Setting themselves apart

As Bigfork's students count down the days until the end of the school year, I can't help but wonder how many of them will struggle to find summer employment or, for those who are graduating, long-term employment.

Flathead County's unemployment rate sits around 12.2 percent, which means students will be competing for jobs with out-of-work adults.

Area youth will need to figure out how to set themselves apart in order to snatch up one of the few jobs available. That's why it is important to have teachers like Steve Melkioty. In his auto shop and carpentry classes, Melkioty focuses on instilling a sense of work ethic in the Village's youth with hands-on labor experience and a sense of compassion by doing work for those in need 'see A1). When it comes to finding or keeping employment, these traits will hopefully put his students one step ahead of the rest. Experience and attitude make a difference.

— Jasmine Linabary