders of Tomorrow
IB’s impacts: IB made my high school experience fast-paced and rigorous. It afforded me the opportunity to closely focus on my future career plans and set high goals for myself.
Words of wisdom: Always be organized. Attend class and do all your homework. Study for tests and be prepared. It is also very important to strive for a good balance between schoolwork, extracurricular activities and friends. Make time for fun!
McKenzie Javorka
Age: 17
Parents’ names: Joy Javorka and Michael Javorka
Post-graduation plans: Attend Claremont McKenna College in Claremont, Calif., where I plan to study psychology.
Life goal: Earn a doctorate degree in psychology and own a private counseling practice (possibly specializing in teenagers, eating disorders, etc.)
Extracurriculars: Ballet and modern dance with Northwest Ballet Co., cello (private lessons and school orchestra), speech and debate, student council, National Honor Society
IB’s impacts: IB has opened my eyes to a global perspective on knowledge and given me an appreciation for learning that I will carry with me the rest of my life. Being a full diploma candidate demanded a heavy workload, and sacrifices had to be paid in order to meet that demand (sleep became a luxury rather than a necessity over the two years). The rigor of the program and style of education has made me more than prepared for college; Flathead students should consider themselves extremely lucky to be able to take IB courses.
Words of wisdom: When you find yourself trying to finish a project at 3 a.m., take a minute to make yourself a hot cup of tea — it will make the project much more enjoyable and help keep you awake as well. It’s the little things that relieve stress; find your own relaxation tool and use it as often as needed.
Hunter Lapp
Age: 18
Parents’ names: Richard and Libbie Lapp
Post-graduation plans: Attend Montana State University to study biology and math
Life goal: To live conscientiously and be happy.
Extracurriculars: Debate, jazz and concert band, rugby
IB’s impacts: It has made it more stressful and more worthwhile.
Words of wisdom: Fill your time with good things and be excellent to everybody. Don’t take yourself at all seriously and be open to new experiences.
Megan McCauley
Age: 17
Parents’ names: Erin and Ginger McCauley
Post-graduation plans: Boston University, double major in sociology and cultural anthropology
Life goal: Attend law school and practice law (criminal justice)
Extracurriculars: Jazz band, pep band, speech and debate, tennis, Flathead Valley Community Band, Leaders of Tomorrow
IB’s impacts: IB has molded and encouraged my intellectual maturation and has provided me with the skills and knowledge necessary to be a learned and informed citizen of humanity.
Words of wisdom: Persevere. At times it may be difficult, but in the long run, IB gives each and every individual the intellectual ride of a lifetime. Most important, however, is to have fun and treasure this brief and once-in-a-lifetime high school experience.
Mariah McGarvey
Age: 18
Parents’ names: Vonda and Mike McGarvey
Post-graduation plans: Considering becoming a pilot in the military
Life goal: Pilot. I like to travel and experience other cultures, and flying lets you see the colors of the country — awesome!
Extracurriculars: Speech and debate, drama
IB’s impacts: It made high school more challenging and pushed me to be a better student. For example, we are now studying the meaning of life.
Words of wisdom: Weigh your options. Learn as much as you can about them before deciding, including what extracurriculars will do to your schedule, but don’t be afraid to try something new.
Dallas Montaño
Age: 17
Parents’ names: Ralph and Brooke Montaño
Post-graduation plans: Bio medicine/pre-med at Gonzaga University, minor in Spanish
Life goal: To become a cardiac surgeon
Extracurriculars: Cheerleading, cheer captain, National Honor Society, Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), various volunteer projects
IB’s impacts: IB has provided me with a challenge and has given me the opportunity to do my best and grow in many ways.
Words of wisdom: Don’t procrastinate and always do your best. Never turn in work you aren’t proud of.
Emily Obermiller
Age: 18
Parents’ names: Tim and Mary Obermiller
Post-graduation plans: Regis University
Life goal: Study philosophy/theology
Extracurriculars: Catholic Youth Coalition Board, skiing, rock climbing, volleyball, basketball, debate, Risen Christ youth group
IB’s impacts: IB has caused me to further develop critical thinking skills and challenge myself. Because of IB, I’ve been able to study under the most talented and engaging teachers, which has made my learning experience worthwhile.
Words of wisdom: Make sure to take classes you will enjoy!
Mariah Schuster
Age: 17
Parents’ names: Janet Szabo and Thomas Schuster
Post-graduation plans: Pacific Lutheran University
Life goal: Not sure yet, but I would like to travel to lots of new exciting places and learn some more languages — I love culture!
Extracurriculars: Band, speech and debate, youth group president
IB’s impacts: IB has made me appreciate education more — and the impact it can have globally. IB has also made me realize how important it is to have an open mind and expose yourself to new thoughts, beliefs and perspectives. It has made me think so much and grow in a positive way.
Words of wisdom: Even though the idea of working harder and challenging yourself may not seem fun at first — go for it. You will feel so proud at what you’ve accomplished, and it’ll prepare you for so many great opportunities!
Elizabeth Steele
Age: 18
Parents’ names: Alfred and Gail Steele
Post-graduation plans: Pacific Lutheran University; amalgam of anthropology, environmental studies and theater arts
Life goal: Scenic design on the professional level; research environmental preservation and education
Extracurriculars: Theater, Recycling Club
IB’s impacts: IB has given me a chance to engage in higher-level academics and learn a curriculum from incredibly dedicated teachers.
Words of wisdom: Fresh air clears a fuzzy brain.
Dean Stimpson
Age: 18
Parents’ names: Dr. Kim and Kelly Stimpson
Post-graduation plans: Attend Brigham Young University; after freshman year, go on a two-year religious mission
Life goal: Get a number of degrees in many different fields and then become a professional smart person.
Extracurriculars: Basketball, Kalispell Lakers baseball, speech and debate, National Honor Society, student council, golf
IB’s impacts: I’ve made new friends and learned many four-syllable words and developed an affinity for poetry.
Words of wisdom: Albert Einstein once said, “Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count, everything that counts cannot be counted.” Relaxation is key; find a happy place and go there often.
Maxine Sugarman
Age: 17
Parents’ names: Michael and Carol Sugarman
Post-graduation plans: I plan to attend the University of Washington to study political science and Spanish.
Life goal: My goal is to eventually attend law school. I would like to eventually pursue a career in international law.
Extracurriculars: Varsity speech and debate, varsity tennis, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, IB advisory board, Flathead Valley Tennis Association
IB’s impacts: The rigor of IB has provided me with an excellent form of college preparation while also focusing in on understanding global issues.
Words of wisdom: “All our dreams come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” — Walt Disney
Kyle Tannehill
Age: 18
Parents’ names: Tom and Lisa Tannehill
Post-graduation plans: Montana State University as a music major
Life goal: Musician or theologian
Extracurriculars: Pep band, jazz band, All State band, music festival, tennis, golf
IB’s impacts: It taught me to challenge myself even though sometimes things were over my head. I still was able to come out on top.
Words of wisdom: Do your best to stay on top on everything, and when you’re discouraged, remember your ultimate goal and simply sit down and do your best.
Connor Tice
Age: 18
Parents’ names: Howard and Patricia Tice
Post-graduation plans: I will attend Seattle University to study in the science field.
Life goal: I plan on having a career in the environmental science field or in medicine.
Extracurriculars: Basketball, speech and debate, track, National Honor Society, student council, Boy Scouts (Eagle Scout), various community service
IB’s impacts: I think IB has been a part of making my high school experience so wonderful. I did sacrifice many treasured hours of sleep, but it was well worth it.
Words of wisdom: No matter how difficult something seems, in the end the amount of work you put in will make it well worth it. Always try to succeed in school, but be sure that you are enjoying yourself throughout the process.
Hannah Wahlert
Age: 18
Parents’ names: Raymond and Elizabeth Wahlert
Post-graduation plans: Montana State University, double major in history and political science
Life goal: Lawyer
Extracurriculars: Debate, theater
IB’s impacts: IB has taught me how to time manage and prioritize, though it certainly was challenging.
Words of wisdom: Do not procrastinate, and try to maintain a balance between academics and a social life.
Andy Wilson
Age: 18
Parents’ names: Wende and Bryce Wilson
Post-graduation plans: Montana State University
Life goal: Computer engineering and philosophy
Extracurriculars: Track, cross country, speech and debate, Mind Masters, Knowledge Bowl, Destination ImagiNation, band, theater, National Honor Society, Risk Club
IB’s impacts: IB has given me the ability to synthesize information into a perception of reality that is of my own ideas. IB has transformed high school into a college-based environment.
Words of wisdom: Be happy, get sleep, have fun, assume nothing and, of course, study hard.
Jaimee Zorn
Age: 18
Parents’ names: Dan and Anne Marie Zorn
Post-graduation plans: Oregon State University, major in exercise science in the honors college
Life goal: Ph.D. in physical therapy
Extracurriculars: Volleyball, basketball, track, National Honor Society, student council, youth group, AAU club volleyball
IB’s impacts: IB has allowed me to make a lot of new friends, and I have had the opportunity to have some of the best teachers. It provided me with a chance to challenge myself and learn all that I could.
Words of wisdom: Relax! At times life will seem like there is too much to handle, but remember that you’re not alone. Enjoy your time in high school and don’t forget to just have fun.