Student Excellence Awards 2009

Dana BallDana Ball of Evanston, Wyoming plans to graduate in May with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. Dana is the daughter of Rodney and Mona Ball. After two years as a Skylight Basketball player, Dana was a Student Assistant this past year for the Skylights. During the 2007-08 academic year, Dana received Academic All-Conference and NAIA Scholar Athlete (Academic All-American) recognition. Upon graduation, Dana will be attending Law School at Southern Methodist University in Dallas Texas and specializing in Tax Law.

Matthew BollandMatthew Bolland of Malta, Montana will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Information Systems. He is the son of Denis and Paula Bolland. After graduation, Matthew plans to pursue a career in the Computer Information field at Northrup Grumman. While attending Northern he has been active in IEEE (Treasurer, Chair and IOC representative), MSU-Northern Pepband (a founding member, Treasurer/Secretary and Vice President) and KNMC Radio for the past four years as a DJ. Matthew has also spent the past two years as the Resident Hall IT Resident Assistant.

Buck ChristoffersonBuck Christofferson of Havre plans to graduate in December of 2009 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Health and Physical Education. Buck is the son of Randy and Margaret Christofferson. Upon graduation, Buck plans on acquiring a position as an Elementary School Teacher within the state of Montana and then to pursue a Masters Degree in Educational Administration and eventually earn a Doctorate in the education field. Buck has been active in the community with the Havre Jaycees, the Boys and Girls Club as the Flag Football Director and as Havre Middle School Football Coach. He has also worked with the March of Dimes, Relay for Life and Toys for Tots programs.

Rikki FlahertyRikki Flaherty of Great Falls, Montana will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Reading. She is the wife of David Flaherty. After graduation, Rikki plans on becoming an Elementary Teacher in Great Falls. Rikki has served as a teacher for an after school program at Sun River Middle School. In addition to being active in her church, she has assisted first graders at Roosevelt School, worked with the Valley Food Drive, and has volunteered at the Rescue Mission in Great Falls. Rikki is also a member of PHI-THETA-KAPPA.

Heather Haney Heather Haney of Havre will graduate in May of 2010 with two Bachelor of Science Degrees; one in Secondary Math Education, and one in Elementary Education. Heather is the wife of Michael Haney. After graduating she would like to obtain a teaching position either in or near Havre. Heather has been active as a member of the Student Education Association and is currently serving as the Treasurer and Chair of the Special Olympics committee and the Fundraising committee. She has also been a Math tutor in the Student Support Services program.

Cori HindoienCori Hindoien of Kalispell, Montana plans to graduate in May of 2010 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and minors in Accounting and Small Business Management. Cori is the daughter of Don Hindoien and Beth Bauer. Upon graduating Cori would like to stay in the Flathead Valley and to work at the Whitefish Credit Union as either a loan officer or in the accounting department. She has served on the Student Senate this year as a Senator at Large and as the Human Resource Officer in SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise).

Lexa LochLexa Loch of Dutton, Montana will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and minor in Secondary Education - English and Reading. Lexa is the daughter of Dennis and Tina Loch. She is planning on teaching in a smaller community here in Montana and then obtaining an advanced degree. In addition to being involved in the Student Education Association, Lexa participated in the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics, raised money for the Sletten Cancer Center, chaperoned Boys and Girls club teen dances, and a member of the Great Falls Dog Obedience Club.

Kaylee ShawKaylee Shaw of Fort Benton, Montana will graduate in December of 2009 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Science Education. Kaylee is the daughter of Kevin Shaw. She plans on working as a science teacher and as a basketball coach in addition to pursuing a Masters Degree in education. As a member of the Skylights Basketball team this past year she served as team Captain. This past season Kaylee received Academic All-Conference and NAIA Scholar Athlete (Academic All-American) recognition.

No Photo AvailableChristy Stevens currently of Great Falls, Montana will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. Christy is the husband of Melody Stevens. He is hoping to secure a teaching position in the Great Falls School District. While working on his degree Christy has been active in his community as a member of the Cascade United Way, a Head Judge for the Great Falls Science Fair, Football coach at East Middle School and as a volunteer tutor.

Kyle StoneKyle Stone of Portland, Oregon, will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Design Drafting Technology and a minor in Civil Engineering Technology. Kyle is the son of Keith and Penny Stone. Kyle has recently been hired to work in highway and bridge design for the Federal Highway Division in Vancouver, Washington. A future goal of Kyle's is to obtain his Professional Engineers License. While attending Northern, Kyle has been a Resident Assistant and a Resident Director in the residence halls. He has also been active in the MSU-Northern American Design Drafting Association as the club president.

Ashley WeinheimerAshley Weinheimer of Chinook, Montana will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Reading. Ashley is the daughter of Robert and Bobbi Weinheimer. Her goal is to teach High School English here in Montana. Ashley has been a Resident Assistant for the past two years in Mackenzie Hall. In the past two years Ashley has received the Lloyd D. Sweet Memorial Scholarship and the Northern Foundation English/Drama Scholarship. The past four years Ashley has maintained a 4.0 grade point average.

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