Great Falls Students Shine on Global Stage at Academic World Quest

Earlier this month, four students from Charles M. Russell High School stepped beyond the borders of their hometown and into an international learning experience at the 20th Annual Academic World Quest in Missoula. For sophomores Elle Robinson, Lydia Comstock, Bristol Meiners, and Madison Medved, the competition was more than just a test of knowledge, it was a gateway to understanding the world beyond Great Falls.

Academic World Quest, a competition organized by the Montana World Affairs Council, challenges high school students on global affairs. This year’s event, themed “Celebrating Indigenous Cultures Around the World,” featured distinguished speakers and cultural activities, including a Festival of Indian Cinema, an international dance program, and discussions on global peacebuilding efforts. More than 500 students from across Montana participated in the competition, making it one of the largest gatherings in the event’s history.

The CMR students prepared rigorously, each taking on a section of the competition’s required readings to become subject-matter experts. Their advisor, CMR English teacher Jeremy Comstock, guided them through the process, ensuring they were well-versed in international current events.

Beyond the competition itself, one of the most transformative moments came when the students had the chance to meet Consul General Prakash Gupta of India. The students, eager to expand their global perspectives, listened intently as he spoke about education as a pathway to diplomacy. "His parting words about curiosity really stuck with me," Robinson said. "Being from Great Falls, it’s easy to feel like we live in a bubble, but events like this help us see the bigger picture."

For Jeremy Comstock, the significance of this experience went beyond the competition itself. “This was a rare opportunity for students from Great Falls to step into an international arena, to engage with experts, and to learn firsthand how global affairs shape our world,” he said.

The consulate’s role in the event extended beyond a speaking engagement. As part of an educational exchange initiative, the winning team earned an invitation to visit India for two weeks, where they would tour academic institutions and engage with students abroad. 

For some students, the idea of traveling to India felt even more personal after meeting Gupta. During their conversation, one CMR student shared her excitement about learning sustainable agriculture practices in India. Gupta presented her with a traditional Indian stole, encouraging her to wear it when she visits. “We’ll try to give you an experience of sustainable agricultural practices as well,” he said.

During the two-day event, the students were also introduced to a cultural immersion experience, which included a Bollywood film festival and traditional dance performances. “Hearing other languages, seeing different styles of storytelling – it was an eye-opening experience,” Meiners said. 

Robinson found the cultural exposure particularly moving. “We don’t often think about how different people experience the world,” she said. “Watching the films and hearing the stories really made me reflect on my own community and what we have to offer.”

The Great Falls Edit had a chance to sit down with Gupta to get his take on the students he interacted with from Montana. 

"I found them very sharp, very top-of-the-line students,” Gupta said. “Their questions were as good as those of research scholars or foreign policy analysts. They are a great asset and skill set for Montana.

Gupta also spoke about Montana and India’s shared connection to nature. “In all of my visits to Montana, I have discovered that Montana people are also very nature-loving,” he reflected. “So that's something which you would find a very strong connection with in the Indian countryside. In Indian rural places, people try to respect nature, explore nature, and live with nature. If you go to the Indian mountains, there's always this slogan written on mountaintops in Hindi. It basically means, 'Never fight with nature.' I love that. Nature is too great, too big to respect and to live around rather than take on nature."

For the students, the event reinforced the value of global awareness. “I’ve never really followed international news closely,” Medved said. “But now, I feel like I have a better understanding of why it matters.”

Comstock echoed the importance of these lessons. “What these students gained from this event will stay with them long after high school,” he said. “It’s not just about winning – it’s about opening their minds to the world.”

These four students proved that curiosity and ambition can take them far. According to the Montana World Affairs Council, the CMR team tied for eighth out of 101 competing teams. Whether through diplomacy, international study, or future careers, their participation in Academic World Quest has given them a glimpse of what’s possible beyond the Electric City. And as they return home, they have a new perspective to stay curious, to stay informed, and to continue expanding their horizons.