Rios Takes First In Wolf Point Essay Contest

Wolf Point High School senior Quiarrah Rios has demonstrated her positive feelings about Wolf Point with flying colors.

Rios was the winner of the recent essay contest sponsored by Bread of Life Ministry. By earning the top honor for the contest opened to high school juniors and seniors, Rios was awarded a $100 cash prize.

Entries had a limit of 300 words. Topic was “Why I am optimistic about Wolf Point.”

Arch Woodstock, organizer of the contest, said a total of seven entries were turned in.

“We didn’t have a lot of entries, but they were all good,” Woodstock said. “Today is about celebrating the kids who showed some optimism.”

The following is Rios’ firstplace entry: “I have optimism for the town of Wolf Point because, despite the challenges and crime that sometimes dominate the headlines, there are also many moments of kindness, solidarity, and hope that give me faith in the community’s strength and resilience. For instance, when I was selected to attend the Ed Furshpan and David Potter Native American High School Program. My friends and I, who were also selected for the program, decided to fundraise out of a friend’s family snow cone truck to help pay for things we wanted to buy or do in our little free time.

We put up fliers and waited. I could promise almost the whole town showed up. People weren’t just buying snow cones — they were donating with no expectations of anything in return. Some people even bought multiple snow cones, even though they had only wanted one, simply because they wanted to help. That kind of generosity doesn’t just happen anywhere. It showed me that, beneath all the difficulties Wolf Point faces, there’s a real sense of community, belonging even. It shows that we look out for each other even if it is in small, meaningful ways. Another reason I’m optimistic about Wolf Point is because when something illegal or bad happens the community doesn’t turn a blind eye. We may be small, but we aren’t afraid to stand up for what is right. So in conclusion, Wolf Point despite its challenges, is a town of resilient spirit. People come together in times of need, showing generosity and commitment to justice. The sense of community here is strong, and the support I’ve witnessed first hand gives me hope for the future of our town. When something happens to someone in our community it affects us all and we come together. Wolf Point can and will grow to a better place. I believe there is potential if we continue to move forward. That is why I am optimistic.”