Lone Peak High School’s best and brightest

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?

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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.