Whitefish High School senior Koru Larimore has an inclusive heart and an unfeigned curiosity that sets him apart in the class of 2026, set to walk across the stage June 6. 

A passionate cyclist, Larimore also profoundly finds joy in the uphill challenge. 

“I have coming in the mail, a nice titanium gravel frame,” Larimore said eagerly during an interview last week.  

Larimore said his grandpa Marsh died last spring while biking one of the family’s favorite loops near their home near Tally Lake, riding a similar frame.  

“It’s definitely been rough for the whole family, because I grew up with him and my grandma a walk down the hill,” Larimore said.  

“He really got me into it. I grew up biking with him,” he added. “He loved to go up and I’m not sure why. I also love going up.”  

Larimore hopes to join the gravel cycling club this fall as a freshman at Montana State University.  

“I love the freedom of it. Being out there in the middle of nowhere, it’s just so beautiful,” he said. “And on you’re on your own, but not.” 

Larimore said he also enjoys biking with his dad. The spot where his grandpa died was logged shortly thereafter. The father and son bike through and relish in the open sky, a transformed yet beautiful experience.  

In school, freshman and sophomore year were hard and isolating, but Larimore used those challenges to strengthen his mindset as a cross-country team captain this year.  

“My biggest goal, I wanted it to be the most inclusive, welcoming place I possibly could,” he said. 

The boys cross country team grew to the biggest it’s been in about six years last fall, fielding a full varsity and JV team.  

“It was the best thing ever to have such a huge team of such awesome, young kids,” Larimore said. “They did so well – they're all faster than I am – but it’s so awesome to see.” 

Larimore said his cross-country coach, Richard Menicke, has been a huge support. 

“He was really supportive of my music as well,” he said.  

Larimore has played cello since sixth grade and enjoys playing jazz and bluegrass on his guitar.  

“In a big symphony, you’re just so connected to everyone,” he said. “There’s so much going on, you have to be dialed in but it’s so fun. And then in a small ensemble, it’s a different level of an intimate connection. And I think that’s a big part of music. And when you’re really dialed in, it comes out in the music you play.” 

Larimore will receive audition music in June in preparation to join the MSU symphony.  

He’s also eager to study mechanical engineering.  

“I love problem solving and figuring stuff out,” he said. “My dad loves reminding me of being a kid when I’d dump out Lego boxes, or take stuff apart, because I just love seeing how it works.” 

While he likes math, Larimore is a dynamic student. His favorite class is AP Literature with Mr. Schwaderer, because it brought him back to reading, something he loved as a kid, he said. 

Larimore said his parents have been very supportive as well.  

“My dad and I hang out all the time. There are nights we’ll stay up super late. I’ll play guitar for him. And he’s helpful, just talking is good.”  

Growing up west of town near Farm to Market Road was sometimes challenging, bringing a sense of disconnection.  

“But also, I just love it out there,” he said. “It’s awesome being away from everything, just being out in the woods, growing up on the footsteps from the Salish Kootenai ... it’s awesome.”