TC school raises new flag

Trout Creek School received a special gift toward the end of the school year. The school was gifted a Montana state flag that used to hang at the capitol in Helena.

Principal Carolyn Nesbitt had the idea to procure the flag to replace the school's faded and worn Montana flag.

"This is a great opportunity to show our community involvement and commitment," Nesbitt said. Representative Paul Fielder visited the school to give a speech the day the flag was raised, and then the students said the pledge of allegiance. Don Manning from the Thompson Falls Elks Lodge was in attendance. "Parents and family members were invited to share the occasion," Nesbitt added.

Fielder spoke upon the meaning of the stars and stripes of the American flag and history and inspiration of Francis Scott Key while writing the Star Spangled Banner, Ohning remarked. "His telling kept everyone captive and swept the entire group back in time to Fort McHenry and the sights, sounds and colors of battle," she said. "As both flags were raised, with hands over hearts, students were reminded of the sacrifices by our brave men and women in uniform who have fought and continue to fight to protect the freedoms that we hold dear, as one nation with liberty and justice for all," school secretary Gabrielle Ohning concluded.

Nesbitt said the new flag came with a certificate signed by Governor Gianforte dedicated to the students of Trout Creek School, along with the date of May 13, 2024, signifying the date flown over the State Capital.