Jeffrey Sagen has many admirable qualities of a soon-to-be Whitefish High School graduate. He’s humble, intelligent and even a bit suave.  

"Don’t be too charming, Jeffrey,” a teacher jokingly calls out as he readies for this interview inside the Whitefish High School foyer. 

Another passing student comes up and delivers a gnarly fist bump.  Sagen responds with a smile and starts a conversation with the fellow student, and it’s clear why the senior was voted homecoming king by his peers last fall.  

Making friends isn’t something that always grants an accolade in high school, but it sometimes should – it’s something Sagen’s excelled at, albeit not without challenge. 

He first had to get through a particularly difficult freshman year, which he says was one of his biggest accomplishments in high school.  

Sagen was born in Missoula and was adopted by his parents, Karin and Allen Sagen. 

He said he has several siblings, a niece or two, and four dogs.  

Sagen has physical and mental disabilities, but he maintains a complex schedule, with a mix of special needs classes and standard classes, like advanced marketing and personal finance. 

When asked what his favorite class is, he’s quick to respond – gym, especially for the dodgeball, he said.  

He’s excelled in a whole slew of activities throughout all seasons – from claiming a few wins in skiing at the Special Olympics, to competing in a track and field meet, where he’s done both running and throwing events. 

He also recently enjoyed a bowling victory at the Pin and Cue, dressed sharply, as it was after prom.  

Outside of school, he likes going to Sonic and Dairy Queen restaurants, which he contends are indeed good for you.  He likes living in the country, too. He enjoys the peace and doesn’t like a lot of people, adding that Montana 40 is not his favorite place to be.   

But he does like transportation – he loves Harleys and says United is hands down the top airline.  

He was flying just a couple of weeks ago to visit Las Vegas.  

When asked what he was up to in Las Vegas, he said, “partying.”  

Summer plans include camping with the family, not in a tent, though – in a big camper. 

He said he feels good about graduating: “Ready to be done!”