Search Results

Each November, the fourth grade at Butte Central Grade School celebrates All Saints’ Day with a beloved tradition: the Pumpkin Saint Project. This creative initiative offers students an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Catholic saints and to express their faith through art. In preparation, each student selects a specific saint to research, learning about the life, virtues, and impact of that holy figure. Equipped with newfound knowledge, students decorate small pumpkins to represent their chosen saints. The decorations incorporate symbolic elements, such as a bird for St. Francis, a cross for St. Patrick, or a veil for St. Teresa, crafted from everyday art supplies. Once complete, the pumpkins are displayed in the classroom, creating a vibrant and meaningful showcase. Students present brief biographies of their saints, sharing what inspired their choice and the lessons they learned. This interactive experience promotes public speaking skills, encourages creativity, and nurtures an appreciation for the diversity and courage found in the lives of the saints. Parents, teachers, and classmates alike admire the imaginative displays and the thoughtful reflections students offer. The Pumpkin Saint Project transforms ordinary pumpkins into extraordinary tributes, making All Saints’ Day an engaging and memorable experience for the entire school community. This annual event continues to remind students and families that the lives of the saints can serve as inspiration for kindness, faith, and perseverance throughout the year.

Devon Mullman, Butte Central Junior High Eighth-grade students recently spent class time focused on powerful non-fiction texts written by veterans. The goal was simple- to help students understand the real-life experiences of people who served in the military. They read firsthand accounts of service, sacrifice, and the challenges faced while in uniform. The class also held a discussion about an essay called "How to Talk to Veterans About War." This reading helped them learn how to respectfully talk to veterans and gave them a deeper appreciation for the veterans' commitment and service. The students quickly turned their understanding into action to say thank you. They used the time to write personal letters of thanks to local veterans, sharing their gratitude for their service. To honor all veterans publicly, the class placed flags outside the school. The work wrapped up with a unifying moment of respect where students joined hands for a prayer for the veterans. This short but powerful effort connected what they read in class directly to showing respect and honor in their community.

Melisa Hill, Butte Central Foundation On Wednesday, November 12, 2025, a organizational meeting will be held at 5:15 pm at the Maroon Activities Center in hopes of starting an activities booster club. The goal for the group will be to help strengthen athletics, music, drama, and speech and debate programs in our junior high and high school. The booster club will strive to help raise funds for our programs, strengthen school spirit, and to host social events for the BC community. The booster organization will operate in a welcoming atmosphere that encourages all parents and supporters to participate. Please join us for this exciting organizational meeting and help us celebrate Maroon Activities! Go Maroons!

Butte Central is once again joining the citywide effort to support families in need by collecting donations for the Thompson Family Food Drive. Founded in 1989 as a way for Thompson Distributing to give back to the community, this event has grown into a beloved tradition that brings the entire Butte community together every year.​ Each December, students, staff, parents, and volunteers from Butte Central help collect non-perishable food items, toiletries, and monetary donations. These are then distributed to the Butte Emergency Food Bank, which relies on the drive to help stock its shelves through the winter months. Homes, businesses, and schools across the Mining City participate, making this one of the largest efforts in the region to fight hunger during the holiday season.​ Since its beginning, the Thompson Family Food Drive has grown from collecting a single truckload of supplies to mobilizing over 700 volunteers who go door-to-door each year, covering every house in Butte in just a few hours. Community support remains strong, with local organizations, fire departments, businesses like Harrington Pepsi, and other schools all contributing to the cause.​ Butte Central’s involvement is a point of pride for students and the broader school community. By participating, students learn the value of service, teamwork, and generosity. The school encourages families to send contributions with their children or to drop off donations at collection points leading up to the big day.​ On the morning of the drive, volunteers gather to collect donations from porches around Butte and deliver them directly to the food bank. The drive often coincides with additional community efforts, such as a winter clothing drive, and is a chance for everyone to come together in the spirit of giving.​ With goals as high as 100,000 pounds of food and tens of thousands of dollars in support, the impact of the Thompson Family Food Drive continues to grow each year. Butte Central’s dedicated participation helps ensure that no family in the community goes hungry this winter, keeping the tradition vibrant and meaningful for another year.​

By Tim Norbeck Butte Central Foundation The Maroon Activity Center is celebrating two decades of service to the Butte community with a series of exciting improvements—and more are on the horizon. From infrastructure updates to daily care, the facility continues to evolve as a welcoming space for students, families, and community members alike. New Entrances and Facility Upgrades Visitors may notice a refreshed look at MAC: the east doors to the Foundation office and the main entry doors have been replaced, giving both entrances a clean, updated appearance. In the coming weeks, both hot water heaters are scheduled for replacement to improve comfort and reliability. On the west side of the building, a new drainage system has been installed, helping streamline maintenance and improve overall functionality. Throughout the facility, lighting fixtures that need replacement are being upgraded to energy-efficient LED bulbs—enhancing visibility while reducing energy costs. Daily Care That Makes a Difference MAC’s maintenance and custodial team continues to demonstrate exceptional dedication. Bathrooms are cleaned and disinfected daily, and the riding floor machine is used throughout the gym and hallways to keep surfaces spotless. Their attention to detail reflects the pride they take in maintaining the space. Planning for Long-Term Maintenance A new plan is being implemented to address deferred maintenance needs, ensuring that repairs and upgrades are prioritized effectively moving forward. This proactive approach will help keep the facility safe, functional, and welcoming for years to come. A Community Landmark It’s hard to believe the Maroon Activity Center has been serving the community for 20 years. From athletic events and school functions to community gatherings, MAC stands as a testament to ongoing care, thoughtful planning, and the commitment of those who keep it running.

As the fall season winds down, we celebrate the dedication and success of all our Butte Central student-athletes who gave their best this fall. From exciting volleyball matches to strong cross country finishes, our Maroon teams have made us proud—and the season isn’t over yet. Football is still going strong in the playoffs, and our community is behind the team every step of the way. At the same time, winter sports are gearing up for another great season. Basketball, wrestling, swimming, and more are ready to take the spotlight as our athletes prepare to compete with pride and passion. Be part of the excitement—pick up your Maroon Athletic Pass today and show your support all season long. Grab your BC team gear and pack the stands with maroon and white energy. Let’s finish the fall strong and roll right into a winning winter. Go Maroons! Team Stores Lady Maroon Basketball https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/UByWjDhr2R Maroon Swimming https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/q13W3fChAQ Maroon Athletic Passes ButteCentralSchools.org

Butte Central Senior Jack Nagle Photo Credit BN0 Photography Following a thrilling 38-27 win over the Dillon Beavers last Friday night the BC Maroons are back in the Class “A” Playoffs. The victory earned the BC Boys the third seed from the Southwestern “A” Conference. They will travel north to face the Whitefish Bulldogs, who finished second in the Northwest “A” Conference. Game time is 7:00 pm. on Friday night. The playoffs will mark the 25 th  time the Maroons have made the playoffs in the Coach Peoples era. “I extremely proud of the hard work of our players and coaches this season,” said Peoples. “Our team was determined Friday night and it’s a tribute to our team culture and winning mentality.” With the win the Maroons moved to 5-3 in the season. Friday’s match-up will feature two strong Class “A” Programs. The Whitefish Bulldogs are 6-2 on the season and feature a strong running attack. The Bulldogs defeated Bigfork 22-21 last weekend to earn the second-place conference seeding. The Maroons and Bulldogs have met three times in the playoffs. The Maroons defeated the Bulldogs in 2003 in Whitefish and the Bulldogs returned the favor in the 2013 quarterfinals. In 2014, the Maroons traveled to Whitefish in the Class semi-finals and came away with a big win to advance to the State Championship game. The game was played in sub-zero conditions. The Maroons will travel to Whitefish on Thursday evening to prepare for the game. A team rally and send off is planned for 5:30 at the MAC. Maroon families boosters and supporters are invited to join in the event. Fans are asked to line Mercury and Montana Streets to honk and cheer for the team. The game will be broadcast live on KOPR Radio and the NFHS Network. Go Maroons!

By Josh M. Peck, Butte Central Foundation Butte Central Maroons Football – 2025 Season Feature For more than eight decades, Butte Central Catholic High School has stood as one of Montana’s proudest small-school football programs — a source of identity for the Butte community and a symbol of what dedication, teamwork, and faith can achieve on the field. The maroon banners hanging high above the Maroon Activities Center tell the story. Butte Central has captured ten Montana State Football Championships, earned in 1942, 1945, 1952, 1969, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1981, and 1985. Each title reflects a generation that carried the torch of excellence — players who practiced on frozen fields, coaches who demanded fundamentals, and fans who never wavered. Those banners aren’t decoration; they’re a promise that every new Maroon squad belongs to a legacy. Beyond those titles came countless divisional crowns and playoff appearances. Through the 1970s and ’80s, Butte Central became synonymous with postseason football in Montana. The program’s playoff runs often forced larger schools to reckon with a smaller roster that played with unmatched heart. Even in leaner years, the Maroons’ resilience kept them in the mix for the Southwest A Division — a reputation built on toughness and faith that continues today. That lineage isn’t just history; it’s the blueprint for the 2025 Maroons. Every early-morning lift in the weight room, every offseason film session, every freshman encouraged by a senior traces back to that championship DNA. The current roster trains under the same values that defined past greats: humility, hard work, and faith in one another. Recent graduates helped re-energize that culture, showing younger players that progress starts long before the opening kickoff. For generations, the name Peoples has been the heartbeat of Butte Central football. Head Coach Don Peoples Jr. continues that legacy with calm authority and unshakable belief in his players. He builds from faith, fundamentals, and family — values that outlast any scoreboard.Beside him is his brother, Coach Doug Peoples, the Maroons’ Offensive Line Coach and Run Game Coordinator. Doug’s fiery energy and deep knowledge of the trenches drive the team’s tempo. He’s tough on the kids because he believes in them — demanding precision, effort, and accountability. Players often joke that no one sees the field the way Doug does from his booth vantage point, but later they’ll tell you how much they appreciate his honesty and passion. Doug’s son, Ryan Peoples (#1), serves as senior quarterback and captain — calm in the pocket, measured in the huddle, and respectful of the game he’s grown up inside. His demeanor reflects both Peoples brothers: Don’s composure and Doug’s intensity. Watching proudly from the stands, Danny Peoples, Don’s son and Ryan’s cousin, cheered the team through Senior Night and even joined the fun by attempting the TDS Halftime Kick — a lighthearted moment that reminded everyone how deep the Maroon bloodline runs. THE 2025 BUTTE CENTRAL FOOTBALL COACHING STAFF Head Coach: - Don Peoples Jr. Offensive Staff: - Doug Peoples — Offensive Line / Run Game Coordinator - Eyston Lakala — Offensive Line - Dion Williams — Running Backs - Tom Peterson — Receivers Defensive Staff: - Richie O’Brien — Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers - Bryan Holland — Defensive Line - Scott Mansanti — Defensive Backs - Tuto Stagnoli — Film Coordinator Support Staff: - Coach Hollywood — Team Operations / Water Distribution / Sideline Support Together, this group represents a unified vision: disciplined, physical, fundamentally sound football built on mutual respect and constant improvement. --- The modern Maroons stand on the shoulders of giants. The 2014 Maroons reached the Class A State Championship behind quarterback Danny Peoples and a defense that played with fearless heart. The 2019 team, led by quarterback Thomas McGree and Ryan Moodry, a senior running back in 2017, fought through adversity to secure a postseason berth that rekindled belief in BC’s statewide relevance. Many of today’s seniors were grade-schoolers watching those teams, dreaming of their own Friday nights under the lights at Bob Green Field. This resurgence didn’t begin in August; it began in the weight room, where accountability became the daily standard. Coaches emphasized strength, conditioning, and attention to detail, while assistants added film study and position-specific instruction that helped the players adapt to the speed of modern Class A football. Head Coach Don Peoples Jr. tied it all together — steady, patient, and precise. The Maroons opened the year at Lockwood, where early mistakes proved instructive. They followed with hard-earned wins over Ronan and Corvallis, showing flashes of the balanced team they were becoming. Though losses to Frenchtown and Hamilton stung, each week revealed progress — sharper communication, improved line play, and growing belief that something special was building. Senior Night vs Dillon – A Decade in the Making On October 24, 2025, Senior Night arrived at Bob Green Field with crisp air, packed bleachers, and ten years of pent-up hope. The opponent: Dillon Beavers, who hadn’t lost to Butte Central since 2014. From the opening drive, the Maroons looked different — focused, physical, and prepared. The offensive line, anchored by the McCarthy twins, Danny and Bobby, along with freshman Hayden Salmonsen, handled Dillon’s front with maturity beyond their combined years. Their cohesion gave Ryan Peoples time to operate, spreading the ball between Gigi Fantini and Jack Nagle for early scores. Under center, Ryan Peoples delivered one of his finest performances of the season, commanding the offense with confidence and poise. He read Dillon’s coverage with precision, spreading the ball to every level of the field and keeping the Beavers guessing. Gigi Fantini proved again why he’s among Class A’s most dynamic two-way athletes — sure hands on offense, relentless pursuit on defense, and a spark every time the ball came his way. Lining up beside them, Josh Sutton played with grit and awareness, making key downfield blocks and clutch defensive stops that kept momentum firmly in Butte Central’s favor. Together, they embodied the balance of brains, toughness, and heart that defined the Maroons’ win. Senior lineman Colt Hassler watched from the sideline, headset on, coaching younger players through reads and protections. Injured veterans Berkeley Lakala and Stew Keane stood nearby — each one still vocal, still part of the fight. By halftime, the Maroons led behind a balanced attack and a defense that swarmed every Beaver possession. Jack Nagle handled special teams flawlessly — five for five on PATs and a field-position-changing punt average near forty yards. In the second half, Dillon rallied, but Central answered every punch. When the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read 38–27 Maroons, and a wave of maroon and white poured onto the turf. It wasn’t just a win; it was release — ten years since the last victory over Dillon, six years since the last playoff berth, and a living reminder that Butte Central football still stands for family, faith, and fight. When the scoreboard at Bob Green Field finally went dark after the 38-27 win over Dillon, the cheers echoed long after the crowd had gone home. For the first time since 2019, the Butte Central Maroons were heading back to the Montana Class A State Playoffs — a reward for years of work that began long before this season’s opening kickoff. Under the Montana High School Association (MHSA) system, the top teams from each regional division — Southwest, Northwest, Northeast, and Southeast A — advance to a single-elimination state bracket. The higher-seeded programs host the first round, followed by semifinals and the state championship. For the Maroons, that means a first-round road trip to Whitefish, a program known for physical defense and efficient execution. The Whitefish Bulldogs bring speed on the edges, size in the trenches, and a quarterback who likes to stretch the field. But they’ll meet a Maroon squad defined by emotion, chemistry, and belief. Ryan Peoples, the senior captain, continues to lead with a steady hand, while Gigi Fantini provides explosive plays that can flip momentum in a heartbeat. Jack Nagle’s leg remains a major weapon — his ability to control field position often sets the tone. The McCarthy twins, Danny and Bobby, have become the backbone of both lines, bringing power and endurance that wear opponents down. Freshman Hayden Salmonsen adds youthful energy and toughness beyond his years. Defensively, the Maroons rely on communication and discipline — principles drilled daily by Coach Richie O’Brien and his staff. Injured veterans Berkeley Lakala and Stew Keane remain engaged on the sideline, coaching younger teammates, their presence a reminder of how this team defines leadership beyond the field. The Maroons’ season has become a story of connection — of families, alumni, and even those who can’t always be there in person. Some cheer from the stands, some volunteer at the gate, and others follow every score from work, home, or even lockup — all proud of the unity and perseverance this team represents. Butte Central football has always been bigger than the roster. It’s faith, resilience, and shared purpose stitched into maroon and white. Around the state, coaches describe this opening-round game as one of the most balanced matchups of the postseason. Expect a physical, methodical contest that could come down to a single possession. The consensus among observers? Butte Central 28, Whitefish 24 — a tight battle decided by special teams, clock management, and the grit that defines every Maroon drive. Plans are already underway to help fans make the trip. Parents, boosters, and alumni are coordinating a charter bus to Whitefish so students and supporters can bring that unmistakable Butte Central noise to northwest Montana. Anyone interested in helping fund or join the bus is encouraged to contact the Butte Central Foundation. Every seat filled means another voice echoing “Go Maroons!” when the team takes the field on October 31. Whether they’re traveling to Whitefish or cheering from home, everyone who wears maroon knows the truth: this season is already a victory of spirit. The playoffs are the next step in a journey built on family, faith, and fight — the very heartbeat of Butte Central football. The 2025 Butte Central Maroons Football Family Every number on this year’s roster tells a story of pride, teamwork, and perseverance. The senior leaders — #0 Jack Nagle (FS/WR, 6’2”, 190), #1 Ryan Peoples (QB, 6’2”, 180), #3 Keltan Keane (C/WR, 5’8”, 150), #7 Tony Stajcar (S/WR, 5’10”, 170), #65 JJ Taylor (DT/T, 6’0”, 190), and #67 Colt Hassler (DT/G, 5’10”, 240) — set the tone through toughness, sportsmanship, and leadership on and off the field. Junior standouts #2 Joshua Sutton (C/WR, 5’11”, 170), #4 Grady Button (C/WR, 5’10”, 145), #8 GG Fantini (LB/WR, 5’11”, 185), #9 Cade Kelly (C/WR, 6’2”, 175), #18 Carsen Gillis (WR, 6’0”, 165), #20 Danny McCarthy (DE/RB, 6’1”, 180), #51 Robert McCarthy (DE/T, 6’1”, 180), #53 Burkley Lakkala (LB/T, 6’2”, 190), #63 Gunnar O’Brien (LB/G, 5’11”, 190), #64 Zander Matison (C/WR, 5’11”, 145), and #69 Jack Nylund (DT/T, 6’2”, 210) were the backbone of both sides of the ball, pushing the team’s energy and execution week after week. Sophomores and freshmen filled vital spots and gave their all every practice: #10 Henly Mansanti (LB/RB, 5’11”, 165), #11 Treigh Hollow (S/WR, 5’9”, 145), #12 Teghan Sparks (C/WR, 5’8”, 135), #15 Palmer Kellicut (DE/WR, 5’11”, 170), #17 Noah Sutton (C/QB, 5’10”, 150), #19 David Sandoval (S/WR, 5’9”, 135), #21 Connor Hardy (C/WR, 5’10”, 135), #23 Jaxon Hiatt (C/RB, 5’11”, 160), #25 Maurice West (LB/RB, 5’10”, 170), #28 Hugh O’Brien (LB/RB, 5’11”, 150), #36 Calvin Salmonsen (LB/WR, 5’9”, 160), #40 Roman Taylor (LB/WR, 5’9”, 165), #59 Hayden Salmonsen (DT/C, 5’10”, 210), #77 Grady Boyer (DT/T, 6’1”, 210), and #79 Shamus Peck (C/WR, 5’10”, 160) — a group whose effort and spirit shaped the program’s future. Special recognition goes to freshman Shamus Peck, who stepped onto the gridiron for the very first time this year. Through hard work and a team-first attitude, he earned Scout Player of the Week, representing what Maroon football is all about — dedication, growth, and pride in every rep. Together, these young men formed one family — a small roster with enormous heart, every player contributing to the return of Butte Central football to the postseason stage. From the first practice to the playoff berth, they embodied the school’s proud tradition of Faith, Family, and Fight. Senior Night Recognition Before kickoff, Butte Central honored its senior athletes across multiple fall sports. On the football field, six seniors — Jack Nagle, Ryan Peoples, Keltan Keane, Tony Stajcar, JJ Taylor, and Colt Hassler — were recognized for their leadership and commitment to Maroon football. The ceremony also celebrated Butte Central golfers Will McGree, Kelton Berger, and Xander Strand, whose consistency and sportsmanship represented the school throughout the fall season. While the Maroons had no senior cross country members this year, the community recognized senior volleyball standouts Araka Stajcar and Izzy Lopez during their home match this past Saturday, October 25. The combined celebration reflected not only athletic achievement, but the family spirit that defines every Butte Central program. Editor’s Note All statistics and game details were compiled from Butte Sports, SWX Montana Local Sports, and input from Butte Central Catholic High School coaching staff. Text © 2025 by Josh M. Peck and the Butte Central Foundation.

Mrs. Czehura's fifth-grade class had an unforgettable experience during their dry ice science experiments! Students were filled with excitement as they watched the dry ice transform from a solid directly into gas, creating clouds of fog that drifted across the tables. Using the proper safety protocol and tongues, everyone got the chance to take part in hands-on activities like making bubbling potions, observing sublimation, and exploring the effects of temperature change. The classroom was buzzing with curiosity as students made predictions, tested their ideas, and saw real science happen right before their eyes. Through these experiments, the class learned valuable lessons about the states of matter, chemical reactions, and the importance of safety in science. More than that, the experience showed how learning can be fun and interactive—helping students see science as something they can touch, see, and understand. The dry ice experiments sparked a sense of wonder and encouraged deeper questions about how the world works, inspiring everyone to think like real scientists.