Graduation Matters helps prepare high school students for college

It started with a simple pinch.

Addressing an audience of Libby High School freshmen visiting Flathead Valley Community College’s Lincoln County Campus on Nov. 6, Director Chad Shilling proclaimed, “You’ve got to start thinking about your future today.” And with that, Libby’s newest high school students were off with a bang to experience college learning firsthand at their local campus.

The 80 freshmen rotated between four classrooms in the morning and experienced interactive lessons in sociology, anatomy, drama and communication from college instructors.

When asked what he enjoyed most about the visit, Libby freshman Nicholas Thom said, “It was fun to learn that I can get a head start on college at Lincoln County Campus and then transfer to a bigger college.  I like knowing that I will know my teachers there too.”

Following the classes, a Lincoln County Campus student panel met with the freshmen for a question and answer session. They addressed a variety of topics such as how much homework to expect as a college student and the differences between college and high school schedules.  

Abbie Miller, one of the panel members, said, “Not only was it important for the high school students to see and experience the benefits of college firsthand, but it was also valuable for those of us on the student panel to be able to share our experiences.”  

Libby High School’s Graduation Matters teamed with Lincoln County Campus for the event.  A statewide program, Graduation Matters helps prepare high school graduates for college and career success.