Summer Activities Alex Thayer

WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS SUMMER?

by Lucie Michel, staff writer Nylie Wilson, sophomore

Plan for summer 2021: This summer, Wilson is going to embrace the outdoors, gather with her friends and hike as much as possible. The sophomore hiked a lot last year, but this year she is hoping to get really into it. She also spends a lot of time playing travel softball.

Every year summer activity: Every summer,

Wilson and her family go out and mountain bike. They ordinarily go biking every other day. Underrated summer past time: Wilson would

suggest to people to get out and go for a joy ride. Just go and drive around town and explore with family and friends. Best place to spend summer at: Going to spend

time at grandparent’s houses is probably the best place to be for the summer months, according to Wilson.

Craziest/best summer activity ever done:

Wilson got to drive to Portland to go to a concert, then rush back home to go to a softball tournament the next day. Plan for summer 2021: This summer, Rukavina really wants to focus on getting outside, going for morning runs and hiking as much as possible. She and her friends are making a goal to hike 50 miles together, which she sees as an easy challenge.

Izzi Rukavina, sophomore

Every year summer activity: Rukavina and her mom

hike together every summer with their dogs. They pack picnics for them and treats and toys for the dogs. Underrated summer past time: Rukavina

recommends to anyone for a summer to find smaller, less used lakes. She always hears people talking about how much they love Holter Lake, but it’s always so crowded. She thinks it’s much more worth it to find those hidden lakes that might be a little harder to get to, but are so much prettier overall. Best place to spend summer at: One of Rukavina’s

favorite places to spend summer is Holland Lake. She thinks It’s a bit of drive, but it’s a beautiful lake that’s just secluded enough. She loves the hiking trails, and renting canoes and kayaks for the lake. Craziest/best summer activity ever done:

Rukavina thinks going to concerts are some of the best summer experiences. The Kettle House Amphitheater outside of Missoula is really nice.

Senior to pursue career in video production and filmmaking

by Anthony Matury, staff writer Alex Thayer, 12, is an aspiring filmmaker with high hopes and high quality productions, but it wasn’t until his freshman year that he realized how much fun creation videos would be. After having worked with a cheap, little $20 camera in middle school, Thayer admits that he enjoyed telling stories. He signed up for Video Production his freshman year. “Once I figured out the software, I realized there were unlimited possibilities for creativity,” he said.He created a YouTube channel named “Porky Productions.” The creation of his YouTube Channel led to Thayer’s Porky Productions’ exclusive alias, “Hogman.” Along with Hogman, Thayer has also uploaded music videos, how-to videos, podcasts with his friends, and even a Christmas special. “Filming can be hard at times, but I think the thing that makes it worth it in the end is the people, all the great experiences we have, and they just make it way more fun when I film with them,” Thayer said. “I thank the people that have worked with me on any of my films for the great experiences and great acting.” This year, as the video editor for the Russellog yearbook, Thayer has shot and edited videos on topics ranging from academics and sports to farewells from members of the senior class. The videos’ QR Codes will appear throughout the book. Thayer hopes that this inspiration for filmmaking won’t stop there. This fall, he will attend Montana State University in Bozeman to enroll in the Film & Photography program. “It looks super fun. The nice part about the film program is you don’t just do film. You also learn photography and you learn the art of photography while learning the art of film. You also get to learn acting, editing, using equipment, and it’s awesome,” Thayer said. “The best part is that the program is hands-on, and freshman year I’ll have a camera in my hands.” As for the future, Thayer said that he hopes his education and experience will lead him to Hollywood or Atlanta. “Obviously I’d want to be in Hollywood -- that’s the dream,” he said. “But I’ll be happy to do anything video-related.”