When talking about Mason Gedlaman, one has to ask: What is the Columbia Falls High School senior not involved in?

When some students look at senior year as a time to take a breath and relax until college starts, Gedlaman didn’t put on the brakes.

“This year I took eight classes, which is a bit unorthodox for a senior,” Gedlaman said.

Every year, Gedlaman dives into a medley of sports and activities while successfully managing his academics. Keeping busy brings him joy.

When Gedlaman receives his diploma Saturday, he will have spent all four years on the soccer, tennis and speech and debate teams and will have played tenor saxophone for band and The Columbians jazz band in addition to participating in student council.

During his junior and senior years he also played on the basketball team.

His junior year, Gedlaman was student body president.

How does he do it?

Gedlaman said he tends to pick up new tasks easily.

“I like having stuff to do,” Gedlaman said. “I found school to be a lot more enjoyable when I was involved.”

Gedlaman can be described as an outgoing and well-rounded individual.

“I was not ever concerned on really focusing my attention and time in one thing to be truly exceptional at it,” Gedlaman said. “I was truly interested in changing the experience that comes with participating in different events — making those memories, those connections, with people.”

Yet Gedlaman has proven to be exceptional in more ways than one.  

He is a four-time state Class A speech and debate champion (twice in Impromptu Speaking and twice in Humorous Oral Interpretation) and played on the Wildcats’ state championship basketball team earlier this year.

Gedlaman also received the Academic All American award, which recognizes top speech and debate students who have earned at least a 3.7 grade-point average, reached a certain ACT or SAT score and demonstrated outstanding leadership and character, according to the National Speech and Debate Association.

His senior year, he played goalie on the soccer team. He made it to state in tennis.

Gedlaman also took advantage of Advanced Placement courses in English and calculus in addition to advanced chemistry.

While he doesn’t have a study hall, Gedlaman puts in the time when he can to complete schoolwork. Whether that means using time a teacher provides in class, devoting an hour a day at home, or an entire day on the weekend, Gedlaman gets it done.

“I think it comes down to a willingness to use my time wisely,” Gedlaman said.

Despite his high level of involvement outside home and school, there comes a time that every high achiever needs to decompress, which is why Gedlaman makes an effort to make a day on the weekend off-limits to school and sports. On occasion, Gedlaman has even played video games.

“I thoroughly enjoy playing video games when I can. Especially freshman year I spent an impressive amount of time on the XBox,” Gedlaman said with a laugh.

Recently, he was one of 245 students to be awarded a Montana University System Honor Scholarship. The scholarship waives undergraduate tuition for four years of college.

After graduation, Gedlaman plans to attend the University of Montana.

He is undecided on a major, but is looking at a career in medicine. While he plans to ease up in the sports department, he looks forward to joining activities that “get him off the couch” such as Ultimate Frisbee.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.