Low-key Bryan Fallquist leaves with high profile

How exactly does a low-key, soft-spoken boy in a school of 1,784 students get heard among the pack?

Bryan Fallquist found a way during his four years at Ferris High School. He did it by being nice to everyone and going out of his way for his teachers.

For the technologically challenged middle-aged teachers, he offered his computer skills.

For the athletic department, he groomed the softball and baseball field before games.

Whatever was needed, there was always a good chance Fallquist would be willing.

And it never hurts to act like high school is the greatest thing since the iPod.

For Fallquist, one of about 450 students who will graduate from Ferris on Saturday, it was hardly an act.

“I loved it. I’ve got a lot of acquaintances. I say ‘hi’ to everyone,” Fallquist said. “High school has been great.”

Fallquist, a 4.0 student, became interested in business computer classes during his freshman year. He dived into the creative side, such as learning Microsoft PowerPoint and Adobe Photoshop programs.

Before he knew it, he was designing magazine covers and letterhead stationery for the school.

“Brian is willing to do so many extra things,” said Don Van Lierop, technology teacher “And he doesn’t want a lot of attention.”

However, he couldn’t avoid the limelight last week, when he was given the outstanding business education student award. His parents, Dave and Mary Fallquist, were called to the school to add to the surprise.

The business teachers voted for Fallquist and, according to Van Lierop, who also is the boys basketball coach, it was a “slam dunk” selection.

“Sometimes students are nominated and not everyone knows who they are. But with Bryan, he’s taken a lot of business classes, and everyone knows him.

“The vote took about two seconds.”

Fallquist said he plans to attend a Spokane community college until he figures out his major. He said he’s leaning toward a career in sales.

For the meantime, he works at the Fred Meyer on Freya Street and spends his free time wakeboarding at Lake Coeur d’Alene. If a Fred Meyer manager wants Fallquist to gather all the carts left in the parking lot, he’s quick to the task.

An only child, Fallquist said he has a great relationship with his dad, a lab technician, and his mom, a jeweler.

“Honesty is one of the biggest things with them,” he said. “I tell them everything.”