Crittenden's selection for Academic Heisman a big deal

Whitefish’s Derek Crittenden is a finalist for the ‘Academic Heisman’ award (Page B3). This is a big deal.

There are many people behind the scenes. Some apparent (parents, family, mentors), some not so, but no less important to the process: For opening doors; For recognizing exceptional potential early on; For sustaining an environment where excellence can thrive; For being able to take those special qualities and continue to grow them at a very good university that is often more appreciated outside of its perceived market area than in it.

There are exceptional young people with similar credentials at other institutions in the state that are also supported by Montanans. They don’t get as much press for their academic and community involvement as the top class athletes do but you see them in the homecoming parades years later when the alumni associations recognize them for their Montana work ethic and lifetime achievement wherever they made their mark in the world.

It is gratifying to watch many of these young prodigies staying in or returning to Montana with their plans for processes and products that are making their world better.

My generation believed the future career path was usually not compatible with small town America. This “Why Not” generation sees the quality of life they grew up with as important as their desire to succeed in their careers. The seeds continue to be planted and many are well on their way.

Thank you Derek and family and your Montana supporting cast for representing Whitefish and Montana.

Thanks also for honoring Whitefish with your Whitefish Grizzly Number 47 as it was in ‘47 that Ed, George and Whitefish started up the new Big Mountain T-Bar. Let’s hope today’s generation can do as much for Montana as those ’47 dreamers did.

A quick thanks to what the Whitefish Pilot has become. You are what a weekly Montana paper should be.

Last week the Pilot ran a wonderful tribute article to just the type of Whitefish person who is one of the support staff that makes it all work. Donnie Bestwick is such a person. Then you follow it up with this one on Derek.

We don’t read the Pilot to find out what’s wrong with the world outside. You’ve shown the value in reinforcing what we know is good.

You are all pretty cool.

— Dick Hughes, Whitefish