Class of 2026 are already leading their communities
It's inspiring to talk with members of the Class of 2026. They've shown great character in finding ways to assist those around them and in seeking ways to continue cultivating a spirit of giving back as they look to head out into the world.
Each has taken their own area of interest and found ways to serve their family, peers or community. We discovered this through the Inter Lake's series featuring graduating seniors, as it has offered a personal look at this year’s graduating class.
Take Glacier High School senior Anitha Ravipati, who has shared her experience of having an autistic sibling as a way to help others who might be facing the same situation. And as she looks toward a career, she plans to take her desire to help others and apply her aptitude for studying science.
“I’m a naturally curious person and I feel like research is the best path for me so I can learn more about myself and learn more about others to help people in that way," she said.
Having dispensed advice to her friends since her days on the elementary school playground, Flathead High School senior Madison Geiger has set her aspirations on studying the connection between mental and physical health. Her own experience with an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss has shaped her life's experience and also inspired her decision to major in psychology to help others after coming from a place of understanding what it's like to be stared at but not feel seen or heard.
When health challenges looked to sideline Whitefish senior Anna Shestak, she rose to the challenge by finding a way to motivate herself but also uplift others. Named the school's first student spirit ambassador, she rallied her fellow students to support the green and gold after student participation in pep rallies and major school events had dwindled.
“Just seeing school spirit slowly come back to Whitefish High School is such a cool thing,” she said. “I made it a little bit more fun this year, and I hope people can see what I did and continue to build it.”
Also, one to rally his fellow students, Stillwater Christian School senior Levi Fladager was known as the varsity basketball team's "hype man" for his ability to motivate fellow teammates. He carried that same spark into leadership roles off the court, including taking over the school's tutoring program.
Another young leader is found in Bigfork's Nic Gustavson, who has long held the goal of attending the Air Force Academy and looks to serve his country. In preparing for the rigorous application process, he's taken on leadership responsibilities, realizing his goal of flying planes is no longer his only motivation.
“I found out that I really loved leadership. There was something about it, working with the team, having a vision, achieving stuff together,” Gustavson said.
Having the mindset of leadership, combined with a goal of helping others, is sure to serve these graduates well. We have high hopes for what they will accomplish next.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026!