"Mariah Stiffarm’s talent on Billings Skyview volleyball and basketball teams has earned her places on all-conference and all-state teams. This 6-foot-2 junior has an outstanding record in academics and community service, too.

She has a GPA of 3.9. She volunteers with Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Yellowstone County and with Skyview’s Trading Cards program, which promotes a drug-free lifestyle to elementary students. She has coached volleyball and basketball at children’s camps.

For all these reasons, Mariah was chosen as Montana Student of the Year by the Montana Indian Education Association. She is the daughter of Garland and Lee Stiffarm and granddaughter of Junior and JoAnn Clark of Browning and Peter and Ruby Stiffarm of Fort Belknap. Mariah is an enrolled member of the Gros Ventre Tribe and a descendant of the Chippewa Cree, Blackfeet and Little Shell tribes. After graduation, she plans to attend the University of Montana to study physical therapy.

“Mariah’s intelligence, motivation and strong work ethic are inspiring and genuine,” one nominator said."

Get the Story:
Gazette opinion: Local winners inspire Indian students to succeed (The Billings Gazette 4/25)