Columbia Falls student honored for leadership, academics

Columbia Falls High School junior Winslow Nichols is a “kind, thoughtful and driven achiever,” whose talents lie in leadership and academics, yet he is humble about his positive influence and achievements.

This is according to Columbia Falls School District Student and Family Advocate Tamara Sundberg, who nominated Nichols to be a Today’s Achievers, Tomorrow’s Leaders honoree.

“Winslow is an exemplary student who is well-liked by his peers and teachers. He has a quiet demeanor with a solid sense of humility, work ethic and morality. He is a firm believer in being an honest and humble person. He has a strong desire to better himself in all aspects of his life and to be able to share his lessons with other people. He is a role model for younger students and values being able to support and encourage his younger classmates. He is a representation of what an achiever is.”

The Today’s Achievers, Tomorrow’s Leaders program recognizes the academic achievement and community involvement of high school students who contribute to improving the lives of others. The award is sponsored by Kalispell Regional Healthcare in collaboration with the Daily Inter Lake. In addition to the recognition, honorees choose a school club or activity to receive a $250 donation. He plans to donate the money to the high school band program.

Sundberg said Nichols demonstrates leadership as a role model and mentor through activities and sports.

Nichols is a member of a peer group called the Red Shirts, who help underclassmen acclimate to school and feel included and involved.

He also demonstrates leadership on the soccer field, where he competes on the high school team and serves as a volunteer coach for youth soccer camps. He is also captain of the Glacier Nordic Ski Team in Whitefish.

Off the field, he plays saxophone and is a member of the Columbians high school select jazz band. Nichols is also active in the United Methodist Church Youth Group in Columbia Falls.

One of Nichols’ strengths in offering guidance and direction is through example, according to Sundberg.

“Winslow provides a vision to other students of what an achiever is and what a leader can be,” she said.

Nichols defines a good role model or mentor as someone takes the time to listen and understand.

“A good role model or mentor is not just someone who understands you, but even if you might slightly disagree on something is respectful and always there to listen, be there not only when you have success, but also when you have failures or go through rough times.

“The low times in your life will show you who is a good mentor,” he said.

Sundberg also noted Nichols’ drive to set and accomplish goals — one of them attending West Point Academy — through thorough research and planning. He also holds a 3.5 grade-point average.

“It’s an opportunity to serve my country and see the world,” Nichols said.

“I’ve always felt like trying to do something better for the world even if it’s a small thing,” Nichols said, noting that he was also inspired to serve by a family friend who served.

World affairs have been an interest of Nichols’ for some time. He participated in Model United Nations, a mock conference where student delegates debate, negotiate, caucus, draft papers and vote on resolutions to address world problems, for two years.

Rather than complain about the world’s issues, Nichols is someone focused on problem-solving, not alone, but as a team.

“We all have to work together and live together. The better place our country is and our world is — the better it [life] is,” Nichols said.

He is the son of Ron and Sabrina Nichols.

Nominate a student at krh.org/TomorrowsLeaders.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.