Group donates $12k to Bigfork schools for supplies, classes

By ALEX STRICKLAND/Bigfork Eagle

The Friends of Bigfork Schools cut some big checks at the end of the school year to purchase a variety of equiptment and supplies as well as fund a number of scholarships for students.

The biggest single chunk of money was $5,000 to Bigfork High School to help start a Virtual high School program, that would allow students to take online courses not offered by BHS. Teachers Matt Porrovechio, Charlie Appleby, Matt Jensen and Christina Nedaeu are pushing the project, which they say could help keep top students at BHS from transferring to larger valley schools like Flathead High that have more course offerings. That program could start as soon as this fall.

The tennis team was given $2,200 dollars for a practice machine called a Lobster Grand Slam that automaticlly fires volleys for players to practice. The library and biology departments received $1,600 for laptops equiped with GIS mapping programs and the yearbook class received updated video editing software.

Mary Knoll said the bulk for the donations were given to the high school because she said memebrs felt the school needed a "shot in the arm" after the bond issue failed twice.

The FOBS committee is made up of Knoll, Diana Rahdert, Amy Deaton, Debbie Ingram, Shannon Barrett, Karen White, Kelly Sagami and MaryAnn Quist.

FOBS receives requests for programs, equipment and supplies for Bigfork Schools that are not available through any other school budget. FOBS raises the money from the annual talent show "Cowabunga," which takes place each spring. Cowabunga has grown each year, raising $2,000 in its first year, and this year "Moo'nar Eclipse" raised nearly $15,000. Anyone who would like to donate is encouraged to call, write or email the committee at P.O. Box 188, Bigfork, 59911 KnollMC@aol.com 249-8576.