Arlee student earns state recognition
Carrie Pichler
Zach Felsman
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ARLEE – Arlee senior Zach Felsman, 18, discovered a secret to success at an early age that he used throughout the last 12 years of school, and Governor Steve Bullock and Superintendent Denise Juneau recognized his effort in Helena on Thursday by giving him the ACT College and Career Readiness Award.
“When I got there, I didn’t know I was the only one in Montana getting the award,” Zach said. “It turned out to be a pretty big deal. All the hard work is paying off.”
People usually think of the pencil-biting college entrance exam millions take each year when they hear of the ACTs. Zach’s award is from the same group. He scored high enough on the exam to be nominated for an award.
“The principal told me I was nominated,” he said. “Then I had to fill out an application. They wanted to know everything I was involved in and about my goals for the future. Mr. Taylor and Mrs. Baldwin were a big help with the application process.”
Scoring high on the ACT exam, having a high grade-point average and being involved with a number of activities along with his goals for the future helped him win the state award. He picked up a $500 scholarship with the chance to win the national competition this summer.
“The award was in a leather case that looked like a diploma,” he said.
Zach spent his entire school career at the Arlee School District being involved in just about everything from the National Honor Society for students with high grade point averages to the Reservation Ambassador’s Club that works to dispel stereotypes about the reservation. He helped organize a blood drive for the Red Cross, served as the student council president and mentored young kids. To top it off, he plays football, track and basketball, and his basketball team is going to State.
“I dedicated myself to academics first and activities second,” he said, although he doesn’t study on the bus as he travels to sporting events. “I need it to be quiet to study, and I need to spend time with my friends.”
His strategy for success started with an ulterior motive. In his first year of school, he hurried to finish his work in an effort “to be done” so he could get more play time into his day. The work he did turned out to be done well, and he discovered his academic talent. He continued to focus his attention on getting his work done quickly, but he put every effort into doing it right.
“I don’t want any regrets,” he said. “I didn’t slack off and I worked hard to get the work done correctly.”
What motivates him to attain success?
“I want to see if I can achieve something,” he said. “And I want to see how big of a difference I can make in my community.”
He credits his parents for giving him a strong work ethic.
“They said ‘don’t ever let up. Academics will take you further than anything,’” he said. “And I want to make them proud.”
As for his future, he was accepted at Montana State University in Bozeman. He plans to pursue a career in either environmental or civil engineering.
“My ultimate goal is to come back and work with Kerr Dam and the tribe,” he said. “I want to be able to give back to my tribe.”
And, he gave credit to the community for helping him achieve his success.
“I want to thank my family, friends, teachers and the staff at Arlee and the community for their support,” he said.
