MTSS YOUTH DAYS 2024

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October 6-7th, 2024 Great Falls, MT

October 27-28th, 2024 Butte, MT

A two-day youth leadership event including talks, activities, workshops and community service. This event is open to all Middle & High School students in Montana. Schools are encouraged to select and include a diverse population of students. As a partner with Special Olympics Montana, Unified Champion Schools should consider including unified pairs as part of your school teams.

THEME: Be the BEST Version of YOURSELF!

Master of Ceremonies....

joe moriarity

Joe Moriarty has worked in the educational arena for the past 40 years. He has been a classroom instructor, coach, building administrator, health and wellness strategist, and life-long learner. For the past 10 years, Joe has worked for the Office of Public Instruction as an MTSS consultant and coach with a special passion for teacher training, student voice, and facilitating student leadership. Additionally, he has worked as an adjunct professor and field supervisor for MSU, and continues to work in the area of brain-based education, neurological health, and general wellness.

butte info

Butte Keynote speaker

Kenny Bies

Growing up on the land that his grandparents (Harry and Pansie Squires) homesteaded in 1916, south of Opheim, Montana, Kenny learned valuable life lessons in perseverance, purpose and possibilities. His Montana roots are helping guide his entire life story. Graduating from Montana State University-Bozeman in 1985 (after stints working for Burlington Northern Railroad and Conoco Oil Company) he earned degrees in Guidance Counseling, Elementary Education and Physical Education. He strongly believes that the primary role of education is making dreams come true. Teaching, coaching and serving as a counselor in the Bozeman Schools for 28 years, starting his teaching career in Great Falls, he spent 4 years on the MSU campus serving as an Academic Success Advisor in the Hilleman Program.

He and his wife, Christie (Registered Nurse at Bozeman Health), are most proud of their 2 sons! Kenny is a big fan of people and everything MSU! Go Bobcats! He likes spending time with friends and family boating on Montana lakes and skiing and hiking in the Montana mountains.

IN BUTTE FEATURING STUDENT LEAD BREAK OUTS FROM...

Beaverhead County High School

Butte East Middle School

Dillon Middle School

East Helena Schools

Also Featuring our Student Master of Ceremonies in Butte:

Lilla Guiberson: In addition to my interests in reading, history, softball, and skiing, I am dedicated to personal growth and community engagement. I currently serve as the chair of the Montana Youth Justice Council, president of my class, a member of the Beaverhead County Speech and Debate team, an academic Olympian, and a participant in the 406 Be the Change Youth Coalition. I also contribute as a volunteer softball coach, softball umpire, ski instructor, along with many other groups and service organizations.

Though only a sophomore at Beaverhead County High School, I have been actively involved in these organizations for several years. I intend to utilize my remaining time in high school to make a positive impact and encourage my peers to engage in various activities that benefit our community. I hope to get everyone as passionate and excited about community service as I am!

Liam Boese: I am 14 years old and a freshman at Butte High School. I have been in Butte now for some time, coming up on 12 years this fall. My interests are math, science, soccer, running, and hunting. I enjoy challenging myself, so I am currently taking honors classes I also enjoy volunteering, last year I participated in student council, we did several service projects. One of those projects was when we hosted a clothing drive: it took us nearly 8 hours to sort all the clothes. I also enjoy refereeing soccer games along with watching them.

As I continue my career at BHS, I hope to continue to grow. I hope to be a positive role model for not just my peers but also the younger generation, to inspire them to want to help and be a part of their community or whatever they feel they can do to be the best version of themselves. I aspire to be the best version of myself and get others excited and pumped up about community service!

Jett Holman: I am Jett Holman, a freshman at Butte High School. I’ve lived in Butte my entire life along with my mom, dad, and brother, Rob. I have a huge extended family that I'm lucky to see all the time. I’m a sixth generation Montanan and love everything Montana! While my family is the most important thing to me, I also heavily believe in upholding a high standard of excellence. I greatly respect those who work hard and make sure to hold myself to the same standard.

Maintaining public involvement is a stable of our close-knit Montana communities. I have been very active at East Middle School in recent years, earning a plethora of awards like the Sullivan Award, Character Counts Award, Director’s Choice Award, and Voice of East Award. I also strive to sustain perfect attendance in school. In fact, I haven’t missed a day of school since the Covid Pandemic forced us into online school. Participating in clubs and activities to spend my time is also a must. I am a proud member of the Butte High Band, Speech and Debate team, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians, where I learn to play the bagpipe (thank you to my Celtic roots!). I love music, learning new things, and pushing myself to grow as a person.

While I’m at home, I love to read, hang out with my friends, and see my family. I'm fortunate to have Thanksgivings with 3 different tables and a house that’s positively packed to the brim! I’m always looking for new ways to have fun. You might catch me doing anything under the sun from video games to pickleball to literally enjoying being under the sun.

Great falls info

Great Falls Keynote speaker

Mayor Cory Reeves

Mayor Cory Reeves is a proud native of Great Falls, where he attended GFHS and later earned his Bachelor degree from the University of Providence. Mayor Reeves served nearly 25 years in Law Enforcement with the Great Falls Police Department and later serving as the Undersheriff with the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office. He shares his Christian Faith and life journey with his beloved wife of nearly 26 years, Jenny, and their four cherished children: Sayde (25), Hannah (23), and twins Zander and Zaiden (16). Their family circle expanded with the arrival of a precious granddaughter, Aurora, two years ago. Beyond his mayoral and parental duties, Cory finds solace and joy in family moments, often retreating to their cabin. As a dedicated family man and devoted public servant, Cory cherishes both his role in shaping the city's future and the simple pleasures of being a grandparent.

IN GREAT FALLS FEATURING STUDENT LEAD BREAK OUTS FROM...

Belt High School

CMR High School

Great Falls High School

Rocky Boy High School

Also Featuring our Student Master of Ceremonies in Great Falls:

Walker Maki: A senior at Belt High School, I have dedicated the past four years to competing in football, basketball, and track. In addition to my athletic pursuits, I have actively participated in youth leadership initiatives, DECA, and the National Honor Society, consistently achieving the highest honor roll status. My commitment to personal development is matched by my desire to give back to my supportive community as I work to be the best version of myself. I eagerly anticipate my involvement in this year's Youth Days, looking to contribute positively and engage with my peers.

Tahlia Murillo: Hello, my name is Tahlia Murillo and I’m a senior at Great Falls High School. I was born and raised in Great Falls, Montana. I have two siblings, a younger brother and an older sister. I have two supportive parents that motivate me to be the best version of myself every day. My mom is a librarian and my dad is retired military, and seeing how passionate they are towards their professions and goals has instilled many values in my life.

I love to stay busy and have gotten very involved throughout my high school years. My extra-curricular activities include soccer, cheer, track, president of HOSA and IMB, student body secretary, co-section leader of the flute section in Great Falls High Symphonic band, member of peer mentoring and national honor society. Getting involved has allowed me to build my leadership and communication skills, which I’m eager to use in my future career. After pursuing a medical degree, I hope to become a dermatologist and help people feel beautiful in their skin.

Each district traveling greater than 50 miles each way will be reimbursed, at the state rate ($110 + tax), for up to 4 lodging rooms and two vehicles. If your district requires additional rooms or vehicles, that will be the district's responsibility.

The two-day event will start on Sunday with check-in beginning at 12:00 PM and the event to start at 1:00 PM with activities concluding around 7:00 PM.

On Monday, we will begin at 8:00 AM and conclude by 1:00 PM. Monday's breakfast is on your own so we encourage schools to book a hotel that offers a free breakfast.

Please get your registration/application in early to assure your school’s spot.

Questions, contact

Anne Carpenter, anne.carpenter2@mt.gov, 406-465-0922

Tammy Lysons, tamara.lysons@mt.gov

Application closes September 30, 2024 or when the cap is reached.

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