Class of 2025 takes on life’s challenges

We’re filled with hope after talking with members of the Class of 2025.  

They’ve shown great tenacity in confronting life’s challenges, while also proving they have their mind set on helping those around them. We discovered as much as the Inter Lake series beginning last week has offered a personal look at this year’s graduating seniors. 

Take Glacier High School senior Abby Dose, who demonstrates resilience in overcoming difficulty. Roughly a year ago, Dose was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. Undergoing medical treatments including a bone marrow transplant, Dose spent a great amount of time making decisions that would weigh on any adult while in the hospital. 

“There would be moments when I would sit there and cry,” recalled Dose. “My whole world turned upside down.”   

While Dose knows her life will always be changed, she prefers to focus on the future and with that plans to study nursing at Montana State University. She is drawing inspiration from the nurse who helped care for her to transform her own experience into caring for others.  

Compassion is another trait exuded by the Class of 2025.  

Whitefish High School senior Maggie Mercer has helped those around her by serving as a coach, mentoring other students and leading the way in creating a group to raise funds for those affected by cancer. She has thrived through assisting others.  

“I hope that someone’s looking up to me thinking that they want to be a leader one day, too,” she said. “I hope that I inspire people to help others and to be a part of their community and be active members and not do it for the recognition, but just do it because it’s helping others.” 

When we hear Flathead High School senior Joangerli Katherine Gonzalez’s story, it speaks of perseverance through hardship.  

Gonzalez trekked thousands of miles immigrating from South America to the United States. When she arrived in the Flathead Valley, she did not know any English. Three years later she is graduating after throwing herself into academics and assisting Spanish-speaking students like herself.  

Through it all her mindset has been to try new things and whether she enjoys it or not, she can be proud that she gave it a chance.  

“I think it’s the most important thing in life,” she said.    

Maintaining a positive attitude through challenges has been at the center of Bigfork High School senior Sam Ayers’ story. As a cross-country runner he pushed himself on the racecourse and he pushed himself again when he had to undergo surgery his sophomore year to correct a dip in his chest cavity. It was difficult for him to walk and stand up after having surgery in January, but by May he was running and by fall he was out with the cross-country team again.  

Ayers has been an integral part of the cross-country team, Bigfork head coach Ryan Nollan said, but for more than his running ability.  

“He just cares so much about people; he’s always speaking about people and going up and congratulating them,” Nollan said.  

Resiliency, compassion and courage are sure to serve these graduates well as they head out into the world. We can’t wait to see what they accomplish next.  

Congratulations to the Class of 2025!