With snow still piled high on the ground it is hard to imagine that Spring is just around the corner. That means our senior students are nearing the end of their time at Callaway Public Schools.

Beginning this month, each CHS senior is doing a career presentation, in which they share their future plans and life goals. “The presentations are a requirement for the Senior College Prep class, but they present to the entire student body, primarily 7-12,” explained School Counselor Denise Sughayar. “We have invited the elementary kids to come to the presentations too but so far very few of them have due to scheduling conflicts.

“In addition to the seniors presenting about their college/ career choices, students who have taken a Teacher's Aide or Internship class also have to do a short presentation on their experience. These are usually done on the same day as the Senior Presentations.”

The first senior student to share was Grant Hrupek. “I am a middle child in a family of five,” Hrupek said as he began his presentation with a few details about himself. “My hobbies include hiking, looking for antlers and arrowheads, hunting, fishing, photography, video games and exercising.”

Next fall, Hrupek plans to attend the University of Montana. He said he chose that school primarily because of his major, but also because he likes the location and the “smaller feel” of the campus.

Hrupek plans to major in wildlife biology, first obtaining his bachelor’s degree and then pursuing his master’s. “Overall, it should take no more than five years to complete,” he said. “My classes include different branches of terrestrial biology, ecology, major based college writing, biostatistics, internships, biopolitics and many others.”

Along with his class schedule, Hrupek has also made plans for the activities and jobs he plans to be involved in once he arrives in Montana. The Outdoor Recreation and Boone and Crockett clubs appeal to his interests, and he plans to work as a waiter, participate in the work study program and work on the campus ranch.

During his freshman year, Hrupek will live on campus in a dorm. He hopes to get into an apartment or house for the remainder of his college years.

“I plan to first pursue a bachelor of science degree, but my ultimate goal is to achieve my master of science degree,” Hrupek shared.

“Wildlife biologists help protect, manage and improve wildlife habitat,” Hrupek continued. He shared the specific jobs associated with the degree he will be working toward, which include: helping develop wildlife management programs, conducting studies and surveys, evaluating wildlife habitat conditions and their needs, maintaining special studies of threatened and endangered species, and evaluating other projects pertaining to wildlife.

“This job could be done locally, but I would prefer to do it in a more biodiverse area, such as Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Alaska - or maybe even abroad,” Hrupek explained.

He said salaries for the field he plans to enter range from $42,000 to $104,000. Hrupek said he chose this particular career path because it aligns with his strengths and interests. He is also excited for the opportunity to work abroad, and work with experts on issues that he is personally interested in.

“It helps preserve our natural resources, and ensures that other generations get to enjoy the beauty of the world,” he said.

Hrupek said he is grateful for his time at Callaway Public Schools. “My education at CPS has helped prepare me for college and life beyond in many ways. All of the teachers have been supportive and willing to help whenever I ask,” said Hrupek. “The classes available to me such as biology and calculus have helped prepare me for my college education, and some such as college English and math, have even contributed to it.”

As Hrupek reflected on his years at Callaway Public Schools, he also shared his vision for where he sees himself 10 years from now. “I see myself living in a little cabin secluded in the mountains of Montana. I will have a great job working as a wildlife biologist in Yellowstone or for a private organization. I will be done paying off my student loans.”

Hrupek shared that he is excited about experiencing a new chapter of life on his own and meeting new people. However, he is also a little nervous about going 17 hours from home where he will be responsible for fixing his own problems.

As he was presenting to the entire student body of CPS, Hrupek had some advice to offer the underclassmen. “Don’t stress the little things. Slow down, breathe, and enjoy your time here. Life will continue no matter the grade you receive on a test. Of course, don’t procrastinate.”