Salute to Valedictorians 2015

Salute to Valedictorians Class of

Inside: Platinum Program 8 students from Senior High complete rigorous academic program

F O U N D A T I O N

BILLINGS

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SCHOOLS

Partner s Salute 2015 The Education Foundation and Billings Gaz ette Communications are proud to honor businesses that support education in our community and the students who have achieved the status of valedictorian in their high school.

What is Partners in Education?

Partners in Education is a community-wide partnership between schools, businesses, and community members dedicated to ensuring the success of all K-12 students and schools in the Billings area. Partners in Education is a program of the Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools.

INSIDE: Partners Salute 2015.................................................2 Partnerships in Action.............................................3-5 Partners in Education..................................................7 STEM.......................................................................8-9 Meet the Valedictorians.....................................10-22 Meet the Platinum Students...............................23-24

What are the benefits of a partnership?

Many schools get additional support through the partnerships such as tutors, mentors, and What is the goal of Partners in extracurricular activities for students. Students Education? also get the chance to meet adult mentors in The goal of Partners in Education is to build mutually benefiting partnerships between schools the community and learn about career choices. and businesses that result in school improvement, Likewise, many employees enjoy the opportunity to do something positive for the community and teaching excellence, student achievement, and to be given time by their employer to do so. Busiappreciation of common community goals. nesses also benefit from the positive image of giving back to the Billings community.

What kinds of partnerships are there?

There are many ways that organizations and How do I start a partnership at my businesses can participate in a partnership school or business? with the schools in Billings. Each partnership is unique, depending upon the capacity of the busiTo learn more about starting a partnership at your school or business, please contact ness and the needs of the school.

Krista Hertz, at (406) 245-4133 or by email at hertzk@billingsschools.org Example activities include: • Tutoring or mentoring students • Providing incentives for students and faculty

Salute to Valedictorians 2015 is a special advertising publication of The Billings Gazette.

General Manager Dave Worstell

Section Designer Christine Cleveland

Special Sections Coordinator Linsay Duty

Access Salute to Valedictorians 2015 at www.billingsgazette. com/specialsections

celebrate your 2015 graduate Attention all Grads, Moms, Dads and Grandparents 2

• Speaking at a Career Day or other classroom event • Donating in-kind services, materials, or equipment • Volunteering as contest judges, field trip chaperones, or pen pals

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This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to celebrate your grads special occasion!

Add $1000 for each additional grad.

Deadline: Friday, May 15 Publish date: Sunday, May 24

Register online at www.billingsgazette.com/grads

All Schools Welcome to Participate!

Salute to Valedictorians 2015

Education Foundation

for Billings Public Schools The Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools believes that ALL students in Billings Public Schools deserve a rigorous, well-rounded education to prepare them for successful careers. To that end, the Education Foundation has worked diligently since 1988 to enhance the educational opportunities available to students in the district.

The mission of the Education Foundation is to promote excellence in education by providing opportunities and resources to Billings public school students. The Foundation works in cooperation with the public school system,

but operates independently. Through endowments, scholarships, grants, and specific projects, the Foundation provides opportunities and resources for students and educators in Billings Public Schools to promote excellence in education. Major activities include: Classroom Grants, Partners in Education, Reading Rocks, Saturday Live, Special Projects, and scholarships for students and teachers.

To support and learn more about the Education Foundation, visit our website at www.efbps.org.

Partner ships in Action See how Billings businesses are making a difference in Billings Public Schools!

St. Vincent Healthcare and Broadwater Elementary Over the past decade, St. Vincent Healthcare has made a significant impact on the students at Broadwater Elementary. This year more than 20 St. Vincent Healthcare employees volunteer on a regular basis and many others volunteer for special events. In addition to volunteering in the classroom, St. Vincent Healthcare employees volunteer for special events like “Chili Night,” when students and families enjoy a fun evening at the school with their teachers. St. Vincent Healthcare volunteers take over the kitchen and serving duties, so Broadwater School faculty and staff are able to visit with students and their families. In January of this year, Broadwater Elementary was selected as the non-profit organization to benefit from St. Vincent Healthcare’s quarterly leadership training. Broadwater Elementary shared a list of items they needed, which included school supplies and winter wear. As part of the training, about 200 of St. Vincent Healthcare’s leaders were encouraged to make a personal donation to the school. This school year, St. Vincent Healthcare leaders donated enough to fill a dozen grocery bags, plus more than $800 in cash.

“At St. Vincent Healthcare, we take pride in being actively involved in the communities we serve. Investing time and resources into the development and well-being of our children is one of the most important ways we can impact our community,” shared Angela Douglas, St. Vincent Healthcare Communications Specialist. “Whether it’s helping a 1st grader solve a math problem or making sure a 4th grader has a coat to wear during recess, we are blessed with this opportunity to contribute to the success of Broadwater Elementary students.”

Courtesy of St. Vincent Healthcare

Salute to Valedictorians 2015

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Partner ships in Action Taylor Electric-Robert Taylor and Career Center First as a teacher, then as a Partner in Education, Robert Taylor and Taylor Electric have been a committed partner to the Career Center for many years. Robert Taylor began his career in the late 60’s at West High before moving to the Career Center. At the Career Center, he was instrumental in developing the Electronics and Electrical programs, as well as mentoring numerous future electricians and trades people. Always the lifelong educator, Bob has been a very strong advocate of the programs at the Career Center, maintaining a close relationship with the school and current instructor, Dave Tolton. Finding instructors to teach these subject areas is often a difficult task. Bob has been called upon numerous time to teach electrical and HVAC classes at the Career Center and City College. He could never resist another opportunity to turn the light on in another student. The Career Center owes much of its success to its relationship with Bob Taylor and Taylor Electric. Bob’s ongoing involvement with the success of the Electrical program at the Career Center, and his contributions as an educator on many levels is an excellent example of the partnership of between community and schools.

The Career Center would like to sincerely thank Bob Taylor-Taylor Electric for his ongoing commitment and involvement with education in the city of Billings.

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St. John’s Luther an Ministries and Mission Ridge & Arrowhead Elementary School The proximity of St. John’s Lutheran Home and Mission Ridge to Arrowhead Elementary School has made partnering together very easy – they are even connected by an asphalt path installed by St. John’s and Mission Ridge! This is a two-way partnership as students visit the residents at St. John’s Lutheran Home on a regular basis and Mission Ridge residents in turn serve as tutors to students at the school. Mission Ridge residents were honored guests at the Veterans Day program performed by 4th grade students, under the direction of music teacher Patti Waddell. During the holiday season, Arrowhead students share their holiday program at St. John’s nursing home and at Mission Ridge for residents. This year, 1st grade students joined Mission Ridge residents to celebrate the 100th day of school and interviewed the residents about what things have changed in the world over the years. On a weekly basis, twelve residents from Mission Ridge make the trip to Arrowhead School to help students who are struggling or are behind grade level in reading and math. This coming school year WyndStone-a Mission Ridge Community will begin a partnership with Eagle Cliffs Elementary.

Congratulations on a successful partnership!

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Salute to Valedictorians 2015

Partner ships in Action Billings Clinic and McKinley Elementary School

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Since forming a partnership in 1998, Billings Clinic has provided continuous support throughout the years to McKinley Elementary students. Fall kicks off with a strong start as Billings Clinic provides every student with a school water bottle, snacks and school supplies. As winter approaches, Billings Clinic employees hold a winter coat, scarf, mitten and hat drive to support students who are without for the winter season. In addition, 49 families were also supported through the Mitten Tree program. Billings Clinic provides volunteers throughout the school year to educate students on health, safety, wellness and career topics, as well as tutor in reading and math. Volunteers also provide support to the PTA at school events and donate their proceeds from the Billings Clinic Saturday Live booth to help purchase tennis shoes for students taking part in the school’s walking club. Billings Clinic sponsors students on field trips to Alberta Bair and to the hospital to explore medical career opportunities. However, this partnership is not a one way street! McKinley Elementary students provide caroling at Billings Clinic during the holiday, share seasonal artwork with the staff and patients, and kids help design the annual Billings Clinic Holiday card. McKinley students do an annual fundraiser to raise funds for the Billings Clinic Women’s’ Wellness Fund and have raised close to $5000 for mammograms for uninsured women. The benefits this partnership brings to the students and staff at McKinley Elementary are great and impact many students in a positive way.

“Billings Clinic takes great pride in our partnership with McKinley Elementary. Partnerships that enhance learning are perhaps the best medicine for happiness and good health,” Jim Duncan, Billings Clinic.

McKinley Elementary and Billings Clinic is a partnership that continues to grow. THANK YOU!

CTA Architects Engineers and Newman Elementary

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Salute to Valedictorians 2015

Since 1996, CTA Architects Engineers has made a tremendous impact on the students at Newman Elementary School. Currently, 16 CTA employees volunteer at Newman each week, either reading with the same two students from 1st to 3rd grade to improve reading fluency through the Read Naturally program or with a group of 5th to 6th grade students for math enrichment. CTA provides for the employees’ time away from the office. Additionally, proceeds from the CTA Golf Classic are donated to Newman and this year enough funds were raised to purchase iPads for Newman kindergarten classrooms. CTA also generously provided $10,000 to support STEM Education through the Project Lead the Way curriculum at Newman Elementary for this upcoming school year. The holidays are also important; CTA provides needed assistance to family and smiles to kids. During Thanksgiving, CTA donated meals to complete 22 Thanksgiving meals for Newman families. For the 9th straight year, CTA sponsored Santa and his Elves visiting Newman Elementary to deliver presents to each and every boy and girl, and teachers. Next up, the 6th Annual 6th Grade Career Day will be held on May 12th. The Newman 6th grade students, teachers, and chaperones will visit the Career Center, a CTA construction project, MSU Billings, and have lunch at CTA’s office to expose students to what opportunities may lie ahead in high school, college, and beyond. “For the past 18 years, CTA has partnered with Newman Elementary to positively impact students, teachers, staff, and families. CTA employees can frequently be seen around the school, whether it is on a weekly basis mentoring students, at family after-school events, or during holidays in full costume as Santa and his elves. CTA is able to share our mission of Pioneering Environments and live out our values to improve the experience students have during their time at Newman and the experiences our staff have by being able to give back to the community,” shared Shannon Peterson, CTA Architects Engineers.

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Snapshots of other partner ships......

• A nvil Corp. employees volunteer to help students at Washington Elementary with engineering projects and Project Lead the Way

• E BMS donates to and supports special events at Big Sky Elementary

• F irst Interstate Bank-West donated musical instruments to the Life Skills class and volunteered during Art Day with Bently Spang

• L ucky’s Market provided food and volunteers for the Poly Drive Veteran’s Breakfast, as well as hosted a “Healthy Food Taste Test” activity for students

• R ocky Mountain College staff provided 23 holiday meals to families in need at Rose Park Elementary and read with 1st and 2nd grade students during Dr. Seuss celebrations • R iverStone Health employees volunteer with kindergarten students at Orchard Elementary on a weekly basis • K OA volunteers support Ponderosa Elementary students success in math through an annual math contest and volunteering on a regular basis

• E xxonMobil volunteers work with a group of 6th grade girls from Bench Elementary on planning and presenting at Chicks ‘n Science. Students receive mentoring support and encouragement as they prepare their project and continue through middle school • F irst Interstate Bank volunteers partner with Highland Elementary Student Council Members to support the “One Warm Coat Drive” project each fall

• P hillips 66 employees adopted classrooms at Orchard Elementary and provide support to the teachers and students

• F irst Interstate Bank-Heights provided canvas bags, supplies, and volunteers to assist Bitterroot Elementary students in preparing “survival kits” for Tumbleweed

• G E Capital donated $500 to purchase books for students in the Early Intervention program at Orchard Elementary

• T arget-Heights employees volunteered to read in April at Alkali Creek Elementary in the primary grades

• H olland & Hart volunteers assist 3rd graders with unfinished homework in Mrs. Harvey’s class at Broadwater Elementary

• 3 60 Office Solutions employees support reading at Newman Elementary each week through volunteering

• S M Energy gave a gift to support Project Lead the Way at 5 elementary schools and is beginning a partnership with Highland Elementary

C ongratulations, Congratulations, ongratulations, Valedictorians!

Valedictorians!

Lana Farr

Billings West

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high school students can take college classes for $50 per credit! learn more at msubillings.edu/future

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Congratulations, Lana and McKenna — valedictorians, and recipients of Chancellor’s Excellence Scholarships to MSU Billings. And congratulations as well to Nicole Houston, Shiloh Skillen-Robison, Michelle Williams, Arielle Horsman, and Liliana Delgadillo, our other scholarship recipients.

Welcome to the MSU Billings Family!

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Billings Senio

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Salute to Valedictorians 2015

Partner s in Education • 360 Office Supplies and Newman Elementary • A & H Turf and the Career Center • AHEC and the Career Center • Air Controls and the Career Center • Altana Federal Credit Union and Boulder Elementary • American Appliance and the Career Center • Anvil Corporation and Washington Elementary • Apex Manufacturing and the Career Center • Bay Ltd. and the Career Center • Big Sky EMS and the Career Center • Billings Association of Realtors and Burlington Elementary • Billings Clinic and McKinley Elementary • Billings Clinic and the Career Center • Billings Job Service and the Career Center • Billings Police Department and the Career Center • BNSF Railway and the Career Center • Brown’s Automotive Service and the Career Center • Carpet One and the Career Center • CenturyLink and Washington Elementary • Chefs and Cooks of Montana and the Career Center • City College and the Career Center • Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning and the Career Center • CTA Architects and Engineers and Newman Elementary • Denny Menholt and the Career Center • EBMS and Big Sky Elementary • ECI and the Career Center • ExxonMobil and Bench Elementary • Faith Chapel and Burlington Elementary • Farmers Insurance Agents and Sandstone Elementary • FBI and the Career Center • Ferguson Aviation and the Career Center

Salute to Valedictorians 2015

• First Interstate Bank and • Highland Elementary • • First Interstate Bank and the Career Center • First Interstate Bank Heights and • Bitterroot Elementary • • First Interstate Bank West and Meadowlark Elementary • • Food Services of America and • the Career Center • Fuddruckers and the Career Center • • General Electric Center of Excellence and • Orchard Elementary

• • Guzman Construction and the Career Center • • Hansers Auto and the Career Center • • Holland & Hart and Broadwater Elementary • • Home Builders Association and • the Career Center • Hot Rod Garage and the Career Center • • Inland Truck Parts and the Career Center • • Joe Bonini Construction and • the Career Center • • Kampgrounds of America and • Ponderosa Elementary • Kitchens Plus and the Career Center • • KTVQ-2 and Billings Public Schools • Lucky’s Market and Poly Drive Elementary • • Magic City Model A Club and the Career Center • • Magna Electric and the Career Center • Mary Forquer and the Career Center • • Midas and the Career Center • Millennium Construction and • the Career Center • • Myles Egan, Realtor and the Career Center • • NAPA Auto Parts and the Career Center • National Restaurant Association of Billings • and the Career Center

• O’Reilly Auto Parts and the Career Center • Original Equipment and the Career Center • • Paint-All and the Career Center

Papa Johns and the Career Center Phillips 66 and Orchard Elementary and South Side Neighborhood Schools

Pittsburgh Paints and the Career Center Precision Automotive and the Career Center Precision Plumbing and the Career Center Ray Junker Construction and the Career Center Re-Creations and the Career Center Rimrock Lighting and the Career Center River Ridge Landscaping and the Career Center RiverStone Health and Orchard Elementary RiverStone Health and Riverside Middle School RiverStone Health and the Career Center Rocky Mountain College and Rose Park Elementary RSVP Program and Billings Public Schools Scheels Sports and Billings Public Schools Signal Peak Energy and the Career Center SM Energy and Highland Elementary St. John’s Lutheran Ministries and Arrowhead Elementary St. Vincent Healthcare and Broadwater Elementary St. Vincent Healthcare and the Career Center St. Vincent Healthcare Foster Grandparent Program and Billings Public Schools Target – Heights and Alkali Creek Elementary Taylor Electric and the Career Center Town Pump and Holiday Inn of Belgrade

and the Career Center Valley Federal Credit Union and Miles Avenue Elementary Wells Fargo Bank and Lewis and Clark Middle School Wendy’s of Montana and Washington Elementary

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Bringing STEM to Life through Relevancy —Photos courtesy of the Billings Education Foundation

Welcome to the future! Billings Public Schools, the Education Foundation and community leaders are taking a bold step to immerse our students in a rigorous Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) curriculum. We are committed to boosting student engagement and innovative thinking while developing problem-solving, creativity, and communication skills. Buoyed by the success of the Billings Career Center’s Pre-Engineering and Biomedical Sciences program, Project Lead the Way’s elementary curriculum, Launch, was chosen to get things started.

This school year five of our twenty-two elementary schools implemented our new Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Curriculum, Launch. Students and teachers find this curriculum engaging, challenging, and fun! During the 2015-2016 school year, eight additional elementary schools will implement the Launch Program. Additionally two middle schools, Will James and Riverside, will implement PLTW’s Gateway to Technology.

“Our company’s focus on improving STEM-based skills and our longstanding partnership with local schools makes this project a great fit for Phillips

66,” shared Ray Rigdon, Refinery Manager, Phillips 66 Billings Refinery. “We are proud to be involved with a program that will boost STEM education, create an interactive learning environment for students, and lay a solid foundation for years to come.”

Project Lead the Way offers a superior curriculum based on best practices. The five pilot school teachers and students are excited, engaged, and thoroughly enjoying PLTW curriculum. For example, a second grader at Bench Elementary came to school one day saying, “I’m an engineer!” He had made a whistle and showed the class how he could change the pitch by moving a plastic tube that’s inside his whistle. A chronically absent first grader had attended every day of school for two weeks. This was highly uncommon for this child so the principal gently asked more questions to find out why. The little girl responded, “I LOVE school, we’ve been studying Project Lead the Way.” These are two of many, many stories we’ve been hearing all year from our pilot school teachers and principals.

This program levels the playing field for our children where an academically struggling student can encourage a gifted student. Where coming to school is so interesting that a young student can’t wait to get to school. And where students go home and “engineer” their own projects. “We view this as an investment in our future,” shared Monica Mainland, Refinery Manager, ExxonMobil Billings Refinery. “Math and science are critical to our business, and if our country and its industries are to remain competitive in the future, it is important to grow our own scientists, engineers, and innovative problem-solvers.”

Our Partners in Education have made a tremendous impact in supporting Project Lead the Way in our schools through volunteerism, advocacy, and financial support. Project Lead the Way volunteers can be seen helping assemble robots, engineering

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Salute to Valedictorians 2015

beanstalks, and leading students in discussions about careers. Our Project Lead the Way supporters provide additional resources to our schools by serving as mentors and liaisons to real-world applications of what students are learning in class. “It is a rare and truly humbling philanthropic opportunity that arises – when values, passions, personal relationships align so perfectly. Our educational philosophy embraces STEM and active, collaborative learning and Project Lead the Way means these ideals will directly benefit a school and students that so many of us know personally and care so much about,” shared Jim Beal, Principal, CTA Architects Engineers.

A big thank you to Phillips 66, ExxonMobil, 360 Office Solutions, SM Energy, Verizon Foundation, CTA Architects Engineers, Education Foundation

Salute to Valedictorians 2015

for Billings Public Schools, Cloud Peak Energy, Stillwater Mining Company, Dr. Enrico and Martha Arguelles, Todd Fisher and Monica Mainland, Terry and Kristy Bouck, EBMS, Dr. John and Chris Dorr, and Anvil Corporation.

“The Billings Chamber of Commerce enjoys a close-working partnership with the Education Foundation for BPS. Through our collaborative partnership, we have worked together to create additional support and opportunities for our schools. We know the value a strong school system brings to our community and the importance of students being prepared for the workforce,” shared Bruce MacIntyre, Director Business Advocacy and Government Affairs, Billings Chamber of Commerce.

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Parents: Jim and Linda Beal Middle School: Lewis and Clark Elementary School: Rose Park Future Plans: My passion is fitness, so I plan to attend Montana State University Bozeman in the fall of 2015 to pursue a BS in Health and Human Development, with a focused major in Kinesiology, and a minor in Business. I hope to eventually enter into the health and fitness industry both in management and instruction.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: AP U.S. History was insane. I spent most of my junior year combing over my history book at 2:00 in the morning – and still only passed about half of the weekly tests!

It was the most stressful class I’ve ever taken, but it felt great to squeak out an A at the end.

Teacher: Ms. Kate Cordes, my AP Literature teacher this year, has made a definite positive impact on me.

Without her I wouldn’t have even known where to begin with college preparations or scholarship essays.

She has also really strengthened and encouraged my writing, and the way she teaches makes me genuinely love attending her class every day.

Extracurricular Activities: Freshman A and JV Volleyball, Cross Country, MT Junior’s Club Volleyball, Key Club, Senior Advocates, National Honor Society, Montana Half Marathon, Faith Chapel mission trip

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BRANDON

Parents: Bill Brandon and Julie Brandon Middle School: East Middle School – Butte, Montana Elementary School: Hillcrest Elementary – Butte, Montana Future Plans: I plan to attend Montana Tech in the Fall and pursue a petroleum engineering degree.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: The most challenging and rewarding class for me has been Physics. It has helped me understand more of how our world works.

Teacher: Mrs. Pfeifle has made the greatest positive impact on my education. She made my transition from Butte High to Senior as painless as possible. She has continued to help and support me over the past two years. I sincerely appreciate the interest she has taken in me and all of her students.

Extracurricular Activities: National Honor Society, Discovery Ski Education Foundation, Teens Advocating a Safe Community, Tennis, Travel Club Australia and New Zealand

Kjetil

COLLETT

Parents: Gordon and Siv Collett Middle School: Homeschool Elementary School: Poly Drive and Homeschool Future Plans: I will attend Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Also serve a LDS mission.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: Physics has been one of the most rewarding; it shows mathematically how we understand the universe to work.

Teacher: Siv Collett, during my years of homeschooling she taught me how to work hard and that learning is fun.

Extracurricular Activities: Boy Scouts of America, National Honors Society

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Parents: Barry and Marla Cronk Middle School: Lewis and Clark Elementary School: Rose Park Future Plans: I will be attending Montana State University and enroll in their Pre-Veterinary Program. My ultimate goal is to practice Veterinary Medicine in a rural Montana community.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: My most challenging and rewarding course has been Spanish class. I have dyslexia, so learning the English language was hard enough and at times it seemed unattainable to try to learn a second language. My teachers were amazing and opened my eyes to the possibilities that speaking a foreign language can open up for you Teacher: In all honesty I cannot choose one. I am extremely fortunate to have been taught by so many terrific teachers. Every teacher has positively motivated and encouraged me to excel in my studies. Their influences have helped me become the person I am today.

Extracurricular Activities: Cross Country, National Honor Society, Senior Advocates, STEM Society, Key Club, Environmental Club, GO TEAM for Cross Country, Pep Band, Marching Band, Piano, Arts without Bounds, and volunteering at the Moss Mansion Historic Home.

Salute to Valedictorians 2015

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senior high school Parents: Melody Dobson Middle School: Trinity Lutheran School Elementary School: Trinity Lutheran School Future Plans: Currently, I plan to attend Cazenovia College in Cazenovia, New York on a full-tuition scholarship. I plan to double major in Communications and Business with a minor in International Studies. I will use my degrees to start a communication business that works with developing countries to create strategic plans to build infrastructure.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: Mr. Murray’s AP US History class. We read a chapter a week and had a test each Friday. A few of us formed a study group just so we could pass the tests and keep our sanity. I had to work incredibly hard to receive an A in that class. But I succeeded

and I learned what I was capable of. I knew that I could do anything I set my mind to.

Teacher: Starla Jackson, my eighth grade teacher, was absolutely outstanding. She was one of my late father’s good friends. She is part of the reason I have a strong desire to work with developing countries. She has participated in tons of mission trips and told us of how God used them to change her life. She also shared my strong faith.

Extracurricular Activities: Key Club, Speech and Debate, National Honor Society, Senior Advocates, 4H, Montana Agri-Women, volunteer at St. Vincent’s Hospital and Beartooth Mountain Christian Camp, youth group, political canvassing 2014, employment at Teddy Bear Dental.

Parents: Kent and Stacy Dreessen Middle School: Riverside Elementary School: Blue Creek Elementary Future Plans: I plan to attend U of M for physical therapy.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: Honors earth science was probably the toughest class because it didn’t quite meet my interests and required a lot of work.

Teacher: All of my math teachers throughout my education have had a positive impact on me. Mrs. Solomon,

Mrs. Komar, Ms. Peterson, Ms. Townsend, Mrs. Pfeifle, Mr. Caekaert, and Ms. Wood all truly cared about their students and pushed me to achieve success. They all kept math interesting and fun as well.

Extracurricular Activities: Basketball, Soccer, National honors society, Senior advocates, Student council executive board, Faith Evangelical youth group, Faith Evangelical Missions teams

The City of Billings MET Transit wishes to congratulate the Valedictorians of Senior, West, Skyview and Central High Schools. MET Transit would also like to thank the hundreds of students that choose to use the MET Bus System as their transportation alternative. We look forward to serving even more students in the coming year.

For routes and schedule information please call 657-8218.

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Parents: Brian and Juli McNeil Middle School: Riverside Elementary School: Blue Creek Elementary Future Plans: I will attend Montana State University Billings on a golf scholarship. While there, I plan to pursue a degree in Nursing.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: My freshman Honors Earth Science class taught by Mr. McMullen was my most rewarding course. From this rigorous class, I discovered the effort and dedication it takes to earn an A. It was at the completion of this class that I realized the hard work I would need to put in to become a Valedictorian.

Teacher: Terry Caekaert made learning AP Calculus fun and was always there for help and support when it became challenging. Mr. Caekaert was also my golf coach throughout my high school career.

His guidance and support helped me reach my potential as a studentathlete.

Extracurricular Activities: Varsity Golf, Varsity Basketball, National Honors Society, Youth Leadership of Billings, Senior Advocates, Student Council

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Parents: Scott and Diane MorledgeHampton Middle School: Lewis and Clark Elementary School: Rose Park Future Plans: Attend Whitworth University in Spokane Washington.

Work towards a major in biology premed and a minor in computer sciences.

Eventually, I’d like to become an ophthalmologist like the many Morledges before me.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: AP US History was definitely the most challenging because it forced me to develop proper study habits.

Motivation for Platinum Program: I’d always planned on taking all honors classes because my older sister had done so, and when I found out there was a program established to recognize that, I hopped right on board!

Magnum Opus: I’m in the process of creating a video game in java based around tactical warfare between fleets of starships in outer space!

Teacher: Mr. Murray, my teacher for AP US History has probably had the greatest positive impact on my education. APUSH was one of the first classes I really struggled in, but when I was panicking over my performance in the class Mr. Murray was there to calm me down and help me through it all.

Extracurricular Activities: Various Orchestra Events (Best of all, quartet gigs), Cross Country, Math Tutoring

MYERS

Parents: Kevin and Julie Myers Middle School: Lockwood Middle School Elementary School: Lockwood Elementary Future Plans: I plan to attend Montana State University Billings and major in Math Education.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: I think the most challenging class I have taken in high school would be my AP English 4 class because Mrs. Cordes really likes to push us to our full potential and make sure we are prepared for college.

Teacher: The teacher who has made the greatest impact on my education would be my eighth grade math teacher, Mr. Swanke. He was the one who really inspired me to become a teacher. Also, I felt like he knew my full potential and pushed me to reach it.

Extracurricular Activities: Soccer, Key Club, Senior Advocates, National Honors Society, and STEM Society

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Platinum Students

Parents: Mark and Teresa Paine Middle School: Lewis and Clark Elementary School: Rose Park Future Plans: After high school, I plan on attending Montana State University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: Medical Careers was my favorite and most rewarding class throughout high school. It allowed me to experience the medical environment and showed me many aspects of the nursing career.

Teacher: Throughout my education, Chris Murdock has made the greatest positive impact on me. He has shown me the value of hard work and dedication in all my pursuits, and this will benefit me for the rest of my life.

Extracurricular Activities: Varsity Softball, Varsity Basketball, Football Manager Senior Advocates, National Honor Society, Pure Performance, Faith E. Youth Group

Salute to Valedictorians 2015

Parents: Mark and Kelly Timmons Middle School: Lewis and Clark Elementary School: Poly Drive Future Plans: I plan to attend the University of Montana where I will major in Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: Honors Earth Science my freshman year was probably the most challenging and rewarding. It was my first Honors science class and it showed me how much hard work and dedication it would take to be successful. Learning this early on in High School has helped pave the way to my success.

Teacher: Mr. Murdock influenced me the most and had the greatest impact on my education. Although I never had him as a teacher, he influenced me greatly. He taught me the importance of perseverance when times get tough and how you have to keep working hard to obtain your goals. Coach Murdock is a positive mentor and role model who I really admire.

Extracurricular Activities: I participated in high school football for four years, American Legion Baseball, National Honor’s Society and Senior Advocates.

Salute to Valedictorians 2015

Whitworth

Parents: Bruce and Julie Whitworth Middle School: Lewis and Clark Elementary School: Poly Drive Future Plans: I will attend Santa Clara University to pursue a degree in biology with hopes of working in medicine or medical research.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: I took a Digital Electronics class at the Career Center that taught me a ridiculous amount. The teacher, David Tolton, opened my mind up to an entirely new way of thinking and challenged me every day that I was there.

Motivation for Platinum Program: I wanted to take on the challenge and learn as much as I could.

Magnum Opus: I focused my research on Art History from the Impressionist Movement through Pop Art of the 1960s. From there, I began painting famous pieces of art from all of these different periods.

Teacher: Ms. Sarah Lord has been such an incredible influence on me both in and out of the classroom. She inspires me to be a better person and reminds me every day why I love to learn.

Extracurricular Activities: Cross Country, Tennis, FTC Robotics, Flute, Piano, Band, Orchestra, National Honor Society, Senior High Interact, Senior Advocates, Moss Mansion Volunteer, PP Teen Council

Brittaney Wilkinson

Parents: Lois and Jerry Wilkinson Middle School: Will James Elementary School: Boulder Future Plans: My post high school plans are to attend college at University of Montana in the fall. I either want to major in math or chemistry. I am looking forward to what my future holds!

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: I have had many challenging courses in the past couple years of high school, but I believe the most challenging was physics. Physics is a complicated subject that took me a while to understand. Luckily, I had a great teacher who was willing to help me no matter what. He made physics easier and I am glad I took on the challenge of physics.

Teacher: Mrs. Amy Pfeifle Extracurricular Activities: Philharmonic Orhestra, Senior Advocates, National Honor Society

Emma

Woodring

Brooke Moore Photography

Isabella

Amber Reinhardt

Timmons

Jeffrey Dunham Photography

Nolan

Ally Madden - fun foto design

senior high school

Platinum Students

Parents: Michael and Sheila Woodring Middle School: Home School Elementary School: Home School Future Plans: I plan to attend college and study either accounting or criminology.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: The accounting classes I have taken have definitely been the most rewarding because they sparked my interested in Business Professionals of America, which has given me the some of my most memorable high school experiences.

Teacher: I loved my home-school art and history teacher, Sara Johnson, because she was the first teacher who really got me excited about learning.

Extracurricular Activities: I have been involved in soccer, Business Professionals of America, Senior Advocates, and National Honors Society.

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Dylan

LADD

Amanda

NELSON

14

Courtesy of the Ladd family

JOHNSON

Zimmerman’s Portrait Design

Magnus

TKC Photography

Skyview High School Parents: Leif Johnson and Antoinette Tease Middle School: Castle Rock Elementary School: Alkali Creek Future Plans: I plan to attend an out-of-state university, study computer science during my undergraduate studies, and study business in my graduate studies.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: Spanish 3 was the most challenging class I’ve taken at Skyview, but it was also the most rewarding and eye-opening class I’ve taken at Skyview. During the class, we studied on Spanish country each week, during which we made cuisine, watched films, and created two days worth of presentations corresponding to the country.

Teacher: Even to this day, I vividly remember Extended Studies in Elementary School. I eagerly waited during the entire week for the day when I could go to the Extended Studies class and learn about film, algebra, and architecture. All of my Extended Studies teachers were incredible, but the first was Ms. Terri Porisch, who introduced me to film.

Extracurricular Activities: Since age 3, I have been playing violin and taking private lessons. Since then, I’ve participated in the All-Northwest Orchestra and served as concertmaster for three consecutive years in the All-State Orchestra.

I have also managed my own software company, MagMHJ LLC, since age 8. Four of my apps are currently available on the App Store.

Parents: Matt and Maureen Ladd Middle School: Castle Rock Elementary School: Eagle Cliffs, Beartooth, Alkali Creek Future Plans: Next year, I will be attending Montana State University to pursue a degree in Chemical Engineering, and I would like to obtain a career in Biological Medicine thereafter.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: The most challenging and rewarding class I’ve taken is probably AP Calculus because the math we learn is not only advanced but we also have the opportunity to gain college credit for the work we do in high school.

Teacher: Our family moved to Billings from Wolf Point MT in the fourth grade and Mrs. Hall was my teacher. Mrs. Hall held us nine and ten year olds to high academic and behavioral standards but her class was fun and we learned a lot.

That first year in Billings Public Schools really set the standard for the rest of my years here.

Extracurricular Activities: Speech and Debate, All-Naturals (A Capella Choir), Academic Team

Parents: Tammie and J.D. Nelson Middle School: Castle Rock Elementary School: Eagle Cliffs Future Plans: I will be going to Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and majoring in nursing. I will also be running cross country and track there.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: Chemistry was definitely the most challenging class I ever took. The concepts were very difficult for me and my teacher pushed us hard. However, it was also the most rewarding class because

I learned to ask for help when I needed it and have confidence in myself and my ability to learn.

Teacher: Although I’ve had many great teachers, Todd Bertsch, my elementary school P.E. teacher, had the greatest positive impact on my education. He was the first person to introduce me to running, but more importantly taught me that education can be fun and productive!

Extracurricular Activities: Cross Country, Track and Field, Falconeers, National Honor Society

Salute to Valedictorians 2015

Salute to Valedictorians 2015

Parents: Kent and Mary Sielbach Middle School: Castle Rock Elementary School: Sandstone Future Plans: In the fall I will attend Montana State University to study biology and anthropology, as well as Spanish. I will then continue to graduate school to become an Epidemiologist.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: Honors Chemistry with Fred Michels has been my greatest academic challenge. Mr. Michels used the pace and material of the class to push us to perfect our studying habits and grow our critical thinking skills. I know that both the content and analytical skills I learned in the class will benefit me in my higher studies.

Teacher: In my thirteen years of school I have been privileged with many great teachers, but one that has been particularly impactful is Jeremy Carlson, my high school Spanish teacher. Mr. Carlson taught the language excellently, and also showed me the important connection between studying foreign languages and cultures and being a globally aware citizen.

Extracurricular Activities: National Honors Society, Volleyball, Falconeers, ExxonMobil Community Advisory Panel, Youth Leadership Billings, Key Club, Billings Youth Orchestra and Chorale

Nathanial TRANEL

Parents: Ned and Dana Tranel Middle School: Castle Rock Elementary School: Alkali Creek Future Plans: I am planning to go to Montana State University in Bozeman and study Architecture. I hope to minor in music, psychology and computer science as well.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: All of my music classes have been extremely rewarding. It is challenging to balance them, because I am in Band, Orchestra, and Choir, as well as other activities that often conflict with music related groups. However, I have never found anything as fulfilling as making music. Whether it is through an instrument or singing, good music feels amazing.

Teacher: It is a close tie between either my middle school band teacher, Mr. Engle, or my high school choir teacher, Mrs. Logan. They both were extremely encouraging and placed no limits on musical development. They both helped me cultivate an interest in music that will continue to be important to me throughout my life.

Extracurricular Activities: Jazz Band, All-Naturals, Skylights, Student Council, and Varsity Tennis were the activities that made the biggest impact on my extracurricular life.

Haley

WELLARD

Joanna Moss Photography

SIELBACH

Zachery Gartner Photography

NOEL

Parents: Jacquie Sorrells and Mike Noel Middle School: Lockwood Middle School Elementary School: Bitterroot Future Plans: I plan to attend college and study Pre-Medicine or Business. I plan to continue on to graduate school and either become an OB-GYN, anesthesiologist or a Health Administrator.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: Honors chemistry and Spanish 2 were both very challenging and incredibly rewarding classes.

Chemistry required lots of outside work and studying. Spanish 2 was equally challenging. Thankfully, I had amazing teachers for both classes.

Teacher: My Gifted Education teacher, Mrs. Gopp. She was the first person that made me realize my potential by giving me challenges I never knew I needed, and I am so thankful to her for those daily struggles. She proved to me that I was smart and could achieve whatever I set my mind to.

Extracurricular Activities: Youth Leadership Billings, Track, Soccer, Business Professional of America and Cheer.

Heidi

Tracy Moore Photographers

Paighton

Tracy Moore Photographers

Skyview High School

Parents: Kevin and Michelle Wellard Middle School: Castle Rock Elementary School: Beartooth Future Plans: I plan on attending Brigham Young University-Idaho next fall.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: My Chemistry class junior year was my most challenging and rewarding. It was a hard class, but my love of the subject helped me put in the work necessary to succeed. I learned valuable lessons of work as well as Chemistry through this course.

Teacher: A teacher who has made a great positive impact on my education is Mr. Reaver. He was my history teacher in the 8th grade at Castle Rock. He taught not only history, but also valuable life lessons by lecture and by example. I will always remember him by his impeccable character and love for life.

Extracurricular Activities: Band, Pep Band, Jazz Band, Full Orchestra, Choir, Falconeers, and SADD.

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Parents: Kurt and Sandra Alme Middle School: Will James Elementary School: Arrowhead Future Plans: Attend either Wheaton College to study Pre-Med or Montana State University to study Chemical Engineering and Pre-Med. Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: My three years in Meistersingers have been the most rewarding because of the chance to express myself and learn to perform in front of people. It has also been a great opportunity to make some good friends.

Teacher: I have had several outstanding teachers, but my Honors Chemistry teacher, Mrs. Field had a special impact on my education.

Not only did she do the seemingly impossible and make chemistry fun, she took a personal interest in me and her class inspired me to explore a career involving chemistry.

Extracurricular Activities: Tennis, Westwinds, Piano, National Honor Society, Science Bowl, Student Voice Ambassador Program, Boys’ State, Spanish Club, Family Promise Volunteer, St. Vincent’s Healthcare Volunteer, Church Youth Group, and Work at the Elks Tennis Center.

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BECKSTEAD

Parents: Mike and Kelly Beckstead Middle School: Lincoln Junior High Elementary School: Noah Webster Academy Future Plans: While the college I will attend is to be determined, I plan to study chemistry and minor in Spanish. Following undergraduate studies, I intend to go into Pharmacy.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: In Honors Chemistry, the material did not always come easy, but studying, the teacher, and extra practice helped me to grasp the concepts at hand. Competing in the regional science fair after doing further testing with my school project was also rewarding. Learning how the elements work together in chemistry was enjoyable despite challenges.

Teacher: Mrs. Lovejoy, my Pre-AP science teacher. She would help me with all of my questions when I came in before school. I remember her saying that I needed to have more confidence in myself. She knew I knew the information, but I just needed to trust myself. This meant a lot to me as a shy eighth grade student.

Extracurricular Activities: National Honor Society (Vice President), Varsity Cross Country, Keyclub, Yearbook Editor, Youth Group leader, West High Mentor, Spanish Club, Team Up for St. Jude’s Club, Track, Softball

Tyler

CARDWELL

Parents: Tom and Lori Cardwell Middle School: Canyon Creek Elementary School: Canyon Creek Future Plans: I plan to major in Chemical Engineering at Montana State University Bozeman.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: My Honors Chemistry class has been the most challenging and rewarding class for me because Mr. Olson strived to prepare his students for a college level chemistry class.

Teacher: One teacher that has made a positive impact on my education is Mr. Tolton because he sparked my interest in engineering.

Extracurricular Activities: Significant extracurricular activities I participate in include motorcycle hill climbing, motocross, and riding with friends.

Benjamin

CARROLL

First Curtain Photography

Madeline

Becky Hample Photography

ALME

Vincent Arts Photography

Daniel

First Curtain Photography

West high school

Parents: Jeffrey and Abigail Carroll Middle School: Will James Elementary School: Arrowhead Future Plans: I plan to attend Montana State University for a double major in Mechanical Engineering and Physics.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: While I have gained something from all of my classes, Physics with Mrs. Ladd has been extremely rewarding and even inspired me to pursue physics and mechanical engineering in college. Additionally, Band under the direction of Mr. Patton has given me a creative outlet and friends that will last for a lifetime.

Teacher: I find it difficult to name any one teacher who made the most significant impact on my education.

All of my teachers throughout my education from Arrowhead Elementary to Will James, and West High have taught me something different.

Thank you to each and every one of my teachers for not only helping me grow academically, but as a person.

Extracurricular Activities: I have participated in Pep Band, Jazz Band, Tennis, and National Honor Society during my high school career. I have also played piano since second grade and plan to continue playing as much as possible in college.

Salute to Valedictorians 2015

Salute to Valedictorians 2015

GEMMILL

Parents: Jon and Deanne Gemmill Middle School: Will James Elementary School: Burlington Future Plans: Attend Montana State University in Bozeman and double major in Microbioogy (premed track) and English writing.

Then continue to medical school to become a pediatric cardiologist.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: I would say AP Calculus this year has been the most challenging class this year. Math usually comes pretty easy to me, but I really struggled in Calculus and had to work extremely hard to maintain my A. I’m very proud that my efforts in that class have paid off.

Teacher: My 1st grade teacher, Ms. Bauer, had the greatest positive impact on my life. Although I was young when I had her, she saw potential in me and always encouraged me to do better and challenged me.

She made me believe in my abilities and gave me confidence as well as a love for education.

Extracurricular Activities: Team Up for St. Jude, Cross-Country, West High Mentoring, National Honors Society, Ski Club, Spanish Club, Softball, Montana Office of Public Instruction Advisory Board member.

Malia

GESUALE

Jeff Hosa Photography

FARR

Parents: Shawn and Luba Farr Middle School: Will James Elementary School: Meadowlark Future Plans: Pursue a Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: My Honors Chemistry class, as it allowed me to mix math, chemistry, and labs all at once and led me to win numerous awards in the Billings Clinic Science Fair.

Teacher: While many teachers have positively impacted my education, my Honors Chemistry teacher, Mrs. Field, had the greatest impact.

She has a great teaching style, good character, fun personality, genuine care for her students, and always encourages them to do their best whether in the classroom or outside of it.

Extracurricular Activities: National Honors Society, Youth Leadership Billings, Montana All State Orchestra, Billings Youth Orchestra, Private violin lessons

Jana

Sammy Oxendahl

DUTTON

Parents: Kurt and Karen Dutton Middle School: Lewis and Clark Elementary School: Miles Avenue Future Plans: I plan to attend Montana State University, majoring in Chemical Engineering.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: Chemistry was my most rewarding class; I enjoyed it enough to choose it as a major.

Teacher: Coach Bloomquist has pushed me to do my best.

Extracurricular Activities: Track: 4 years, Cross-Country: 4 years, Orchestra: 4 years, and National Honor Society

Lana

Courtesy of the Farr family

Timothy

Courtesy of the Dutton family

West high school

Parents: Peter and Patty Gesuale Middle School: Lewis and Clark Elementary School: Miles Avenue Future Plans: I plan to study both engineering physics and social policy.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: AP US History was wonderfully challenging. I loved working with questions that have no one “right answer” and examining the social, political, and economic implications of each push and pull of history.

Teacher: Ms. Nancy Heald was the first great English teacher I had in my K-12 education. She helped my love of literature and writing, which for two years had taken a back seat to math and science, grow again to its full strength. I cannot express enough how much this has meant to me; without her the past few years would have been very different.

Extracurricular Activities: I was a Student Ambassador to Cambodia through an AYLP, State Department program, have been a member of Amnesty International two years, climbed with Steep Team six years, and tutored mathematics for four years.

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Parents: Loren and Karen Graf Middle School: Will James Elementary School: Central Heights Future Plans: I plan to study Elementary Education with an emphasis in Mathematics at Idaho State University.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: AP Calculus has been the most rewarding class for me. In this class I was challenged, but most importantly I was able to see the result of all my math classes throughout my education come together.

Teacher: Ms. Ayers has made a huge impact on my life. Her style of teaching and personal interest in students helped confirm my desire to go into the educational field. Ms. Ayers goes above and beyond taking the initiative to ensure that her students succeed. I will always appreciate having her as a teacher.

Extracurricular Activities: Piano, Irish Dancing, Volunteering for Special Olympics, teaching Sunday School at my church, German Club, National Honor Society

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KAUER

Parents: Steven and Kimberly Kauer Middle School: Will James and Snake River Junior High Elementary School: Riverside Elementary Future Plans: I will serve a 2 year mission for the LDS Church and then I will attend college at Utah State, University of Utah, or BYU Provo. I will seek a pre-medicine degree and hopefully get married pretty quick.

Most challenging or Rewarding Class: Accounting has been my most rewarding class because I have gotten to learn things that could help me to get a job once I leave high school.

Teacher: Ms. Horst from Will James Middle School, she really challenged me in math and helped me to get where I am today. It was a really beneficial class.

Extracurricular Activities: I ran cross country for 2 years, I participate in scouting, I am in West High’s Spanish club, I am a member of BPA, and I work for a construction company.

Katherine

KITZENBERG

Parents: Mark and Paula Kitzenberg Middle School: Will James Elementary School: Arrowhead Future Plans: Double major in Dance and Nutrition Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: Mrs. Field’s Honors Chemistry class was both my most challenging and rewarding class during high school. Mrs. Field taught me how to correctly study and truly prepare for an exam. She awarded me the national chemistry merit award and instilled a love of science in me.

Her class is a big reason why I will be pursuing Nutritional Sciences in college.

Teacher: Mr. Curt Prchal has made an incredible impact on my life. He was my 7th and 8th grade Tec Ed teacher, but he taught me so much more than that. Mr. Prchal treated me like an adult and gave me tons of freedom to experience life outside the classroom. He taught me how to be an independent learner and how to logically approach challenging situation.

Extracurricular Activities: Competition dance, ballet, cheerleading, National Honor Society, West High Mentor, Ski Club, Faith Chapel volunteer.

Joseph

KNEE

First Curtain Photography

Ethan

Jana Graham Photography

GRAF

Natalie Spratling Studios

Heather

Zimmerman’s Portrait Designs

West high school

Parents: Jacob and Susan Knee Middle School: Will James Elementary School: Arrowhead Future Plans: Attend Columbia University and major in Physics.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: Honors English during 9th grade was both the most challenging and rewarding class I’ve taken. This is because it forced me to give more time and effort than any other class, but also resulted in the transition to the type of student I have become.

Teacher: Mr. Edward has had the greatest impact. In his class, he encouraged students to be independent, and in doing so, allowed me to become a better person, both in regards to my studies and my approach to life.

Extracurricular Activities: Tennis and Spanish Club.

Salute to Valedictorians 2015

Salute to Valedictorians 2015

POPP

Parents: Greg and Shelly Popp Middle School: Will James Elementary School: Arrowhead Future Plans: I plan to go to college, be happy and make a difference in the lives of others.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: The most rewarding class was Genocide. It expanded my knowledge of current and past world events. I enjoyed the college level discussions and sharing my opinions.

Teacher: Mrs. Field because she challenged me and actually made Chemistry fun.

Extracurricular Activities: Ski Club, Team Up for St. Jude, Special Olympics, National Honors Society and Business Professionals of America.

Taylor

SEARS

Jana Graham Photography

NIELSON

Parents: Jennifer Nielson Middle School: Trinity Lutheran Elementary School: Trinity Lutheran Future Plans: I will attend school in the Midwest at a college that I am in the middle of determining, to pursue an engineering degree.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: The most rewarding class I have been a part of is Calculus. I have always loved mathematics and I chose to take this course with the hope of being prepared to utilize the information in college through an engineering degree. The course itself is very challenging, but I have learned so much and I am proud of the skills that I have to prove that.

Teacher: Mrs. Field has been the most incredible teacher. She isn’t just a teacher to me; she’s a role model and she overwhelmingly exceeds the expectations of educators. I want to be like her when I grow up. Perhaps that sounds cliche, but I’ve yet to be inspired by a teacher as much as herself; she changes lives.

Extracurricular Activities: National Honors Society, Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Motion Arts Dance Company, 4-year old assistant teacher at Faith Chapel, Middle school assistant teacher at Faith Chapel, camp counselor at Kids’ Camp and Middle School Camp with Faith Chapel

Sar ah

Jeff Hosa Photography

LARSEN

Parents: Arlon and Dianna Larsen Middle School: Will James Elementary School: Central Heights Future Plans: I plan to attend Montana State University and earn my masters in Early Childhood Development & Child Services. After that I will earn my masters in Speech Pathology to become a speech therapist for young children.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: My Early Childhood Development class at the Career Center is the most rewarding class I have taken because every week I have to opportunity to teach preschoolers. I get to teach them necessary skills to brighten their current lives and their future and nothing is more rewarding than helping our nation’s future.

Teacher: My high school biology and chemistry teacher Mrs. Field made the biggest impact on me because as a teacher she held her ground and was well respected, yet she is a friend to every student she teaches. As an educator I hope to be a role model just like she is to all of her students.

Extracurricular Activities: I have participated in Business Professionals of America for two years, being the secretary this year. I have been a part of Ecology Club for one year and National Honors Society for one year.

Jessica

Kristin Jean Photography

Misty

Jana Graham Photography

West high school

Parents: Scott and Robin Sears Middle School: Will James Elementary School: Arrowhead Future Plans: This summer I will attend BYU (Provo) and major in accounting and actuarial science while also taking science classes and considering a career in medicine. This fall I will serve a 2-year LDS mission and then return to BYU to continue my studies.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: The most challenging class that I have taken was honors biology my sophomore year. Although I enjoy science, this particular class taught me that it is crucial to review what you have already learned because one concept often builds off of another. It also taught me how to study hard and I was rewarded with a high score on the final.

Teacher: My personal favorite and most significant teacher I have had would have to be Lance Edward.

Although the class itself (English) was not easy, Mr. Edward taught me that hard work and dedication will always result in a positive result. The amount of knowledge learned in a class is far more important than the grade received.

Extracurricular Activities: Baseball, cross country, tennis, National Honor Society, BPA and Spanish Club.

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Tar a

SUNDSTED

Hannah

ZWEMKE

20

Tina Stinson Photography

SILVERNAGEL

Jana Graham Photography

Chloe

Jaymee Foster

West high school Parents: Kevin and Amy Silvernagel Middle School: Elder Grove Elementary School: Elder Grove Future Plans: I plan to attend MSU Bozeman in the fall and plan to get my degree in education with an emphasis on mathematics.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: I have always enjoyed my math classes especially calculus this year. Mr. West challenges us to our maximum potential, but he still keeps the class interesting.

Teacher: Mr. Miller, my biology teacher, provided an interactive learning environment which challenged us but also kept the class engaged.

Extracurricular Activities: Tennis- 4 years, Cross Country3 years, Key Club- 4 years, National Honors Society- 1 year, Youth Leadership- 1 year, Spanish Club- 1 year, St. Jude Club- 1 year

Parents: Jody and Leesa Sundsted Middle School: Canyon Creek Elementary School: Canyon Creek Future Plans: This summer I am going to work at the Granite Gym Daycare and hopefully teach soccer and basketball camps there. I also intend to help with the music portion at American Lutheran’s Vacation Bible School. Then I plan to attend Montana State University Bozeman in the fall and study either chemical or electrical engineering.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: Honors English classes have been the most challenging and rewarding because they made me become a much more thoughtful thinker and a better writer. My teachers continuously expected more and more from me, and this allowed me to improve.

Although I plan on majoring in a math based program, the skills I learned in these classes will be essential.

Teacher: Kari Field has made the greatest impact on my education because she made a difficult class fun and inspired my interest in chemistry. She has a great sense of humor and always brought a positive energy to class. She is very passionate about her subject and this inspired my interest in chemical engineering.

Extracurricular Activities: I played basketball for three years, ran cross country for three years, and track for two.

I participated in choir for four years. I am an officer for National Honors Society and a member of Team Up for Saint Jude Club (two years) and engineering club (one year). I partook in Youth Leadership Billings my junior year (20132014).

Parents: Leo and Linda Zwemke Middle School: Will James Elementary School: Arrowhead Future Plans: After high school, I plan to attend college at Montana State University in Bozeman. I hope to major in accounting and become a Certified Public Accountant.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: The businesses classes at West High have been the most rewarding, because they have taught me the importance of managing money and prepared me for living on my own. The business classes have also influenced me to pursue a career in the business field.

Teacher: Mr. Greene, my honors earth science and chemistry teacher, has made a great impact on my education. His passion for science made it easy for me to be interested in it too. He made class enjoyable while challenging me to think outside the box. Mr. Greene has taught me to study and to work hard which has better prepared me for college.

Extracurricular Activities: I have been a part of the golf team as well as the cheerleading squad for four years. I have also participated in the Business Professionals of America, student mentoring, and National Honor Society during my time at West High.

Salute to Valedictorians 2015

Pierce

OJA

Bridget

PEAK

Lou Madden - fun photo design

HORRELL

Jana Graham Photography

Alexa

Rheaction

centr al catholic high school Parents: Robin and Andrea Horrell Middle School: Will James Elementary School: Boulder Future Plans: I plan to attend college to study chemical engineering. I hope to continue on to medical school or graduate school.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: AP Biology challenged both my mental strength and my ability to handle stress and manage my time. I am extremely grateful for all I learned, not simply information but how to really think when the answer is not obvious. Working on labs and projects solidified my desire to study STEM. The difficulty of the class is what made it so rewarding.

Teacher: Mr. Kenney was never actually my teacher, but he teaches science at Will James Middle School. He was the coach of the Science Bowl team while I was there, and I learned so much from him. He guided our team while we designed and built a small hydrogen fuel-cell car to race at the competition. His love for science and teaching makes him exceptional.

Extracurricular Activities: St. Pius X Youth Group, Cross Country, Track, Swimming, Speech, and Debate, High School Orchestra, French Club, Science Bowl, National Honor Society

Parents: Wes and Barb Oja Middle School: Will James Elementary School: Arrowhead Future Plans: Attend South Dakota State University, study biochemistry, and swim on the men’s division I swim team. I will continue to fish in my spare time.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: AP Biology was the most challenging and rewarding because of the broad curriculum and the sense of accomplishment after finishing the class.

Teacher: Ms. Pat Lowthian, Ms. Jennifer Smith, Ms. Elizabeth Madden, Dr. Deb Wines - they believed in my abilities, gave me confidence, and sparked my love for science.

Extracurricular Activities: Swimming, working at East Rosebud Fly and Tackle, Research internship at the Billings Clinic, golf, science fair, First Tee, Science Olympaid, science bowl, Montana Math Contest

Parents: Fran Argani and James Peak Middle School: St. Francis Intermediate Elementary School: St. Francis Primary Future Plans: After graduation from Billings Central Catholic High School, I plan on attending a small liberal arts college. As to what degree I will be pursuing, I am undecided.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: AP Biology with Dr. Wines was always about learning the subject and gaining hands-on experience in the lab, rather than memorizing the material at hand. Dr. Wines did not lighten the workload or lower the expectations of a college level class just because it was taking place in a high school setting, and for that, I am grateful.

Teacher: I had Mr. Fairbanks as a teacher for the last two years of high school. He managed to counterweight his high expectations with a teaching style that can only be described as fun. He piqued my interest in history within just a few weeks of being in his classroom. Mr. Fairbanks has inspired me to approach my future goals with similar passion.

Extracurricular Activities: Varsity Basketball Manager Nov. 2011- Feb. 2011; Speech and Debate Nov. 2011-present; School Theatre Dept. March 2011-present; Central’s Organization for Religious Endeavors (CORE) Sept.

2013-present; Kids Connecting Kids Sept. 2014-present

Salute to Valedictorians 2015

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SCHUETT

Sander

STORY

Erika Haight Photography

Ashley

Tina Stinson Photography

centr al catholic Parents: Brian and Amy Schuett M.D. Middle School: Elkhorn Ridge Middle School Elementary School: Skyline Elementary and Columbian Elementary Future Plans: I plan to attend college and study biomedical engineering, allowing me to innovate new devices and technologies to further progress in the medical field and make a difference in patients’ lives.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: My AP Biology class I took my junior year was a challenging course that positively impacted me. I was able to learn more about a subject I am passionate about, influencing my decision to

pursue a career involving biology. It also taught me a hard work ethic and pushed me to reach my potential.

Teacher: Mrs. Kymi Johnson-Rutledge was my sixth grade history and math teacher and has had one of the greatest impacts on my education. She inspired my love for learning through the passion she brought to her teaching. Mrs. Rutledge also taught me to enjoy all subjects and to look at problems from different perspectives.

Extracurricular Activities: High School and Club Swimming, National Honor Society, Science Olympiad, Academic Team, High School and Club Volleyball

Parents: Thomas Jay and Carolyn Story Middle School: Park City Elementary School: Park City Future Plans: I will attend either Montana State University in Bozeman or Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina to pursue studies in architecture.

Most Challenging or Rewarding Class: At Billings Central, the class I found to be both the most challenging and rewarding was AP Biology taught Dr. Wines, a teacher who believes in learning in the truest sense of the word. By the end of the year, I had learned enough about biology “to make me dangerous” as Dr. Wines would say and that was the greatest reward.

Teacher: Mr. Codie Wahrman, my high school band teacher, made the greatest positive impact on my education.

If there is anyone who loves his job, it’s him. He has passion for music and cares deeply for his students. He inspires us to work hard and do our best because that is the example he embodies.

Extracurricular Activities: Pep Band, Billings Central’s Spring Musical, Speech and Drama, National Honor Society, Kids Connecting Kids, Central’s Organization for Religious Endeavors, Tri-County Honor Band

Rocky Mountain college congRatulates the gRaduating class of 2015 & WelcoMes the folloWing ValedictoRians to caMpus:

Evynn Anderson

Lincoln County High School

Lily Kraft

Bridger High School

Danielle Kittlemann Carter County High School

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Terran Brown

Broadview High School

Kelsey Kuehn Malta High School

Katherine Browning Roundup High School

Trent Prevost

Savage High School

Richard Hibbs Roberts High School

Bryce Loudon Circle High School

Salute to Valedictorians 2015

PLATINUM STUDENTS

Joshua

BLAKLEY

Madison

CICIERSKI

Clark Marten Photography

BAKEN

Holly McGiffney

Jamison

Michele Feeley Photography

The Platinum Program at Billings Senior High was designed to provide students with an opportunity to engage in rigorous high school coursework, as well as complete a Magnum Opus project. This program cultivates curious, independent and collaborative students and prepares them for successful college completion.

Platinum students are required to take every honors and AP course offered at Senior High. They are also required to complete a Magnum Opus or capstone project during their junior and senior years, while still completing the rigorous coursework that honors and AP classes demand.

The Magnum Opus reflects the students' passions and solidifies their commitment to learning and the application of learning.

Parents: Jim and Christie Baken Middle School: Lewis and Clark Elementary School: Rose Park Future Plans: I will attend the University of Southern California to study music production.

Teacher: The biggest influence I had through my years of education was my 8th grade history teacher, Mr. Jensen. He taught me so much about not only learning, but just being a genuine person. He also recognized my interests outside of school and encouraged me in those areas!

Motivation for Platinum Program: I have always tried to challenge myself throughout my 13 years of education, and the Platinum Project seemed like a great way to do that!

It also gave me an excuse to make a short film, which is something I’d always wanted to do.

Magnum Opus: For my Magnum Opus project, I followed the steps of creating a film. I started with the writing of a screenplay, casted, filmed, and edited the movie, and then finished up the process by composing and recording original music.

Parents: Charles and Janet Blakley Middle School: Lewis and Clark Elementary School: Poly Drive Future Plans: Go to college and do something in the medical field.

Teacher: All of my teachers have impacted me in some way and I really appreciate that, but the teacher that comes to mind is Mr. Bartsch. He’s just a super positive, awesome dude that makes learning fun. He made high school a little bit better, and for that, I thank him.

Motivation for Platinum Program: I wanted to push myself and it was a good way to justify taking all honor classes.

Magnum Opus: My magnum opus was a mix between learning more about music (mainly jazz) and taking that knowledge into musical performance. I have so far raised $300 through gigs for the Senior High music program.

Parents: Jeff and Wendy Cicierski Middle School: Riverside Elementary School: Blue Creek Elementary Future Plans: My plans are to attend Montana State University for Track & Field, and to major in exercise science.

Teacher: My elementary teacher Mr. Bick made the greatest positive impact on my education as he pushed me to do my best and encouraged me to enroll in honor classes.

Motivation for Platinum Program: I have always taken honor classes, and I was planning on taking all honors in high school anyway. So, why not participate in the Platinum Program? Also, my older brother participated in the program, and he benefited from the program.

Magnum Opus: My topic for my Magnum Opus was the discus; a track & field throwing event. I wanted to showcase the event to the community, and also prove that throwers do not always have to be “large” people to be successful in throwing. All it really takes is heart, technique, and power from weight lifting.

Salute to Valedictorians 2015

23

PLATINUM STUDENTS

Rebeca

STRONG

Alexa

TORBERT

24

Yardley Daigneau Photography

LOSE

Kristen Mayer

Hannah

Kristin Carroll Photography and Design

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Parents: Sherman and Joan Lose Middle School: Lewis and Clark Elementary School: McKinley Future Plans: I plan to attend the University Of Wyoming to study Pre- Medicine to become a pediatrician.

Teacher: I took four years of German from Kristi Schell who is motivating me to study German after high school. She has been my favorite teacher and never doubted my goals.

Motivation for Platinum Program: I wanted the challenge of the Advanced Placement and Honors courses. I was also drawn to the varied learning experiences the platinum program could provide. I like the platinum robes, too.

Magnum Opus: The topic of my Magnum Opus was the murals at Billings Senior High School. With the help of a committee of alumni volunteers we tracked down the artists behind the murals to get their stories. A book will be published in the fall that contains the murals and their stories.

The book is a fundraiser to preserve and provide lighting for the murals.

Parents: David Strong and Amaya Garcia Middle School: Lewis and Clark Elementary School: McKinley Future Plans: I will to go to college on the East Coast and double major in Cello Performance and International Relations or Journalism. I am planning on studying abroad at some point and loving every minute of college!

Teacher: I would not be the cellist that I am without the help of my cello teacher John Kirk, who has continuously made sure that I excel at every opportunity that comes my way. I am also thankful to my English teacher Mrs. Cordes, who drives us to learn while making her class interesting.

Motivation for Platinum Program: I intended to take all-honors classes throughout high school anyways, and I loved the idea of having an open-ended senior project.

Magnum Opus: I set out to read all 87 Pulitzer Prize-winning novels. I haven’t quite reached that goal yet, but I will keep on reading over the summer until I do! What I thought would be a project on literature has turned out to also be a crash course in American history and culture. It has been super fun!

Parents: Todd and Deb Torbert Middle School: Lewis and Clark Elementary School: Poly Drive Future Plans: I plan to go to college and study exercise science.

Teacher: Mr. Bartsch has made a huge impact on my learning experience. I believe that as a teacher he goes above and beyond to not only educate, but make learning a fun experience. The effort that Mr. Bartsch puts into his lessons is noted and much appreciated.

Motivation for Platinum Program: I was motivated by the rigorous core work. I was also aiming for a very solid program to put on college applications.

Magnum Opus: My Magnum Opus is about concussions.

More specifically, concussions that occur during high school athletics.

Salute to Valedictorians 2015