WHS facilities far below average

Growing up in Whitefish truly was a blessing. As I meet and interact with new people each day, I become more aware of the unique experience the small town provided. Between the beautiful lake, the well recognized mountain, and stunning surrounding areas, Whitefish is filled with opportunities for those growing up in its midst.

However, it was not simply the recreational opportunities that made my experience in Whitefish so rewarding, it was the strength of the public school system backed by such incredible community support that I now realize made all the difference.

I thoroughly enjoyed my four years at Whitefish High School. I benefited from its size as it allowed me to become close with many of my classmates and teachers. I took advantage of the opportunities the school has to offer and got involved in a number of different groups and organizations that I eventually took great pride in as they became very important to me. I had incredible teachers in every subject that inspired me and opened my eyes to a wealth of learning that I still feel I am only beginning to explore.

Unfortunately, there is a downside to WHS. All it takes is a single walk through from A wing to C wing to see that the WHS facilities are far below average. The people that make up WHS, from administrative staff to teachers to students, are all strong and inspiring, but the structure they spend most of their days in does not reflect or complement their efforts.

I was incredibly excited when asked to be a part of the Futures Committee two years ago in its effort to identify what it is the Whitefish community needs in a new high school. As the entire project was explained, it was immediately apparent to me that the process the district has chosen to take in finding a solution to the deteriorating building is unique and special due to the support it began with and rapidly gained. I was impressed with how many differing opinions entered the room in the form of community voices during our first meetings. I was equally impressed with the way the leaders of the committee were able to funnel all of the different wants from a number of differing opinions into multiple conceptual plans for a new school. I remember the excitement and energy in the room being almost tangible as these plans began as sketches on tables in the library. That same excitement and energy has only continued to build as the project has moved forward.

It is inspiring to be all the way across the country and to hear about the progress the project has made. I am constantly reminded of just how special our community is as I read about the support the project has gained. I believe that Whitefish is ready to take the next step in ensuring the growth of the community and that there is no better way to do that than through the construction of a new high school. As a proud graduate of Whitefish High School and as a member of the Whitefish community, I will be voting Yes! for the Whitefish High School bond on March 15.

 — Stella Holt