By Gordon Wax, CPA, Stevensville Class of ’67
I had the good fortune to be a judge for the Stevensville High School senior projects. This is my second year as a judge. The judges, about two dozen adults from the community, assembled at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, May 23, in the high school library. After a brief orientation, we went to our assigned rooms to work in a three judge panel. The seniors made their oral and slide presentations over an approximate ten minute time period, and, in some cases, they left a constructed item that is placed into useful service somewhere in the school buildings.
The morning before, I found an online article entitled, “2018’s Most and Least Educated States in America.” My awareness of this study was perfectly timed since I was mulling over what I might experience in this year’s judging duties. I found the authors had ranked Montana with the number 16. The 16th Most Educated State in America! Pretty darn good. The study may be found at https://wallethub.com/edu/most-educated-states/31075/
Within the study, there was a category of Highest % of High School Diploma Holders. Montana was ranked number 1! This new information was very encouraging and I found myself feeling a wonderful sense of pride for our kids, school system and community.
Our Stevensville school system, in my opinion, is very well led by dedicated administrative, teaching, and maintenance staff. Sure there are plenty of things that need to be improved and some things go undone. Mistakes are made. But overall, Stevi has an excellent school system. I really can’t say much more than that about it. The students I’ve known are excellent young people. Our country will be in their good hands in the decades to come.
I’ve lived in Stevensville all my life except for two and half decades away when working in California and in my Army service. Throughout my life I have held a certain pride in being a Yellowjacket alumnus. I know this pride is shared by others who lives here and I believe this is for good reason. Stevensville HS has been repeatedly recognized as among the best schools in America. Yellowjacket alumni have been highly accomplished in their careers, families, and communities.
As we come to the end of another school year and a new graduating class will be stepping into their young adult lives, let us be grateful for all who make our school work so well. The kids have been well prepared! I am very proud of the students and the staff of Stevensville High School. Good going, everyone!