Class of 2013 senior portrait: Megan Danczyk

Megan Danczyk represents the final stop in a long line of Danczyks to graduate from Whitefish High School. First came Anne, then Jake and Matt, and now Megan — the tall brunette who carries herself with authority, loves math and art, and who can bury a soccer ball in the back of the net from 30 yards out.

Being the youngest sibling of four has helped shape her into the woman she has become.

“I’ve always had to step up to their level to keep up, especially on our adventures together,” Danczyk said. “I’m always looking up to them in every way. It’s shaped who I am.”

This coming fall she will follow in the footsteps of her two brothers and attend Montana State University in Bozeman. Danczyk has earned a Montana University System Honors Scholarship which waves her tuition to any school in Montana for four years. She plans on studying engineering, like her brothers, but will keep her options open.

“I love math and science, and I think that’s what I’m best at,” she said. “Contradictory to that, I also love art. But you can apply art to any area of work.”

She envisions herself one day working in the renewable energy industry.

“That’s going to be a big part of our future,” she said. “Decreasing our dependence on non-renewable resources and focusing more on renewable sources.

“It will for sure be a part of our future — it has to be.”

Danczyk was captain of the 2012-13 Lady Bulldog soccer team, leading the team in scoring with 17 goals and adding a state-best 16 assists. This tennis season, she and Lindsey Viscomi have combined to form one of the best doubles teams in the state.

Danczyk has had plenty of success on the soccer pitch and at the net, but peers and coaches most often cite her outstanding leadership quality — a trait that she’s picked up from watching her siblings through the years.

“I saw Jake and Matt be captains in soccer and Anne a captain in cross country,” she said. “That’s something you see and respect and want to do, also.”

“In everything I do, I strive to do it the best I possibly can. I take pride in all activities I partake in — especially sports. I have a very competitive side and that makes me take on that leadership role.”

Outside of school and organized sports, Danczyk can be found playing in the mountains or on the slopes at Big Mountain. She speaks fondly of her experience growing up in Whitefish and says that Whitefish schools have prepared her well for the next stage of her life.

“As long as you apply yourself, you can find knowledge in any classroom,” she said.

“I’m so blessed to grow up here. It’s going to be sad to leave such a wonderful place. Whitefish is a great place to grow a foundation. It’s taught me to love the natural world we live in.”