Senior

Standouts

Michael Pederson is the tops when it comes to Culbertson High School’s Class of 2021.

Pederson ranks first in the class with a grade point average of 3.83.

He says his favorite classes are government and refereeing.

“I like learning the history of government,” Pederson explained. “I also enjoy learning about governmental issues.” The refereeing class involves students officiating their classmates during a game of volleyball or basketball. Through the class, he has learned that officiating basketball isn’t the easiest thing in the world.

“It’s tough making the split-second decision to make calls,” Pederson said.

He says his favorite teachers are Mary Machart, Dave Solem and Brad Nielsen.

“I have personal connections with them,” Pederson said. “So it makes it better.”

Outside of the classroom, he is involved in football, basketball, track, student council and National Honor Society.

“It’s always been my kind of sport,” Pederson said of basketball. “I put a lot of time in during the summer.”

His events in track are the shot put and discus. After last season was called off, he’s hopeful to qualify for the divisional and state meets as a senior.

Although the Cowboys’ football team didn’t enjoy success as far as wins and losses, he enjoyed the season. “It was a fun season,” Pederson said. “I loved our coaches.”

He is undecided of which college he will attend, but he has been accepted by MSU Billings, Montana State University, the University of Montana and MSU Northern.