'Bleed Blue' week at high school

Columbia Falls High School invites the community of Columbia Falls to be part of our second annual Bleed Blue Week, Feb. 26-March 2.

Businesses are asked to fly their blue flags throughout the week and community members are invited and encouraged to attend the following events:

Wildcat Talent Show — Tuesday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m.

Chili Feed followed by Powder Puff volleyball game (junior vs. senior boys) — Wednesday, Feb. 28, 5:30 p.m.

Celebration Assembly in the gymnasium — Friday, March 2, 11 a.m.

So what does it mean to Bleed Blue? Bleed Blue is a reflection of the blue-collar roots of Columbia Falls. It recognizes that success is forged from grit and determination. Bleed Blue marks our past, present and future and most of all, celebrates who we are at Columbia Falls High School.

Bleed Blue is also a celebration of our achievements. These include many successes in extracurricular activities, such as the Wildcats’ Class A state football championship and the 13th consecutive Class A state speech and debate title. We want to highlight the determination of students and the hard work of our faculty in attaining the valley’s highest graduation rate (87.91 percent) and the lowest dropout rate (2.49 percent), and the academic success of students like the two who were named Presidential Scholars last spring.

Bleed Blue recognizes those who display CFHS core values of Character, Focus, Honor and Strength. Bleed Blue celebrates the diversity of achievements and gifts of all CFHS students, including students like Jessica Sasser, who has shown the focus necessary to earn a Health Occupations certification from FVCC before she even graduates from CFHS. Or Katie Foley Helton, who honors others through service and standing up for issues important to her. Like Ben Windauer, who has shown strength to persevere, following in his dad’s footsteps to become a wrestling state champion and like Gabe Knutsen, who shows character by demonstrating compassion and concern for other students.

And most important, Bleed Blue is about belonging. As a student or staff member at CFHS, you have the support of a wonderful community. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from, you’re an important part of something bigger than yourself.

Because of the CFHS students and staff and our wonderful Columbia Falls community, I am so proud to be a Wildcat and will forever Bleed Blue!

— Principal Scott Gaiser