Stillwater Christian School senior Ryan Frampton has come to excel at many things in his life. He's a champion tennis player and instructor, a martial artist since age 4 who holds a second-degree black belt, a capable archer and a highly focused student.

But what may stand out most about Frampton is that he's a deep thinker and has the courage of his convictions.

Frampton recently presented his thesis, a requirement for all Stillwater Christian's graduating seniors, on the topic of Arminianism versus Calvinism, an enduring debate at the heart of Christian theology.

The thesis is a fundamental and challenging piece of Stillwater's curriculum. For Frampton, it involved a 16-page paper and a 20-minute speech, followed by a 27-minute defense with his Bible teacher and thesis adviser before an audience of 55 people — faculty, students, family and friends.

He'd worked for months on it and posed many great questions on his topic, adviser Micah Tinkham said.

"Mr. Tinkham helped me learn both sides of the argument," Frampton said.

With that major assignment under his belt, one Tinkham emphasizes sharpens the students' minds and communication skills, and with graduation on the horizon, Frampton is well on his way to his next challenge. He is headed to Carroll College in Helena in the fall with plans to major in business and minor in philosophy and theology. Ultimately he hopes to pursue a law degree.

Although both his parents, Sean and Diana, are lawyers, Frampton insists his career choice is all his own.

"I grew up watching my dad prepare and study for trials," Frampton said. "It inspired and made a lasting impression on me."

Law seems to run in the family, as Frampton's older sister is currently studying law in Spokane. Frampton said he'll likely practice civil law, like his father.

WHILE FRAMPTON is just as happy spending hours hanging out with his friends discussing theology, he's most at home in the great outdoors, hiking, hunting and fishing.

"I love that in 15 minutes I can be in hiking terrain, building a fire with my friends and surrounded by thousands of views. Being outdoors has given me a bigger appreciation for Creation," he said. "Relationships are deepened when you're out hiking or hunting with friends."

Frampton began playing tennis with his dad at a young age. From age 9 to 13 he competed nationally, traveling to tournaments and attending out-of-state summer camps. At 12, he was the No. 1 tennis player in his age group in Montana.

After attending the Whitefish Christian Academy for first through 10th grades, Frampton had to decide between attending Glacier High School, where he could play on the tennis team, or go to Stillwater.

"Tennis was a huge part of my life and I still play for fun," he said. "But I grew up in a Christian academic environment, which I liked a lot, and I wanted to continue that. For me, that was bigger than tennis."

Frampton credits his teacher at the Whitefish Christian Academy, Matt Paulson, with inspiring him to pursue a minor in philosophy and theology.

For the last three summers, Frampton has offered tennis lessons at his home. He now has 16 families taking lessons three days a week, with students ranging from 4 to 16 years old. His mother points out his knack for mentoring younger kids, both on the court and during his years at the Whitefish Christian Academy. When not teaching tennis he works for his grandfather as a laborer.

FRAMPTON IS also a self-taught archery hunter.

"My main passion is hunting," he said. "I shoot my bow daily in the summer. Archery elk hunting is where I feel most at home. I feel like I was made to do that."

Frampton started hunting pheasant at age 9 with his family. He also rifle hunts for deer, antelope and turkey. His room is filled with trophy mounts.

Growing up in a close-knit family, Frampton was devastated when in 2017 his younger brother became seriously ill with Crohn's disease and was hospitalized for a month.

"It was really scary," Frampton said. "He almost died. My mom wasn't home much during that time caring for him. It totally took a toll on me."

When Luke, 12 at the time, was finally released from the hospital, he weighed just 68 pounds. But now he's back up to weight and a standout varsity basketball player.

Frampton plans to keep working out, eat healthy and stay in shape.

"I know I'll pursue hunting and fitness the rest of my life," he said.

He also found new interests while at Stillwater. He discovered he loves singing and joined choir and played on the varsity basketball team.

Reflecting back on his years there, he said, "I gained a lot of new best friends at Stillwater. Intellectually, it was good for me to continue there after [Whitefish] Christian Academy. My relationship with God has grown stronger."

As he looks forward to college, Frampton says he doesn't have many complaints.

His parents respect their son's approach to living.

"I'm just really happy, really blessed," Frampton said. "And I give all the credit to my family and my dad."

Community editor Carol Marino may be reached at 406-758-4440 or [email protected].