Opening more doors for youths
One of the intended consequences of having two high schools in Kalispell is coming to fruition as more students have the opportunity to participate in school activities.
Increased opportunities for youths have been on display as recently as Thursday (both Glacier and Flathead boys’ basketball teams competed at state) and two weeks ago, when eight Kalispell basketball squads competed in crosstown games.
That’s twice as many teams and players as would have been playing just four years ago when Flathead High School was the only game in town.
Although not all activities have seen a similar doubling of participation, there is no doubt that many more students are getting chances to play or perform in extracurricular activities.
From sports to speech to music, it appears that having a second high school is succeeding in opening more doors for more youths.
ANOTHER SCHOOL STORY was not so happy, although there is good news for the short term, at least.
The Columbia Falls School District was able to find a way to keep the Canyon Elementary School open for another year. There will be a smaller staff and some combined classrooms, but parents are happy to get a reprieve that lets students in the Hungry Horse area keep enjoying a quality education in a close-to-home school.
Unfortunately, it looks like the popular school will have to be closed the following year.
IT WILL BE a poignant journey for two Flathead County sheriff’s deputies as they climb Mount McKinley in May to honor a fellow law-enforcement officer.
Deputies Caleb Pleasants and Nelson Grant will carry with them a plaque honoring Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Michael Haynes, who was killed a year ago in a head-on collision with a drunk driver. The mountaintop tribute is orchestrated by Cops on Top, a group of volunteers from law enforcement and public service who undertake annual climbing expeditions to commemorate officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Most of us can only imagine the exhilaration of reaching the summit of North America’s highest peak. It will be a fitting tribute for a dedicated trooper whose life should be remembered, not only on that lofty mountaintop but also throughout the Flathead Valley he served.