Take the Lead and Stay There!

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Be resilient. Never ever give up. Don't quit. Take the lead and stay there! All these things are easier said than done and our Colts did all of these things despite the scoreboard. Let me explain...

Last Friday evening our football team lost to a conference rival in a hard fought game. Even though both teams exhibited exceptional play and sportsmanship, I have to tell you that I was touched by our seniors. They were warriors on the field and better yet, examples for all.

It was not only Colstrip's last home game, but it was our seniors' very last home game. It was a night where seniors are recognized for their contributions. To that end, after walking out with their parents at half-time, each senior player gathered and took a balloon to the end zone where the number 22 is painted. The spot where a lost player, friend and classmate, Dallen Walker, scored his first and final touchdown.

In my opinion, it was at that moment that our boys took the lead with their tribute to a life. It said so much about what they felt was truly important. As the balloons floated away in the evening air, our team not only took the lead, but created a moment that will keep them there.

Sorry about the loss fellas, but in my book YOU WALKED OFF YOUR HOME FIELD WINNERS!

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

A Little Clowning Around

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

During October 5-October 9, 2015 our district celebrated American Indian Week. One of the culminating events of the week was the Pow Wow. I have attended a number of Pow Wows on the Flathead Reservation, but I have never seen a "Clown Dance." I am sure every tribe has different customs, but this dance was new to me as new superintendent and neighbor to the Northern Cheyenne. As the dance began, a number of characters came out on the floor and began to dance. When I say characters, I mean colorful to the ridiculous types. There were old ladies, young ladies, old men, a nun and several I couldn't quite make out. As I was watching and taking pictures, two hideous looking clowns came up to me, sat my camera on the bleachers, gave me a doll and took me out on floor. I was a little embarrassed to say the least, but enjoyed the fun and played along. I am sure it was funny to everyone watching as the student body roared in laughter.

What happened during the dance I find just as interesting as the dance itself. Just to let everyone know how fast news spreads, within minutes you could view my photo with these two ladies on Snap Chat, Facebook, Instagram and as well as a host of other social media on the internet. Proving that the student body and probably a few employees were having fun with the moment. I even saw pictures of me dancing with these two beauties in our local news paper (the Independent Press). What is most surprising, is when I went through my own photos taken of the Pow Wow. Someone had picked up my camera and captured me "clowning around" as well. So if you feel left out, I am sharing these photos with you. I don't know who took the photos, but well done.

All in all, the Pow Wow was exceptional. I shared many photos of the Pow Wow on the multi-media signs in our buildings as well as the District Facebook. J.D. Oldmouse did an excellent job as the master of ceremonies. He not only made the Pow Wow educational, but fun.

Well done everyone! I can't wait for next year.

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

The Merchant visits Colstrip High School

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Shylock about to take his pound of flesh for a debt not paid.

William Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice" was presented by Montana Shakespeare in the Parks on Wednesday, October 14, 2015 to  the High School.  Colstrip was the 5th stop on the year long schedule for the organization. Like so many other performances I have seen by Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, "The Merchant of Venice" was very well done. In fact, because it was presented to Colstrip so early in their schedule, I think it had a fresh vibe that I haven't seen before.

I drove over to the high school and dropped in on the play to take a few photos and then leave. I didn't know they were presenting the "The Merchant of Venice." Once I arrived I had to stay until the end of the play to take in one of my favorite Shakespearian quotes:

The quality of mercy is not strain'd,

It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven

Upon the place beneath. It is twice as blest:

It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.

Portia warns Skylock not to take more than a pound of flesh
 less his fortune be forfeited.

It is a quote my father has shared with me on a few occasions when considering the actions of others. The play has a lot to offer our students as well. It outlines some great themes for discussion: identity, love, loyalty, regret, persecution, justice and money. Montana Shakespeare in the Parks provides a great study guide on-line for our students to review. I hope the photos taken capture some of these themes.

Well done students and faculty! Your attention and focus throughout the performance was exceptional! And well done Shakespeare in the Parks! Your performance ranks among some the the best I've seen performed by MSIP over the past 10 years.

Mercy is granted Skylock that he would not grant Antonio.

Portia is awash with suitors that must choose between
 three caskets of silver, gold and lead.
Her father stipulates that if the suitor picks the right casket, he gets Portia.

Prince of Morocco
"Who chooseth me shall gain what many men desire."

Prince of Arrogon
"Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves."

Bassanio
"Who chooseth me must give all he hath."

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"