Recent Glacier High School graduate Sam Engellant, a Winslow Nichols Leadership Award recipient, was recognized for his “warm personality, exceptional skill set and unparalleled work ethic,” by nominator Mark Dennehy. 

Dennehy, who recently retired as Glacier’s activities director and student council advisor, called Engellant a natural leader. 

“In my tenure as an administrator, Sam stands out as one of the most exceptional student leaders I have had the privilege of working with. No project is too big or too small for Sam —his dedication, initiative, and leadership truly embody the best of our schools. He is mild-mannered, selfless, and bright, consistently demonstrating a commitment to excellence in all that he does,” Dennehy said in his nomination letter. 

The Winslow Nichols Leadership Award recognizes the academic achievement and community involvement of high school students who contribute to improving the lives of others and is sponsored by Logan Health in collaboration with the Daily Inter Lake.  

During his time at Glacier, Engellant was student body president and a member of student council, Wolfpack Club, National Honor Society and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He competed in varsity golf, varsity tennis, DECA and Business Professionals of America. 

Engellant joined the student council as a way to give back to the school that he said shaped who he is today. 

“I think I just recognized that there are some things that I'd be capable of doing in the school and I know Glacier really well. I love Glacier,” he said. 

He also thought the student council would provide a platform to advocate for school funding, which is also why he joined One Brave Pack, a political action committee that successfully campaigned for the high school district levy. 

“I think that’s what I’m most proud of, is the collective effort of everyone coming together and making the push and helping support the future of our school,” Engellant said, praising the teamwork and voter turnout in the May school election. “This One Brave Pack was the perfect combination of student input because ... the students' voices really matter. We know the school best, but then we also had adults and community members that had the connections and infrastructure [to meet and organize].” 

He also served in other leadership roles, coaching junior golf and Rotary basketball, which he started freshman year after a serious injury and spinal surgery took him off the court. 

“Seeing the kids get better because of my coaching is really special and I think that’s something that a lot of coaches can relate to, is when their efforts come to fruition and they can help a kid become their best self,” Engellant said.   

Recently, he’s served as a Good Grief camp counselor. The camp helps children cope with the loss of loved ones.  

“The biggest thing I’ve learned is the kids just need somebody to listen to them," he said.  

It's the first time he's been a camp counselor and likened the meaningful experience to being like an older brother. 

“We’re sharing meals together, we’re swimming together, we’re going on a hike together ... There’s just some really special connections that happen, like around the campfire telling a story or sitting around in a cabin together.” 

As part of the award, Engellant received $250 to donate and chose Good Grief Camp to get the funds. 

In the fall, Engellant plans to study mechanical engineering at the University of Alabama. 

“I'm gonna be sad to leave a lot of these things because they have shaped me, and they have taught me so many life lessons,” he said. “I hope that I've left a lot of these programs and clubs in a better place than I found them, and I think that's the best legacy you can leave." 

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or [email protected]. 

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Winslow Nichols Award nomination criteria: 

Eligibility: High school students in Flathead, Lake, or Lincoln counties. 

Academics: Students who value their education by exhibiting academic responsibility; preferably have a 3.0 GPA or higher. 

Character: Students who display integrity, compassion, service and excellence. 

Citizenship: Students who nurture healthy communities through community service, volunteerism, or other contributions to their community and/or school. 

Leadership: Students who take initiative and are role models for others. 

Forms are available at www.logan.org/tomorrowsleaders. 

    Sam Engellant