Huson
Huson, MT · Education
Hungry Horse News
Smith named Most Outstanding 8th Grader
The Columbia Falls Junior High issued its eighth grade awards during an assembly last week as school came to a close. Calder Smith was named the Most Outstanding Eighth Grader for 2026. The following students were recognized: Most Improved A student who has improved since the 7th grade or since the beginning of 8th grade. This might be in academics, behavior, or both. Brooklyn Peterson Caiden Porter Preston Klunder Abby Hamblin Blake Littlefield Audrey VanOstrand Hudson Patton Hurley Banning Deegan Cavanaugh Tayviaun Robinson Scholastic A student who shows consistent and high academic achievement. Addison Holloway Sidney Grangroth Addison Williams Levi Ypma Heather Bartel Quin Brickert Brooke Thompson Calder Smith Josephine Hackethorn Fiona Lee Lucas Nieves Citizenship An ethical student that you would like to have living next door to you. Someone who shows those characteristics that make them a valued member of our world. Bailey Johnson Clyde Ainsworth Hudson Houser Gracie Batt Jazzy Appelt Eoghan Kelley Colt Casazza Marlee Rice Calder Smith Josephine Hackethorn Quin Brickert Work Effort A student who shows strong desire to learn and who consistently puts forth more effort than is requested. Brielle Bates Carlamarie Seal Jake Coburn Trevyn Jackson Lucas Nieves Marlee Rice Sidney Grangroth
Whitefish Pilot
Finalists selected for Whitefish Middle School principal
Whitefish Middle School Assistant Principal Tyler Jones and Columbia Falls Junior High Principal Ted Miller have been selected as finalists for the Whitefish Middle School principal position. Current middle school principal Josh Branstetter was hired as Whitefish School District’s assistant superintendent, Lisa Bloom’s previous role. Bloom will serve as interim superintendent after Dave Means retires at the end of the month. Feedback from a meet and greet planned for June 16 was expected to inform deliberations at a school board meeting on Wednesday, June 17. The school board last week welcomed new Trustees Karin Hilding and Gloria Nelson, and welcomed Jerrie Boksich back for another term. The board approved the 2025-27 school district emergency operations plan. Whitefish is a leader in this area, as some school districts don’t have plans at all, noted Branstetter. “This is a great example of how we utilize our strategic plan for safe, welcoming schools,” Trustee Quincy Bennetts said. “Then we back it up with the budget, and we’re getting feedback and constantly reviewing. This plan is a good representation of how our system should work at its best. And as a parent it’s wonderful to see.” The board approved 35 new out of district
Montana Sports
Kalispell Glacier state champs Will Astle, Asher Knopik ready to lead West in Shrine Game
Some of the state’s best seniors from the 2025 high school football season will be suiting up for the Montana East-West Shrine Game. Two of the players will be from last season’s Class AA state champ.
NBCMontana
FVCC hosts culinary workshop for teachers across Montana
KALISPELL, Mont. — Teachers from across Montana are sharpening their culinary skills this week at Flathead Valley Community College. The college hosted its ‘Recipe for Success’ workshop, bringing high school family and consumer sciences and culinary teachers together for professional development with industry chefs. Organizers say the...
montananewsroom.com
Kalispell Educator Named Montana History Teacher of the Year
KALISPELL, Mont. — Kristopher Schreiner, an 18-year veteran of Kalispell Middle School’s history department, was named the 2026 Centennial Bell Montana History Teacher of the Year, recognized for an immersive approach to Montana history that has students mining for gold, tanning hides, and constructing log cabins alongside traditional classroom instruction.
NBCMontana
Montana's top high school rodeo athletes compete for state titles in Kalispell
KALISPELL, Mont. — The state's top young rodeo athletes gathered in Kalispell this week for the Montana High School Rodeo Association Finals. "There's kids from all over the state coming and competing together and it's just so fun to have such great competition, such a great organization, and to be able to run like this is super fun," said rider Mackenzie Martell from Three Forks.
Char-Koosta News
"Control the mindset; control the outcome": Polson Class of 2026 Graduates
POLSON — Surrounded by family, friends and a sense of accomplishment, the Polson High School Class of 2026 celebrated its graduation with music, speeches and traditions honoring the achievements of its 103 graduates. The ceremony opened with a performance of “Pomp and Circumstance” by the Polson High School bands as seniors made their way into the venue.
Char-Koosta News
Salish Kootenai College celebrates Class of 2026 graduates
PABLO, Mont. — Hundreds of people filled the Joe McDonald Gym on June 6 for the 46th annual commencement ceremony at Salish Kootenai College (SKC). Intricately decorated caps and gowns, along with traditional clothing worn by graduates, reflected pride in culture and community as more than 200 degrees and certificates were awarded.
Lake County Leader
Community-focused Polson senior earns leadership award
Polson High School senior, Emma Boogerd, was recently awarded the Winslow Nichols Leadership Award for her “extraordinary initiative, organization and leadership across every aspect of her school and community life.”. Boogerd is a dedicated Polson student who is involved in Links Crew, an upperclassman guidance group, and Polson DECA,...
Lake County Leader
Polson High grads advised to "brave the waves"
Polson seniors marched in from all corners of Linderman Gym Saturday and took their seats. The “National Anthem” and an honor song by the Badger Tail Drum set the tone for commencement. The event was emceed by seniors Josie Henriksen and Ruger Ellis. Student Council president David DiGiallonardo delivered the senior speech. “Sometimes courage is simply showing up,” DiGiallanardo said. “We’ve all had challenges, setbacks, and losses during our high school years.” Encouraging classmates to set new goals, take risks and reach personal goals, DiGiallonardo said, “Life is learning to handle the waves, to be resilient enough to adapt to the waves” and advised, “As we all head forward, brave the waves.” Keeping their remarks short and geared to their classmates, co-valedictorians Ruger Ellis, Cody Haggard, Parker Hendrickson, and Brody Kline each took turns at the microphone. Quoting John Lennon’s “Beautiful Boy” song, Ellis said, “Life is what happens while you make other plans.” In high school, students spent too much time worrying about senior projects, grade point averages, and fitting in, he said. “We doubted ourselves, but I helped lead our boys soccer team to its first state championship,” Ellis said. “This room is full of resilience; life is
Bigfork Eagle
PHOTOS: Bigfork Class of 2026 graduation day
Bigfork High School's Class of 2026 celebrates graduation day on Saturday, June 6. Bigfork graduates heading for their seats with their own trademark style. Steve Mitchell A happy Holland Jantzen after receiving his diploma at Bigfork High School's graduation ceremony. Steve Michell These two grads feature honors and a distinct choice of footware at Bigfork's 2026 graduation. Steve Mitchell The Bigfork processional featured a paior students with various honors, including for one of them, admission to the United States Air Force Academy. Steve Mitchell Senior President Jack Lucke gives the signal to toss 'em at Bigfork's 2026 graduation. Steve Mitchell After receiving her diploma a celebratory flip of the hair seems appropriate. Steve Mitchell A diploma is displayed with pride at the Bigfork High School 2026 graduation. Steve Mitchell After the ceremony graduates, family, and friends gathered in front of the school for photo's. Steve Mitchell A valedictorian honor student gives a speech for the Bigfork High School 2026 graduation. Steve Michell A valedictorian honor student gives a speech for the Bigfork High School 2026 graduation. Steve Michell A valedictorian at Bigfork High School's 2026 graduation was pretty in pink. Steve Michell Several of Bigfork's graduates chose to opt for
Whitefish Pilot
"Let go and just live": Whitefish High School celebrates 112th commencement
Whitefish High School graduated 143 seniors in its class of 2026 on Saturday, June 6. Seniors Lavena James and Unity Loveless gave introductory remarks at the 112th commencement, noting that 11 students maintained 4.0 GPAs and 36 students earned local scholarships. Many graduates will enter the workforce or pursue further education. A dozen will be college athletes. One graduate will enter the armed forces. Loveless said the class of 2026 is highly motivated. In their senior year, speech and debate claimed a state title and the DECA team sent 18 to nationals. The boys soccer team finished second at state. Football advanced to the semifinals, volleyball finished second in the conference, and girls golf placed second at state. Swimming did well at state and wrestling had divisional titles. Boys and girls tennis swept the state team titles. Track and field sent 23 to state and the baseball team tied for third in the state tournament. Twenty choir students participated at the state music festival where they earned 10 superior ratings. Choir has 21 seniors, who sang “The Rainbow Connection” at graduation. Orchestra earned 13 and band 35 superior ratings at the state music festival. For their last song, 13 orchestra
Flathead Beacon
Methamphetamine Contamination Shutters Doors of Trego Elementary School
At Trego Elementary School, school board records show a January request from a teacher to rent out a property on school grounds — commonly referred to as the “teacherage” — ended in the school’s closure for the last month of the year, as the K-8 district with roughly a dozen students has spent the spring grappling with revelations that the property and the school’s library tested at elevated levels of methamphetamine contamination.
Whitefish Pilot
Photos: Whitefish High musicians play 2026 spring concert
Whitefish High School band and orchestra had a phenomenal spring concert on Tuesday, June 2, to close out a great year of music. To begin, wind ensemble played “Mother Earth” and “Pixar Movie Magic.” Camerata played “Fiddle Frenzy” and “Ode to Teenage Travels;” the latter is a piece composed by senior student Lillian Nelson. To conclude, symphony orchestra performed “Romeo and Juliet Overture” and “An American in Paris Suite.” Directors Matthew King and Summer Boggess said farewell to seniors Lovey Gallagher, Solvei Gunderson, Logan Hyland, Syrcie Johnson, Scarlet Burke, Nora Ide, Taylor Dorvall, Koru Larimore, Lillian Nelson, Johanna Perkins, Brynn McDonald, Kenny Stone, Holly Walker, Connor Cornutt, Ryan Glick, Ella Idleman, Allison Ponti, Anna Guzman, Paige Sebby, Bjorn Bungener, Guinevere Tomblin, Maren Cromie, Clare Helmstetler, Kiley Ohs and Emaline Whithed. Trombone player Bjorn Bungener achieved every accolade: Flathead Valley Youth Symphony Musician, All State Musician, All State Jazz Musician, and Montana Youth Symphony Musician. Senior Scarlet Burke, principal viola, at the Whitefish High School spring concert June 2. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot) Band members stand to applause from the crowd at the Whitefish High School spring concert on June 2. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot) Senior violinist Syrcie Johnson at the WHS spring
Whitefish Pilot
Whitefish graduate has ripple effect through positivity
Whitefish High School class of 2026 graduate Unity Loveless already crossed the stage and emceed the commencement ceremony on Saturday, but her impact will continue to spread positivity long after graduation day. “I would tell freshman to do everything they can – join every club, go to every dance,” Loveless said. “And also, just to talk to everyone. High school is so much more fun when you’re friends with everyone.” Loveless plans to double major in political science and education with a minor in Spanish at Montana State University. She said she’s always wanted to be a teacher but has become more drawn to politics in recent years. “It’s really important to have younger people in government, with new perspectives,” she said. Loveless grew as an individual throughout high school to become a leader on the school’s speech and debate team, earning Coach Sara Mueller’s student of the year accolade. Loveless was one of 30 students from across the nation to serve on the National Speech and Debate Association Student Leadership Council this year. As the Montana director of outreach, she worked to bring debate resources and representation to rural communities across the state. In the Flathead Valley, Loveless teamed
NBCMontana
Kalispell teacher named Montana History Teacher of the Year
MISSOULA, Mont. — Kristopher Schreiner, a history teacher at Kalispell Middle School, has been named the 2026 Centennial Bell Montana History Teacher of the Year. Schreiner, who has taught Montana history at the school for 18 years, was unanimously selected by the awards committee. Committee members cited the breadth of his curriculum, hands-on learning opportunities and dedication to helping students connect with Montana's history.
hilinetoday.com
Kalispell Educator is Centennial Bell History Teacher of the Year
Helena, MT — Kristopher Schreiner, a history teacher at Kalispell Middle School, has been awarded the 2026 Centennial Bell Montana History Teacher of the Year Award. Schreiner was unanimously selected by the awards committee, which praised the scope of his curriculum, the range of hands-on learning opportunities he provides, and his commitment to fostering “a lasting connection between his students and the place they call home.”
Char-Koosta News
Turning Tassels and Chasing Dreams
RONAN — Guided by the Class of 2026 motto, “Take chances, make mistakes and get messy,” by Ms. Frizzle, 92 Ronan High School seniors crossed the graduation stage Sunday, celebrating years of hard work while embracing the uncertainty and opportunity that await them beyond high school. The...
NBCMontana
Kalispell schools announce new board members, student representative
KALISPELL, Mont. — Kalispell Public Schools has announced its newest school board members, along with their first student representative. Rich Terrett, Brian Putnam, and Tom Hollo were selected to serve on the Board of Trustees, bringing experience in military service, engineering, public service, and law. The district also named...