Ahna Fox
Editor-in-chief of the Bigfork Norse Code & 2019 Montana High School Journalist of the Year.
Bigfork High School administrators have unanimously decided to build a hitching post in the school zone to benefit transportation by horse among students
BY AHNA FOX
In the past, Bigfork High School has seen transportation methods ranging anywhere from lawn mowers to dirt bikes for a students commute to Bigfork education. However, not having the proper resources to provide for possible equine transportation is a problem for some horse riders here at BHS. Because of this, a hitching post will be appended to the Bigfork School District.
Journalist for the KRQE Albuquerque News, Lysée Mitri, reported the story of two students who suffered consequences for riding their horses to Los Lunas Schools in 2015. The students used this method of transportation for the reason of "No Vehicle to School Day," a decision made by the school’s senior class. “They said they rode around for about 10 minutes before school started and took the horses back home. However, they weren't welcomed on campus when they returned. They were suspended,” said Mitri. The students later stated that they missed finals as a result of their suspension. At the start of the 2018/2019 school year, a shockingly similar event took place at Bigfork High School due to the participation of students in homecoming festivities, but in a respectable manner. For “twin day,” junior Ashley Anderson and senior Charlie Barton rode identical horses to school while wearing matching outfits. As these two students went to their first period class, their horses stood patiently tied to trees beyond the high school doors. Later on in the morning, Barton and Anderson were called down to take the horses home because the school believed they did not have a reliable or safe place for the horses to stay. Barton expressed his hopes of having a proper place for equine transportation during school hours for students while Anderson stated, “I think it is essential for the school to take care of horses that are used as transportation to school for some students. Horses were used daily in different American centuries for transportation and no one was sent to take their horse home because there were no hitching posts available.” |
Bigfork High School receptionist, Cindy Landers, also offered her opinion on the matter of a BHS hitching post. She explained how if they would have had a hitching post during her time as a high school student, she would have taken advantage of the opportunity by riding her horse to school. “It's important to me that all students are here at school learning. If they have to ride a horse, that's fine with me. We really do need a hitching post,” said Landers.
The hitching post will be constructed in early August and is to be placed in the center of the grass portion outside of the BHS mathematics wing. It will be open for use to all horse riders, starting the first day of the 2019/2020 school year. This action on part of Bigfork High School administration clearly shows that all shapes and sizes of transportation for students is valued and encouraged. |
Until the health threats of smoking cigarettes were discovered, the practice was a norm for high school students and a great number of adults of the late 1900s. Over the past few years, e-cigarettes have been promoted into a new role, replacing cigarettes in the lifestyle of teens today, which influences individuals beyond the halls of high school.
These recently developed nicotine devices—such as Juuls, vape pens, and Suorins—continue to gather attention and popularity; meanwhile, teens become the guinea pigs for the negative health impacts from e-cigarettes that have yet to be discovered. Already finding themselves labeled by society, teens have yet now another area in which they can be categorized in light of developing e-cigarettes. An anonymous Bigfork High School student stated that, “the use of nicotine is put into two categories. First, if you are not a user of nicotine then you are considered a ‘good kid.’ And second, if you do use it then you are considered a ‘bad kid.’ I know many kids that use nicotine that are characterized as good and bad students by the school itself. The teachers, administration, and the students do not realize that what they are doing is labeling everyone for their choices.” The use of nicotine is looked down upon by staff and school administration, telling students to stay away from substances that are addictive and can become a gateway drug. The production of modern nicotine devices only promotes violation of a school’s drug free zone by students who find themselves addicted to the buzz nicotine brings. “Nicotine is absorbed into your bloodstream and goes to your adrenal glands just above your kidneys. The glands release adrenaline, which increases your blood pressure, breathing, and heart rate. Adrenaline also gives you a lot of good feelings all at once,” reported the National Institute of Health. “You might have heard people talking about e-cigs, vapes, or vape pens. These are names for electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that people use to inhale nicotine, flavoring, or other chemicals. They can look like cigarettes, pipes, pens, or USB memory sticks.” Bigfork High School principal, Mark Hansen, expressed his disappointment in tobacco companies whom he feels have targeted the younger generation with nicotine juices that ‘taste good.’ “I just feel like anytime that you get into something that you can be addicted to, it is probably not a good thing to have at school,” says Hansen. “If you just do your research you are not going to put that stuff in your body.” Lou Jessop, a freshman English, English Outbound, Lit Mag, Creative Writing, and Battle School instructor at Bigfork High School stated how students should not necessarily be labeled for their personal nicotine use and how he believes the use of e-cigarettes does not directly impact a students performance at school. “When I was in school there was a smoking corner, and teachers that smoked would join the kids at lunch in the smoking corner of the parking lot. A lot of those kids did not deal with the stigma of being a bad kid because they were chewing tobacco or smoking a cigarette, and I think that maybe while those things are bad for you, we sometimes use those as labels to label the kid bad when it is not a bad kid, and we do not do the same for adult nicotine users,” says Jessop. “I think the development of nicotine products is generally bad for health, and wise for kids to stay away from them because it creates a dependency on a substance way to early on in life, but the substance can be bad and the kid can be fine.” Although the negative impact of recently developed nicotine devices cannot be ignored by the youth of today, the categorizing of students should not be dependent on a student’s dependence on nicotine. “Kids who are labeled as bad will live up to those expectations,” says Jessop, and this is true in light of individuals who will often find their identity in their reputation. The impact of these developing e-cigarettes on the human body may be foolishly ignored, but the labeling of a person, much less a young adult, should not be dependent upon a choice that teens across the world make every day. |
The 2018 Viking football team used their talent, teamwork, drive, and grit to achieve the season finish last accomplished in 2014, the football team which contained a number of the same players who won Bigfork the class B football state championship in 2010. The rewarding season this years varsity football team strived for finalized in a semi-final playoff finish.
The tragic end to the Vikings season played out on the Fairfield High School football field with 20 mile-per-hour winds and temperatures below freezing. Although a loss was taken away from that football field, countless memories were created by the near undefeated season.These memories held the team’s place in the minds and hearts of parents, community members, and students. For the past 21 years, Todd Emslie has been the head coach of the Bigfork football team. Emslie was an athlete throughout his high school years at Waukesha North and went on to attend the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point where he competed in college football. Under the leadership of Emslie, Viking football has produced numerous players that have went on to play football at the collegiate level. Describing his 2018 football team, Emslie said, “the seniors have been playing together a long time and portray great leadership.” Talent has always been evident within many players on the team, but was especially proven this year when players accepted a total of 17 individual awards. Seniors Anders Epperly, Randy Stultz, and Logan Gilliard each received an All-State title. First Team All-Conference recognition was given to seniors Luke Taylor, Brady Thorness, and sophomore Luke Benson. Second Team All-Conference was awarded to seniors Brody Lamar and Luke Schmit. Cornerback and wide receiver for the Vikings, senior Clayton Reichenbach explains how many of his teammates, including himself, have been playing with each other since middle school and even years before. “I want to thank my teammates for pushing me everyday to get better. Football has impacted my life to where I never wish it was over and if I were Freshman year, I would have said I just want football to be over so basketball can start,” said Reichenbach. Logan Taylor, a BHS alumnus and previous Viking, was a major role model for Thorness, a senior tight and defensive end for the 2018 team. Thorness said, “I always looked up to Logan Taylor because he played the same positions as me and was a great influence.” Thorness also expresses how his football career has taught him how to work hard for what you aspire to be. “It was a great ride and I am thankful for everyone of my teammates. There isn't any other group of seniors I would have wanted to do this with.” All-State running back Stultz said, “football taught me many life lessons and helped me grow as an athlete. I also developed some of the greatest friendships and a brotherhood from playing football. This group was extremely close; we have been through a lot together.” Gilliard, another All-State athlete who plays as a middle linebacker and center, stated, “we had a good year because everyone did their job and we played for each other; everyone had each other’s backs.” The Vikings finished their season with a home game record of 4-1 and the region record of 5-1, ranking 5th out of all Montana class B football teams. With the passing of another season, yet another group of seniors graduate. Leaving their mark on the Bigfork High School football program impacting underclassmen and becoming role models are just some of the many legacies these boys will leave behind. Whether the season be finished with great success or disappointing upsets, Viking football will always be the team of the Friday night lights to the Bigfork community. These lights, which shine upon the field overlooking Flathead Lake are undeniably the most stunning view from any football field in the state of Montana. Past graduates, Viking alumni, parents, students, and fans gather those Friday nights simply for a football game. Not just any football game; a football game on the field of the Vikings. A game which compares to no other, Hoorah. |
Senior quarterback Anders Epperly takes a knee after his last football game as a Viking.
Season Review
24 August vs. Manhattan Final Score: 27-14 31 August vs. Anaconda Final Score: 51-0 7 September vs. Florence-Carlton Final Score: 44-15 14 September vs. Lincoln County Final Score: 37-0 21 September vs. Thompson Falls Final Score: 43-0 5 October vs. Broadwater - Townsend Final Score: 21-14 12 October vs. Loyola Final Score: 21-26 19 October vs. Powell County Final Score: 41-14 27 October vs. Broadwater - Townsend (First Round Playoffs) Final Score: 47-13 3 November vs. Roundup (Quarter-Final Playoffs) Final Score: 43-18 10 November vs. Fairfield (Semi-Final Playoffs) Final Score: 14-48 |
BY AHNA FOX
Bigfork High School recently hired Mark Hansen in the summer of 2018 to fill the position of principal alongside three other individuals hired for the positions of guidance counselor, athletic director, and physical education teacher. Hansen, a Bigfork native, graduated in 1978 as a Viking from his seasons of football, basketball, and track. After graduation, Hansen’s summer job at a tree farm turned into a career; managing the business for the next 17 years of his life. Soon after developing a
|
career in management, Hansen settled down with his four boys, all of whom attended Bigfork schools. All the while, Hansen coached boys and girls basketball in the high school.
“I told my players one time of the importance of following your dreams, and then it dawned on me that I hadn't followed mine,” said Hansen. At the age of 47, Hansen stepped foot onto a college campus for the first time in his life. He went on to receive his education certificate from the University of Great Falls before starting his first teaching job at Bigfork Elementary. Over the past year, Hansen completed his Master’s in education at Rocky Mountain University. In order to do so, Hansen spent five hours every Tuesday, glued to a computer screen and completed several internships with Alan Robins, previous Bigfork High School principal and Brenda Clarke, Elementary/Middle School principal. Going into the 2018 school year, Hansen was secured the position of Vice President Curriculum Director at the high school, but a few months later, he was notified that the high school principal position had recently opened. Hansen said he immediately went through the process of applying for the position; as a result, he now has an office a quarter mile from his first classroom. “I am still on a learning curve on what it means to be principal,” said Hansen. “We struggle with attendance, and I am baffled on why students wouldn't want to come to school...in the future I hope to improve the attendance of Bigfork students and made evident the value in these four years.” When Hansen himself was a high school student, he felt the great impact his coaches, teachers, family, and friends had on his character and future. Now 45 years later, Hansen has earned his position of leadership, living out his hopes for this high school with multiple conference calls, board meetings, assemblies, and classrooms. Mark Hansen now takes the wheel to this viking ship, steering the high school towards students finding the importance in education and their high school years. |
Seniors Shalen Gray and Brooke Fraley take part in the theme of Throwback Thursday.
2018 Homecoming royalty, Anya Young and Logan Gillard, pause for a picture after receiving the white roses during halftime of the Friday night football game.
|
Seniors Luke Schmit and Colton Reichenbach pose as Danny from Grease and Michael Jackson on Throwback Thursday.
Seniors Ben Johnson and KC Isaman show off their denim suits as apart of Twin Tuesday festivities.
|
The 2018 Homecoming nominees before the start of the parade on Friday.
The Bigfork High School cheer team leads BHS students in the Bigfork march during the assembly.
KC Isaman stares into the camera, showing his school spirit on Color War Wednesday for the senior class.
|
BY AHNA FOX
Prom is known as the magical night that falls on the end of each school year for students to get dressed up with friends and dates, creating some of the best memories of high school. The themed dance celebrates a king and queen of the event, while treats are served and photos are taken by family and friends to capture one of the most important nights of a high school career. At Bigfork High School, a group of voluntary juniors plan the dance, along with a prom advisor, and try to accomplish the goal of forming an unforgettable evening for the student body. This year's prom committee has the goal of creating a memorable prom for the graduating class and a night to remember for all students.
Many schools within the Flathead Valley planned their proms in the month of March, including the Bigfork High School proms in the past. This year, the junior prom committee set the prom date as May 12th, two months later than most other proms. Junior Zoe Reichner, prom committee president, said, “Since the date is later in the year, photos will be easier to take because of the warmer weather along with not having to worry about attire with the cold weather factor.” Prom will be at Diamond B Weddings (Barn) in Lower Valley. The theme has been decided as ‘The Great Gatsby,’ also known as the “roaring 20s,” with many blacks and golds. The dance will take place from 8-11pm and there will be treats and snacks available at the event. Dinner will not be served at the dance, so please make plans before the dance to eat dinner. The venue is on the Flathead River and there are areas to take pictures outside of the vicinity. Prom Advisor Hannah Gorby said, “I wanted to help the class with their prom; prom was always fun for me in high school so I figured why not help them make their prom fun?” When asked what her goals are for prom, Gorby said, “I hope that prom will be fun and upbeat with music that you guys like and that everybody wants to be there and hang out for the night.” Mark the date (May 12th) on your calendars, planners, and phones, for an unforgettable evening at the Diamond B Barn from 8 to 11pm! Expect nothing less than a party ‘Greater than Gatsby.’ |
Information on the upcoming Bigfork High School Prom which is currently in the making by the Junior Prom Committee
The 2018 Bigfork High School ‘Gatsby’ Prom ticket is pictured above. Prom tickets are being sold for $25 a piece or $40 per couple.
|
Junior Anders Epperly shoots the final free throw of the state championship game to bring the score to 60-56.
|
Senior Abby Ellison goes for a layup in the Valkyries’ second game in the state tournament against Three Forks. The Vals defeated St. Labre in the first game of the state tournament, the first time the Bigfork Valkyries have won a game in the state tournament in 38 years.
Bigfork cheerleaders cheering on the Vikings in the Class B state championship game.
|
BY AHNA FOX
Bigfork, with the wildlife and ecosystem it has, is a great area for hunting. Chances are you can probably drive about ten minutes from your house and find a spot to hunt in the Flathead Valley. Bigfork High School and other schools in the Flathead Valley contain a good number of hunters who occasionally miss a couple days of school days in the spring or fall to successfully fill their hunting tags. Hunters form Bigfork High School including, senior Logan Taylor, junior Brayden Haugen, and sophomores Jimmy Abney, Alec Taylor, and Hattie Emslie answered questions on the activity and described their view and passion for hunting.
“As a native Montanan, I have developed a love for the outdoors...whether I am playing sports, fishing, hunting, or backpacking, I enjoy my time sharing God's creation with others,” said Taylor. Taylor has attended Bigfork Schools since he was in the 4th grade and has became an avid hunter along with the rest of his family. “In a year, I usually participate in deer, elk, migratory birds, upland game, and sometimes bear seasons,” said Taylor. “If it is elk season, all other seasons are put on hold.” Taylor shared that he got a mature whitetail this season, but due to football taking up hunting time, Taylor was unsuccessful in bringing home an elk. When asked what he would say to individuals that claim hunting is cruel sport, Taylor said, “I would love to show them firsthand that it is actually a very humane way of life...you will never understand unless you experience it yourself.” Haugen has attended Bigfork Schools since kindergarten. On his free time, Haugen hunts, fishes, skies, and hangs out with his friends. “I became interested in hunting because my uncles were very into it and I started hunting with them,” said Haugen. Haugen hunts whitetail deer, mule deer, and elk; this year, he brought home a whitetail buck. Participating in football, basketball, and golf, Abney spends his time in the outdoors hunting, fly-fishing, or snowboarding. “I have hunted with my dad ever since I was six. My dad immersed me in the outdoors since I was very young, so it has kinda become a huge part of my life; I don't know what I would do with my time if my dad hadn't taught me how to hunt,” said Abney. “I have shot so many ducks and geese, I can't count. I shot a cow elk and I shot a doe the first five minutes of deer season. I passed up some bucks this year because I was elk hunting.” Taylor plays golf for Bigfork and has attended Bigfork Schools since sixth grade. Taylor hunts almost every season, and this year he enjoyed a good time with friends and family while coming home with many ducks, geese and a whitetail deer. Taylor’s ideal hunt would be in a basin full of bugling elk. Emslie a sophomore originally from Swan River. On her free time, she enjoys to golf, hunt, and compete in speech, debate, and drama. Emslie became introduced to hunting through her family’s passion for the activity. “Last season, my dad and I rattled in a huge buck, but sadly I never got a shot,” said Emslie. “Hunting is a time where I can be outside with my family.” Hunting has made its mark in Montana history and continues to this day. In American society, hunting is often a hot debate topic. In the past, hunting was an essential part of life to feed individuals, and today, hunting is still seen as a way to put food on the table and it has also developed to be a passion. For Bigfork High School hunters Taylor, Haugen, Abney, Taylor, and Emslie, hunting is simply a way of life that they can share with their families and friends. |
Hunters of Bigfork High School share their passion and love for the activity and way of life hunting presents
Bigfork High School sophomores, Jimmy Abney and Alec Taylor show off their day’s hunt of duck and geese. Taylor and Abney, along with other avid BHS hunters, share their passion and experiences involving hunting.
|
BY AHNA FOX
The 2017-2018 swim team has been the most accomplished swim team BHS has ever had in the past five seasons of swim at Bigfork High School. Throughout the season, the team has set almost every team record in events including the 4x100 relay and many others. Bigfork brought 12 swimmers to compete at state this year. In order to compete at state for Bigfork, a swimmer has to be top four in an event out of all swimmers on the team. Bigfork, being the only class B school swim team, automatically goes to state and competes against all other class A and AA swimmers. Bigfork has yet to bring home an individual state award, but with many talented underclassmen, the team hopes to have someone on the champion podium in the future.
Swim team coach Charlotte Ball said, “There are so many positives about this season, it's hard to choose...first, the number of girls who decided to join; many are underclassmen so I'm excited to see them return and grow next year...second, the growth I've seen in each girl not only in swimming, but in confidence as well.” Using three words, Ball described the season with dedication, persistence, and confidence. “Overall I’d say I've learned that my team wants to try new things and work hard...almost 80% had never swam before, and they have worked so hard to get where they are and continue to want to learn new strokes and improve for the future,” said Ball. The Bigfork swimmers swam the following events at state - medley relay: junior Ahna Fox - backstroke; sophomore Emily Bonner - breaststroke; senior Roxanne Carroll - butterfly; and freshman Hanna Ritchie - freestyle. For the 200 meter freestyle: sophomore Ashley Anderson. The 50 meter freestyle: senior Haile Norred, Carroll, and Bonner. The 100 meter freestyle: Norred, Anderson, and senior Ally Pancoast. The 500 meter freestyle: Pancoast and Fox. The 4x50 relay: Norred, Carroll, Bonner, and Anderson. The 100 meter backstroke: junior Hannah Crutsinger, Fox, sophomore Kylie McMullen, and junior Alex Broughton. The 100 breastroke: Carroll, Bonner, and junior Kristen Hutz. The 4x100 relay: Norred, Anderson, Pancoast, and Fox. “My best accomplishment during swim was not drowning, but really my best accomplishment was sticking with it because it is the hardest sport I have ever done,” said junior Hailey Boisvert. Crutsinger, another junior swimmer, said, “My best accomplishment was probably constantly taking time off more time, improving, and being able to see my improvement after the times of each meet.” Carroll said her favorite memory was slipping before the BHS warm up on Thursday night at state. “Wow that floor was slippery,” she said, “My greatest accomplishment this season was shaving five seconds off my 100 breastroke at state; there’s nothing more amazing than looking up at your team after you finish a race and seeing them cheering for you.” As the swim season came to an end on February 10 at the state meet in Great Falls, Ball said, “This season has been overwhelming. I am so thrilled at the number of girls who came out and stuck with it...swim is hard, and it has been great to get to know everyone on a different level outside of class and to see how hard they are willing to work. I love my girls!” |
The 2017/2018 Bigfork High School swim team photo taken by Crown Photography. This year’s swim team is the most accomplished swim team BHS has had since the start of the sport at Bigfork High School.
The 2017/2018 Bigfork High School swim team at their state meet in Great Falls Montana on February 9. This year’s swim team has been the most accomplished swim team Bigfork High School has had over the years.
|
Bigfork High School’s winter activity coaches share hopes for the season ahead and some personal history
Vikings head basketball coach, Sam Tudor, coaches his players in a time out against the Troy Trojans on January 5th. Find out history and hopes of Bigfork High School’s winter activity coaches in the article below.
|
Senior Ally Pancoast reps Lindenwood University-Belleville, where she will be attending this fall. Seniors at Bigfork High School share their thoughts and feelings on senioritis as the first semester of their senior year is concluded.
|
BY AHNA FOX
According to Merriam Webster, the definition of senioritis is, “An ebbing of motivation and effort by school seniors as evidenced by tardiness, absences, and lower grades.” During this time of year in particularly (beginning of 2nd semester), seniors begin to lack the drive to put forth full effort or to even finish the year. With the anticipation of an adult future and the fact that they have already completed three full years of one of the most difficult academic and emotional times of an individual's life, students tend to want to give up on high school.
Senior Reuben Hubbard said, “I’m more satisfied with an A- than I have ever been before...currently senioritis is the worst right now.” Hubbard plans to study film or art in the future, for now he is focused on taking a gap year to travel and then to attend college and pursue a ‘creative job.’ Senior Lily Stewart said senioritis has affected her by making her not want to come to school or do her work. Stewart said, “...I definitely haven't tried as hard as I should have.” Stewart plans to attend Sacramento State or San Diego State and pursue criminology to become an FBI agent. Senior Zack Wenzel simply stated, “[Senioritis] makes me care less.” He plans to attend the University of Montana and become a member of law enforcement. Senior Madison Gardner wants to study pre-med after high school and later become a trauma surgeon or partake in Doctors without Borders, which helps people with medical needs in third world countries. Gardner said, “I definitely lack motivation to do things school wise, but not by too much.” Jonathan Ng with the Huffington Post said, “To those who have been on track the entire way, congratulations. For those who are experiencing this virulent disease, all hope is not lost, and may this be a clarion call to do better.” |
BY AHNA FOX
|
A look into the hopes and plans for the future of BHS wrestling.
BY AHNA FOX
The fifth season of Bigfork High School wrestling started on November 16, along with all other winter sports. In 2001, BHS wrestling was dropped along with girls’ softball, but wrestling was brought back by mathematics teacher Josh Feller in 2013, along with girls swimming. Bigfork has brought multiple wrestlers to the yearly state tournament in the past three years. Former Bigfork student Matt Farrier was the first to place in the class B state tournament since wrestling was brought back, winning third out of his weight class. David Laird will be head coaching his third season of BHS wrestling this year, and he is hoping to see the wrestling community come alive and show support.
Laird started wrestling his sophomore year of high school and has wrestled for 15 years since. A former wrestler at Southern Oregon University, Laird said, “Coaching makes you a better wrestler...I got a lot of enjoyment as far as stepping out in the circle...I got a lot more enjoyment getting to coach these kids.” Coaching the “Little Guy” program during college was Laird’s first coaching experience, in which he developed a passion for coaching. Laird described wrestling as “tough as nails.” “You can play basketball and football, but you can't play wrestling. You just wrestle,” he continued. His goals for the future of his team consist of bringing home a state title and continuing to bring six wrestlers to state. Bigfork wrestlers compete in the B/C state tournament at the end of the season, which includes many more schools than the number of schools that compete in Classes A and AA. In Class B, the competition is just as competitive, if not more. Senior Wyatt Mischke said, “It's a sport that's not reliant on the team, but the bond you build with everyone on the team is much stronger than any other sport.” “Wrestling has taught me how to be strong and push through when times get tough,” continued Mischke. “It has also taught me how important one moment is and how you have to take your chance before you lose it.” Mischke has been wrestling since the age of five and learned through the eyes of his dad, a former competitive wrestler. “A family” is how he described the Bigfork wrestling team. With much determination and endurance, the Bigfork Wrestlers are predicted to have a promising season with many wrestlers returning next season. The number of wrestlers on the 2017 Bigfork wrestling team is above average, mostly consisting of freshmen and sophomores. Come support the Bigfork High School wrestlers in their first match on home mats on January 16th at 6 pm. |
Senior Wyatt Mischke, and freshman Zane Gardner practice a go-to wrestling stance in the community room of Bigfork High School. The wrestling team is young in comparison to other Bigfork athletic teams, but much is in store for them in the season ahead.
|
Logan Taylor and Grace Olechowski received the 2017 Homecoming King and Queen white roses on Friday, October 6th.
Before being crowned, the 2017 BHS Homecoming King and Queen, Logan Taylor and Grace Olechowski after riding in the homecoming parade in front of Bigfork High School. Both individuals well represent BHS and are honored to have received the white rose.
|
Bigfork High School’s students and staff hard work of outfit planning, sign-making, and decorating paid with a memorable homecoming week down in the books.
Bigfork High School’s new and improved commons area is decorated by the Vikes and Vals homecoming signs made by the BHS cheerleaders. Many laughs and smiles were seen as students and staff at BHS showed school spirit October 2-October 7.
|
The 2016/2017 Bigfork High School swim team. Front to back, left to right: Alice Renee, Kyndall Eike, Ahna Fox, Julia Saunders, Deidre Leslie, Victoria Hiza, Jordan Bradley, Gabi DiPaulo, Aubrey Halverson, Ally Pancoast. Not pictured: Wilson Vogt, Charlie Ball (coach), Mariela Zavala (manager). Photo Credit: Crown Photography |
Most high school athletic teams wonder how their next season will play out after their seniors graduate. Seniors are often the captains and leaders of sports teams and show the most talent. The also see the greatest amount of playing time throughout the season. However, Bigfork High School basketball and girls cheer will have no problem finding talent and experienced leaders next season.
The 2015/2016 basketball teams lost a great amount of seniors: almost all of the starting five. Cheer also said goodbye to some seniors including their main cheer stud and captain as well. The outcome for this year’s teams were up in the air. Dave Creamer, Bigfork Schools Athletic Director said, “It has given new players a chance to break in and make a difference. Sometimes a lack of experience shows up, but the young teams have done remarkably well.” Boys varsity basketball is made up of mostly sophomores, a few juniors and freshmen. They have shown great potential and are currently ranked number one in their conference. Head coach Sam Tudor said, “We are focusing on ‘the now’. We don't have a lower standard simply because we are young. The expectation is to improve daily. Next year’s team will be exciting, but we are determined to keep our focus directed towards this year.” Girls basketball is run by juniors, along with a few sophomores and freshmen. Shae Anderson, a member of the team, said, “It's nice to have a younger team because we get more experience and more time on the court… our senior year we’ll all be ready to go.” There is a great amount of hope and expectations for both teams at divisionals and at possibly state. Bigfork High School cheerleaders have been number one in the state for quite a while because of their advanced stunts and dances. Girls cheer is composed of mostly sophomores with juniors and freshmen. Madison Gardner, a leader on the cheer team, said, “I expect a good season because we won't be losing many people. It will just be more improving of talent throughout the team.” Another main leader on the cheer team, Jaclyn Saunders, said, “It's always upsetting to lose boys and girls for stunts, cheering, and dancing. We are all a family and miss our seniors, but we still stay positive… It’s super exciting that we have all the same people because now we can improve even more than we already have.” “For all the teams, I just want to see them compete up to their potential and have fun,” said Creamer, “Their potential is high, so it should be fun.” With the amount of talent and perseverance that has been shown so far this season, basketball and cheer look as though they will have promising seasons ahead. |
2017/2018 Bigfork High School basketball teams and cheerleaders are looking strong despite the lack of seniors
From top to bottom, Madison Gardner, a varsity cheerleader, Logan Gilliard, a varsity basketball player, and Shae Anderson, a varsity basketball player, smile for a picture in the gym they perform in during winter sports. These students in the picture above are not seniors along with the rest of their of their team mates this season
|
Throughout the school day, your chair may vibrate, you might hear loud machinery, and you may think the wall next to you is going to come crashing down at any given moment. As many students and staff at Bigfork High School know, construction is in full swing on school property. Gates are surrounding our school while machines clear walls and the Hammerquist Casalegno workers plan and build the future high school that was made possible by the Bigfork Bond.
The Bond was passed last year and was estimated to cost around 14 million dollars. The cost will be paid by Bigfork home and land owners, and the bond surprisingly passed with over 50% of voters in support of the Bond. Time has caught up to our school and renovation has been needed for quite some time. Bigfork High School Principal, Alan Robbins, had some updates for us about the construction. During the interview Robbins also said, “The Casalegno construction has been great, very cooperative, very polite…there have been times where there has been too much noise and they made adjustments to their schedules. They have been great to work with.” Hammerquist Casalegno was selected to do the construction by the school board and the different bids. Below is a list of updates that Robbins stated throughout the interview... -Construction is right on schedule. In fact, some areas are ahead of schedule, like the community room that is evident outside of the gym. -The construction is within budget and there have been no major surprises. -The cons have been very minimal because of the little impact the construction has had on what's going on in classrooms. -When more parts of the school begin to be under construction, the school will be challenged a bit with space. -Over Christmas break the classrooms will be moved and organized before school starts back up. -There have been no complaints from the homeowners that live near the sites of the construction. -There have been minor adjustments to the future school plan, but everything has pretty much stayed the same. |
Construction pushes on while adjustments are made and staff and students look forward to the future Bigfork High School.
The front facade of BHS while it is currently under construction. Updates are provided in the article about the Bond.
|