Flathead High School
Flathead High School students receiving a 4.0 GPA
Tess Barker
Age: 17
Parents' names: John and Louise Barker
Post-graduation plans: I am attending the University of Montana, where I am hoping to study biology.
Life goal: I would like to work as a pharmacist or a biotechnologist.
Extracurriculars: International Baccalaureate full diploma candidate, National Honor Society, speech and debate, orchestra, guitar and violin lessons, volunteering at Buffalo Hill Terrace
Secret to achieving top grades: Do your homework and pay attention in class!
Words of wisdom: Always get a good night's sleep!
Kathleen Barth
Age: 18
Parents' names: Roger and Beth Barth
Post-graduation plans: Attend St. Olaf College and pursue an English major and music minor
Life goal: I'm currently leaning towards becoming an editor, but teaching is an option I will continue to consider.
Extracurriculars: Choir, Choral-aires, cross country, track, speech and debate, Highlanders track and cross country coach, church praise team, Leaders of Tomorrow, National Honor Society
Secret to achieving top grades: Always strive to improve, finish every bit of homework and consider any extra-credit assignment a blessing.
Words of wisdom: Ask for help whenever you need it, and learn to study and work in the way that is best for you, even if it doesn't work for others. Try to exercise daily and get as much sleep as possible. More importantly, make time to spend with your friends and create memories with them; high school goes by faster than you'd expect.
Cristine Boles
Age: 18
Parents' names: Bill and Joanne Boles
Post-graduation plans: In the fall, I will be attending the University of Montana to begin their pre-pharmacy program and major in piano and pedagogy.
Life goal: My dream is to create my own music studio, where I can offer private piano lessons and group music classes to kids in the community. Secondly, I would also like to pursue a career in pharmacy and medicine.
Extracurriculars: Cross country, choir, speech and debate, Choral-aires, Highlander cross country and track club, Christian worship team, basketball, track, National Honor Society, piano and voice lessons, theater
Secret to achieving top grades: The key is to turn in all the homework assignments. Respect your teachers. Be organized and stay motivated. You don't have to be the smartest kid in the class to achieve the top grades. It has to do with your work ethic and attitude.
Words of wisdom: Don't stress! High school should be fun, so do the things you love and stay passionate. Challenge yourself and make the most of your time. The memories made will stick with you forever so make them good ones.
Leif Castren
Age: 18
Parents' names: Hans Castren and Gina Garlie
Post-graduation plans: Middlebury College
Extracurriculars: Cross country, track and field, choir
Secret to achieving top grades: Hold yourself to high standards.
Words of wisdom: Take time to stop and smell the flowers.
Brett Harrison
Age: 18
Parents' names: Robin and Craig Harrison
Post-graduation plans: Attend Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H.
Life goal: Establish a wildlife sanctuary
Extracurriculars: International Baccalaureate full diploma candidate, varsity tennis, varsity cross country, student body president, National Honor Society, guitar lessons
Secret to achieving top grades: To not take yourself too seriously and to always keep it funky.
Words of wisdom: "The mark of an immature man is that he wants to die nobly for a cause, while the mark of a mature man is that he wants to live humbly for one." -- Wilhelm Stekel
Karl Ingram
Age: 18
Parents' names: Ann and David Ingram
Post-graduation plans: I plan on attending the University of Pennsylvania Wharton Business School with a concentration in health care management and nursing.
Life goal: Find something I love to do and excel at it.
Extracurriculars: Basketball, track, golf, National Honor Society, student government
Secret to achieving top grades: Developing a time-management strategy to get the work done utilizing a network of friends and teachers to keep you informed and focused. When all else fails, just do your homework.
Words of wisdom: Far from being your adversaries, the faculty and staff at FHS want you to succeed, so access them often and allow them to help you achieve your goals.
Kelsie Leu
Age: 19
Parents' names: Mitchell and Carol Leu
Post-graduation plans: Attend Pacific Lutheran University to major in environmental studies and biology
Life goal: I hope to pursue a career in environmental health.
Extracurriculars: International Baccalaureate full diploma candidate, Policy Debate, tennis, National Honor Society, Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), symphonic band, volunteering activities, youth group
Secret to achieving top grades: Do you homework! Also, when you find something you are interested in, learn more about it to find your own passions.
Words of wisdom: Participate in things you love and try to plan ahead to prevent procrastination. Set goals and challenges for yourself and try your hardest to reach them.
Natalie Pursell
Age: 18
Parents' names: Bill and Jana Pursell
Post-graduation plans: I will be attending Montana State University in Bozeman. I am planning to complete undergraduate degrees in nursing and Spanish while participating in the honors program. I also plan to study abroad and travel, especially in Spanish-speaking countries.
Life goal: I will continue studies to become a nurse practitioner and plan to work in underprivileged communities in Latin America.
Extracurriculars: International Baccalaureate full diploma candidate, varsity Public Forum Debate, National Honor Society, Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), symphonic band, Montana Office of Public Instruction, Alpine Club, volleyball, math and reading tutor, church, volunteering activities
Secret to achieving top grades: It ultimately comes down to the drive and desire to succeed. You must want it. Good communication with an understanding of your teachers' expectations is very helpful. Finally, learning time management and learning to prioritize is critical.
Words of wisdom: Being a genius is not required. It's hard work that earns good grades. But in the end, you have to find balance in your life to be happy. Set aside time to do what makes you happy.
Juliann Urban
Age: 18
Parents' names: Rudy and Debbie Urban
Post-graduation plans: Gonzaga University
Life goal: Nurse practitioner
Extracurriculars: Tennis, Book Club, National Honor Society, Interact Club, Pope John Paul II Catholic Church youth group, Catholic Youth Coalition Board, volunteer with Flathead Food Bank and the Humane Society
Secret to achieving top grades: The secret to achieving top grades is to know what your teachers are looking for and matching those expectations. The easiest way to get the best grades is to dedicate time to studying and assignments.
Words of wisdom: It is most important to balance time between school, activities, friends, family and service to community.
Nikkea Uskoski
Age: 18
Parents' names: Dick and Jennifer Uskoski
Post-graduation plans: Pursuing a nursing degree
Life goal: Licensed practical nurse or registered nurse
Extracurriculars: FFA, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks volunteer
Secret to achieving top grades: Enthusiasm.
Words of wisdom: "Procrastination is the thief of time." -- Edward Young