Youth's life measured in dozens
HILARY MATHESON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 13 years, 3 months AGO
<p>Parker Greene turns 12 years old today at noon. He is celebrating the day with his mother and sister by taking a day off from school and following clues around the valley in a scavenger hunt.</p>
EDUCATION REPORTER Hilary Matheson covers education for the Daily Inter Lake. Her reporting focuses on schools, students, and the policies that shape public education across Northwest Montana. Matheson regularly reports on school boards, district decisions and issues affecting teachers and families. Her work examines how funding, enrollment and state policy influence local school systems. She helps readers understand how education decisions affect students and communities throughout the region. IMPACT: Hilary’s work provides transparency and insight into the schools that serve thousands of local families. | December 10, 2012 11:00 PM
Twelve is a perfect number for Parker Greene of Columbia Falls.
Today, the numbers align — 12-12-12 — for Greene’s mathematically symmetrical birthday.
Greene was born on Dec. 12, 2000 — at noon.
That makes him 12 years old at 12 noon on the 12th day of December 2012.
“He was actually due on the 11th,” his mother, Nacona Greene, said. “I ended up being induced. It wasn’t long after he was born that we realized he was going to have more than a golden birthday.”
Because he turns 12 in December, Parker went hunting for the first time and shot a six-point buck.
It’s no surprise that 12 is his lucky number.
“I always try to get that in sports as my number,” Parker said.
Parker left the events of this milestone birthday celebration up to his mother to plan. From the time he wakes up, Nacona Greene said, she has organized elements of surprise and suspense throughout the day.
“Everything is based on ‘12.’ We’ll start the day with a treasure hunt in the house. He’ll have to find 12 one-dollar bills,” she said.
Over the rest of the day a scavenger hunt at 12 destinations is planned.
“When we arrive [at each destination] there will be either something waiting for him with the next clue, or something to do while he’s at the spot,” Nacona Greene said. “We’ll spend some good time together and see where the day takes us.”
People can send Parker Greene birthday wishes by stopping at Tien’s Place in Columbia Falls where the Greenes will have lunch around noon or at 6 p.m. at The Montana Club in Kalispell where he will likely enjoy his favorite meal — a cheese-fry burger.
Parker, the son of Nacona and the late Joe “Joe Bear” Greene, has a 15-year-old sister, Haley.
Parker is a sixth-grader at Columbia Falls Junior High. His favorite subject in school is math and his interests include snowboarding, football, basketball, four-wheeling, hunting and fishing.
Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at [email protected].
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