After moving to Big Sky from Colorado his sophomore year, Nick Iskenderian has excelled in the classroom and on the golf course, recently qualifying for the Montana State High Association state tournament at the Fairmont Golf Course in Anaconda, MT, May 15-16. PHOTOS BY DOUG HARE
Valedictorian: Nick Iskenderian GPA: 4.25 College: Williams College Intended area of study/major: biology/pre-med track Favorite high school course: biology and environmental science with Dr. Kate Eisele Extracurricular activities: skiing, biking, golfing, and running Favorite book: “Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption” by Laura Hillenbrand Explore Big Sky: What was the most difficult part of high school?
Nick Iskenderian: Balancing it all—academics with the rest of life, sports and extracurriculars, especially during sophomore and junior year, when you’re taking really tough courses but still trying to engage yourself outside the classroom.
EBS: What advice do you have for incoming ninth graders?
N.I.: Work hard right off the bat. Just go into high school knowing that you are preparing for college and your future, so it makes sense prioritize academics to succeed.
This year Holden Samuels will not only graduate in Lone Peak High School’s largest graduating class ever as the salutatorian, he also finished second in the Freeride Junior World Championships in Austria.
Salutatorian: Holden Samuels GPA: 4.125 College: University of Colorado, Boulder Intended area of study/major: business/marketing Favorite high school course: history with Tony Coppola Extracurricular activities: football, snowboarding, Interact Club Favorite book: “A Farewell to Arms” by Ernest Hemingway
Explore Big Sky: What was the most difficult part of high school?
Holden Samuels: Probably making up work, especially when I had to miss time when I was on trips to compete in snowboarding competitions.
EBS: What advice do you have for incoming ninth graders?
H.S.: Do all your homework, and you will be ready for everything. Remember to have fun.