Latest news with #StillwaterChristianSchool
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Student leader helps others in the classroom and on the court
Mar. 31—Stillwater Christian School senior Carson Miller is a well-rounded student with a proclivity for math, music and mentoring. "Carson is a kind and compassionate student that seeks excellence in all areas of his life," Stillwater guidance counselor Michelle Fetveit said. Fetveit is one of three people who nominated him for the Winslow Nichols Leadership Award, which he received earlier this month. The Award recognizes the academic achievement and community involvement of high school students who contribute to improving the lives of others. It is sponsored by Logan Health in collaboration with the Daily Inter Lake. "We have other leaders in our school who will fulfill all that is required of them, but Carson takes to heart the purpose of his role as a leader, and he will plan, prepare, and execute his duties with a great attitude and effective skill and commitment," said fellow nominator Micah Hunter who is the choir director and dean of the conservatory at Stillwater. Hunter also pointed to Miller's leadership skills within the school's house system, which is a way of grouping the student body. House leaders spearhead meetings, fun competitions, chapel and retreats "As a house leader, he shows tremendous poise in leading discussions on difficult or personal topics, and he is always humble in his leadership. He has developed a great feel for leading by lifting others up," Hunter wrote in his nomination letter. Miller said he strives to be a servant leader, looking to Jesus as the ultimate example. "A servant leader is somebody who inspires the ones that he's leading but also puts their needs before his own. I try to remember that, but it's extremely difficult," Miller said. MILLER ALSO started a tutoring program at Stillwater about two years ago. He said he had been involved in a tutoring program that was discontinued during the pandemic, but the need for extra academic help remained and sought to establish a new program. Getting the green light from principals, he started contacting teachers to determine interest and recruiting classmates to serve as tutors for the new program called the Cougar Den, named after the school mascot. "He has a great desire to learn and takes great enjoyment in helping others learn as well," said his mother Tami Miller, who also submitted a nomination letter. When Stillwater didn't offer calculus this year, he decided, on his own, to take an Advanced Placement Calculus course, she said. "I do like math, yes, that's my thing," he said. Miller was exposed to advanced math concepts at a young age, starting in preschool. While most preschoolers are learning how to identify numbers and work their way up to addition and subtraction, Miller's older sister, who is now a math teacher, was giving him lessons in multiplication and division. After graduation, he plans to major in either physics or engineering at Biola University. He also plans to minor in music. "I did musicals from fifth through eighth grade," he said, with Alpine Theatre Project in Whitefish. His first audition as a child was more at his parents' behest than his interest at the time. "I was like, no, I'm a baseball player, I'm not going to do musicals. But then I auditioned one time, I got in, and I actually ended up really liking it," he said. By the time he reached high school, he didn't hesitate to join band, jazz band, concert choir and chamber choir and will receive Stillwater's Conservatory of Music diploma at graduation. AS AN ATHLETE, his leadership skills extend to the basketball court. Passionate about the sport, he didn't wait to join the basketball team. Toward the end of his freshman year, however, he tore his ACL and underwent surgery. Undeterred by the setback, he worked hard to come back from the injury and succeeded. Then, during his junior year, the varsity team captain's ACL tore again, requiring more surgery. "I took that as a sign from the Lord for me to stop basketball because I was really committed to it. I would play, like, two hours a day, even when there wasn't practice," he said. Crestfallen he couldn't return to the court as a player, Miller didn't pass on his coach's suggestion to lead the fifth- and sixth-grade boys' basketball team. "[As a] player, yeah, you're just focusing on winning," he said. "But the coaching, I'm thinking about winning, but also, since it's fifth and sixth grade, I'm thinking about how to really be more of a teacher." Outside of school, Miller is a camp counselor at Big Sky Bible Camp in Bigfork. He and his siblings were all campers and said it was a natural transition to become a counselor. "You're just kind of thrown into the wolves, sorta, with like 10 elementary school age boys in a cabin for the week," he said with a laugh. He is also a counselor for Camp Promise, which is geared to people with disabilities. Fetveit said Miller is a positive influence in the lives of many campers in her nomination letter. "I just really love sharing the gospel with them and my love of the Lord with them," he said. With experience working with students of different ages through tutoring, counseling and coaching, Miller said his favorite age groups to work with are the fifth and sixth graders. At this age, he said kids have a level of maturity but know how to have fun. In addition to the award, Miller is a National Merit semifinalist, Ben Carson Scholar and has a 4.0 unweighted GPA. "I've grown a lot as a leader, spiritually and mentally," he said. LEARN MORE Winslow Nichols Award nomination criteria: Eligibility: High school students in Flathead, Lake or Lincoln counties. Academics: Students who value their education by exhibiting academic responsibility; preferably have a 3.0 GPA or higher. Character: Students who display integrity, compassion, service and excellence. Citizenship: Students who nurture healthy communities through community service, volunteerism or other contributions to their community and/or school. Leadership: Students who take initiative and are role models for others. Forms are available at Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Stillwater Christian School gets $1M grant from Gianforte Family Foundation for Early Learning Center project
Feb. 18—Stillwater Christian School has received a $1 million grant from the Gianforte Family Foundation for its Early Learning Center construction project, which is slated to start in the spring. The grant will be used for site work, including expansion of the septic system and parking lots in addition to new vehicle pick-up and drop-off areas. "As we grow, we recognize the need for increased parking for teachers, staff, parents and visitors, including more accessible parking spaces. New drop-off areas will enable safer vehicle entry and egress from campus," Stillwater Head of School Laura McCollum said at a state of the school address Feb. 13. Also funding the Early Learning Center construction project is a $5 million donation from local businessman Paul Wachholz, which was announced in September 2024. McCollum unveiled updated architectural renderings of the new center last week alongside LSW Architects Chief Innovation Officer Casey Wyckoff. The new 18,000-square-foot building will include two kindergarten and three pre-kindergarten through kindergarten classrooms, restrooms, teacher and support staff workrooms, a gymnasium/multipurpose room for elementary physical education and a dedicated space for music classes. "The new and reconfigured spaces will allow us to open up more enrollment for children in Pre-K through K, with a developmentally appropriate design, so that all grade and age levels are best served," McCollum said in a statement. "The valley has been growing, with many new, young families moving into the area, so we anticipate increased enrollment, especially at the pre-school level." The new Early Learning Center is anticipated to open in fall 2026. McCollum thanked general contractor, Tadd Nicely, owner of Nicely Construction, subcontractors and donors for their support, financial assistance and collaboration on the project. "We are so excited and proud to celebrate the many entities who have come together, captured by our vision, to enhance Christian education in the Flathead Valley," she said. Located at 225 FFA Drive in Kalispell, the private school offers a "Christ-centered education" for grades pre-kindergarten through 12th. Current enrollment stands at 400 students. The Gianforte Family Foundation is a Bozeman-based nonprofit founded in 2004 that has supported various education, school choice and Christian ministry programs/initiatives through grants and scholarships. Foundation trustees are Gov. Greg Gianforte and his wife, Susan. "We're thrilled to provide this grant to partner with Stillwater Christian School on its new Early Learning Center," Gianforte Family Foundation Executive Director Catherine Koenen said. "The campus expansion will directly address demand for increased options in education." Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@ Stillwater Christian School Early Learning Center construction project will include five classrooms and a gym geared for elementary students. The project recently received a $1 million grant from the Gianforte Family Foundation. (Drawing by LSW Architects)
