Meet Billings' Latest Most Valuable Pupil: Colby Paul

Some students rack up achievements. Others quietly rack up respect. Colby Paul somehow manages to do both.

Colby is a 17-year-old student at the Billings Career Center, carrying an impressive 4.25 GPA, and he does it without making a big deal about it. In fact, if you ask Colby about his accomplishments, there’s a good chance he’ll redirect the credit to someone else. Teachers notice that about him, and so do classmates.

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Outside the classroom, Colby stays busy giving back.

He volunteers his time as an umpire for youth softball and baseball, helping keep the games fun, fair, and moving along (a skill that deserves its own award, honestly). He’s also active in theater, performing with Billings Studio Theatre and NOVA, proving that science kids can absolutely command a stage.

Colby is heavily involved in FFA, with a focus on Veterinary Science, and has his sights set on becoming a veterinarian someday. That passion for animals pairs nicely with his commitment to people. He regularly volunteers reading to elementary students around Billings, helping younger kids build confidence and a love for learning.

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Ask his teachers what stands out most, though, and they’ll tell you it’s his kindness. Colby is the student who helps others simply because “it’s the right thing to do.” No spotlight required.

Colby Paul is an outstanding student, friend, classmate, and human being. Billings is lucky to have him, and this MVP recognition is well deserved.

If you would like to nominate a Billings-area student, please do so HERE.

Each weekly MVP winner receives a prize from our prize vault and will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win $1,000 cash, thanks to our friends at Gerstner Adam Law. Got into an accident or workplace injury? They'll fight for you at Gerstner Adam Law.

Photo submitted by Rachelle Christman

Dreycen Christmas at Skyview.

This young man continues to impress everyone around him with an exceptional work ethic, maturity beyond his years, and a drive to make the most of every opportunity in front of him.

A 17-year-old student at Skyview High School in Billings, Dreycen has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA while taking a challenging schedule of Honors and AP classes over the past two years.

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Outside the classroom, Dreycen is a dedicated multi-sport athlete.

He competes on the football field and in throwing events for the Skyview track and field team, balancing rigorous training and competition with his academic responsibilities. When he’s not in school or at practice, chances are you’ll find him giving back to the community.

Dreycen spends much of his free time behind home plate as a softball umpire for Heights Little League, working as many games as possible throughout the spring season.

Last summer, he volunteered his time at the 9/10 State Softball Tournament hosted at Clevenger Field, where he umpired six of the 14 games played over the weekend, a significant commitment that speaks to his reliability and love for the game.

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His interests extend beyond sports.

Dreycen has a strong passion for aviation, which led him to a summer job at the airport in addition to his year-round job at a local Heights restaurant. Looking ahead, he plans to earn his private pilot’s license with the long-term goal of becoming a commercial pilot.