State thanks Paradise students for their help in passing official state lullaby

Montana Sate Representative Pat Ingraham addressed the students of Paradise School Wednesday, thanking them for the role they played in the passing of a Montana House bill that named “Montana Lullaby” as the official state lullaby of Montana.

The students participated in the political process by signing a petition encouraging support for House Bill 594. The petition stated it would not cost any tax dollars and would be “an outstanding salute to the historic and romantic Montana musical heritage.” A petition with the same wording was also signed and submitted to the Montana Legislature by the Mandich Community Choir.

At an all-school assembly in the school's gym Wednesday afternoon, Ingraham thanked the students and encouraged them to stay active in the political process.

“Don't let anyone tell you that you can't make a difference,” Ingraham said.

Eleven students and two teachers between grades three through six signed the petition from Paradise School while 11 members of the Mandich Community Choir signed their petition. “Montana Lullaby” was written by Ken Overcast and Wylie Gustafson. Overcast sings the lullaby and he performed it before committee and on the House floor.

The petitions signed by the Mandich Choir and Paradise School were used on the floor of the House where the bill was presented. Ingraham said the students' attitude toward the political process is vital because they are the future. She said it's important they know their voices are heard even though they are not politicians.

“That's what's exciting - having a presence,” Ingraham said. “You don't have to have a college degree. You don't have to be an adult. I'm very proud of them.”

Ingraham also read a letter to the students from Overcast. In the letter, Overcast told the students that having “Montana Lullaby” become the official lullaby of the state of Montana is “by far the greatest honor of my life.” Overcast also congratulated the students for their participation, saying that in a free government, “participation by we the people of Montana is absolutely necessary.”

Overcast is a rancher, musician and author in eastern Montana and he donated three of his books to the Paradise School library. Each student who signed the petition was awarded an autographed photo of Overcast.

Representing the Mandich Community Choir, Karval Pickering also thanked the students and read a letter to the school from Sen. Jim Elliott (D-Trout Creek). In his letter, Elliott told the students their involvement is “what America and Montana are all about.” Elliott said he hopes they continue to try to make a difference.

That was the overall message Ingraham left with the students as well. “Never be afraid to contact your local politician,” Ingraham said. “Make sure you continue to be involved.”