Opinion: Bleed Blue

Not long into the 2017-18 school year at Columbia Falls High School, we already have great things to talk about. Students are working hard in the classrooms, as are those involved in extracurricular activities. Despite the many days of smoke and school closures, they are finding success and doing a fantastic job of representing Columbia Falls.

Congratulations are in order to two of our students for their outstanding efforts. The National Merit foundation recently announced that Kayla McDowell is a National Merit Scholar semi-finalist. Columbia Falls is one of only 15 high schools in Montana with one or more students who have earned this status through PSAT scores. Way to go Kayla! We are proud of you. We would also like to recognize Kennedy Payne, an outstanding clarinet player who was given the prestigious honor of selection to the all-state band.

The recent cyber threats and school closings were without a doubt unsettling. Columbia Falls Chief of Police Cliff Peters and School District No. 6 Superintendent Steve Bradshaw did an outstanding job of handling the situation and communicating as events unfolded. Our Columbia Falls community, including students, parents and staff responded the same as in other tough situations, with resiliency and strength. By sticking together and being supportive we demonstrated what community is and what it means to “Bleed Blue.”

So what better way to show the world our Columbia Falls pride than celebrating homecoming this week? Homecoming festivities began Monday, with the first homecoming parade in more than three decades. Other events for homecoming week included a junior football game on Monday and soccer under the lights on Tuesday. There’s still a chance to catch volleyball on Thursday and the varsity football game and dance on Saturday.

Fly your blue flag and join in on the events and fun of Homecoming 2017. We are Columbia Falls strong and Columbia Falls proud. Bleed Blue.

— Scott Gaiser is the principal of Columbia Falls High School.