When you're in 7th grade, few things rival the excitement of climbing into the cab of a front-end loader, flicking on the controls, and watching a mountain of gravel shift at your command. For a group of curious boys from the Marion School, that dream came true thanks to the generosity and enthusiasm of Flathead County’s Road and Bridge Department.
In a gravel pit just past the Old Steel Bridge, six massive machines, lined up like a construction crew on parade, awaited their newest recruits. There were dump trucks, a front-end loader, an excavator, a road grader (known as a “blade”), and even a vintage 1953 bulldozer that still has plenty of life in it. The estimated value of this heavy equipment lineup? About two million dollars. The real value of the day, though, came in the form of experience.
These seventh-grade students, accompanied by their teacher Deborah Johnson, had expressed interest in careers operating heavy machinery. And our Flathead County crew did more than just talk about the work, they rolled up their sleeves and gave these kids a real taste of life behind the wheel.
Chad Bauer, one of the equipment operators, didn’t just rattle off facts. He brought the machinery to life, describing their uses, safety protocols, and quirks. Then came the part the boys were really waiting for: a chance to hop inside. With mindful guidance, each student rode shotgun in the front-end loader, scooped gravel from an aggregate pile, and dumped it like a pro.
One student, Payton Muhonen, lit up when he discovered the graders could "crab-walk" (yes, move sideways). Another, Michael Thompson, pointed to the ‘dozer and simply said, “It looks really strong.” Spoken like a future operator.
This hands-on tour is part of a broader career exploration effort by the Marion School. Every year, students are asked to share what kinds of local jobs interest them, and the school organizes field trips accordingly. While female students explored STEM fields at Flathead Valley Community College, the boys toured Flathead Electric Co-op, tried out radio broadcasting at Bee Broadcasting, and wrapped up their day with some serious heavy lifting at the OSB gravel pit.
Travis Glidewell, Operations Manager for the Road and Bridge Department, explained how each machine operates and even extended an open invitation for future students to return during an active project to see the equipment in action. As the day wrapped up, he turned to the boys and asked with a grin, “Learn anything new today?”
The students pipped up, pointing out their favorite parts of the day, from the grader’s unique movements to the game-like joystick controllers.
Flathead County's Road and Bridge crew didn’t just demonstrate their equipment; they shared their passion and pride in their work. And in doing so, they planted seeds that may grow into future operators, engineers, or community leaders. Sometimes, the most powerful tools we have aren’t the ones made of steel, but the ones that build connection, curiosity, and purpose.