Lydia Chuang, along with her 18 classmates from the Stillwater Christian School Class of 2025, traveled to Tijuana, Mexico to assist in constructing a house. 

Prior to the graduation celebration trip, Chuang had never been to Mexico but was excited to be going and have the opportunity to do something good. The class flew to San Diego and then crossed the border into Mexico.   

It’s a story representative of Chuang’s servant heart and kind spirit, said Stillwater Christian School’s high school science teacher Sarah O’Rourke.  

“She’s always willing to help, whether it be a teacher, stranger or fellow student,” O’Rourke said.  

The Stillwater Christian School Class of 2025 graduates on May 31 at 4 p.m. in the high school gym, 255 FFA Dr., Kalispell.   

Chuang is the youngest of five siblings to graduate from Stillwater Christian School. Adopted from China as a baby, Chuang grew up much younger than her siblings but was grateful that she had a big family to rely on.  

Her mother, originally from Great Falls, and her dad, originally from Taiwan, moved to Kalispell after living in China for a few years, adopting Lydia as they returned to the States. Her mother grew up traveling to Swan Lake, her grandparents ultimately bought a cherry orchard.  

The valley is a place she wants to return to after college, she said.  

Chuang will attend Montana State University in the fall to major in accounting. While a well-rounded student, Chuang said she always liked math because it came easy to her.  

From basketball to choir to volleyball, Chuang tried out a range of extracurriculars throughout her time at Stillwater. Looking forward to college, she is excited to learn how to excel in a new environment, one that is much more independent.  

But looking back on her time at Stillwater, Chuang expressed gratitude. Sometimes having a small learning environment can be beneficial for students, making it easier to connect with teachers and ask more questions.  

Being able to study in a faith-based environment has also been rewarding, she said.  

“I hope to see everything through a biblical worldview,” Chuang said. “I hope my learning environment fostered that.” 

Her kind attitude is noticed and appreciated by staff, O’Rourke said. Chaung was O’Rourke’s teaching assistant this year, helping O’Rourke with a range of things.  

“To me, a big thing about Lydia is that she didn’t have to do that,” O’Rourke said. “She could’ve had a study hall, but she came every day. Even if I wasn’t here yet, she would get started. She is self-motivated, self-directed.” 

This summer, Chuang hopes to find a job to prepare for an August departure to Bozeman. In the meantime, she plans to spend time with her friends before they all tackle their next adventures.  

“My advice to younger kids would be to build good relationships with your classmates and make good memories with them,” she said. 

Reporter Kate Heston may be reached at 758-4459 or [email protected].