02-14-2014 Issue

the

b

p

engal’s urr

Lewiston High School

Lady Bengals lose district title game, page 5

Lewiston, Idaho

Love knows no boundaries, pages 6-7

Feb. 14, 2014 Vol. 87 No.3

Prom date change, page 10

2 Contents

the bengal’s purr

Staff Members

Editor in Chief..............................................Bree Derry Senior Editors...........................................Lauren Reitz .............................................Alex Boatman Business Manager...................................Erika Mullikin Graphics Editor and Historian...................Angelyn Cox Sports Editor and Social Media Editor.........Faith Evans Website Editor................................McKenna Anderson Reporters......................................................Chloe Kirk ..............................................Tilsen Mulalley

.........................................Kinsey Richardson Adviser...................................................Charity Egland

For more stories, visit: www.thebengalspurr.com www.issuu.com/bengalspurr @TheBengalsPurr Facebook.com/TheBengalsPurr E-mail: bengalspurr@lewistonschools.net Phone: (208) 748-3126 Fax: (208) 748-3365 Mail: Room 103, 1114 9th Ave., Lewiston ID 83501

THE BENGAL’S PURR

Table of Contents 1 Cover Page 7 Spotlight 2 Contents 8 Entertainment 3 Op/Ed 9 Feature 4 Ad 10 News 5 Sports 11 News 12 Variety 6 Spotlight

! r e v o c e h t on

LHS students celebrate their ‘young love’ as they pose with their ‘honey’ for Valentines Day 2014

Op/Ed 3

Friday, February 14

Don’t Rock The

Boat

alexboatman senioreditor

For those who know me, it is common knowledge that I long snap. However, most have no idea what long snapping is.

Long snapping is an art form that requires a lot of practice and patience in football. The long snapper is the person who throws the ball between their legs to the punter and the kicker on

field goals. It is the most obscure position on the football field and going unnoticed is a sign that I did my job to perfection.

The jokes from my friends that used to bother me are now what fuel me to improve.

Growing up, I always dreamed of playing college football. In junior high, I started to realize that my dream would probably not come true; I was not big enough, strong enough or fast enough to play college football. In the last half of my eighth-grade

year, my dad asked me if I wanted to play college football and, of course, my answer was yes. He presented me with the idea of trying long snapping and I was on board.

I did not think that it would be that hard.

Then once I tried it, I realized it is a lot more difficult than I imagined. Over the past four and a half years there have been many times where I wanted to quit, but I stuck with it and got better gradually.

My biggest supporters have been my parents. My sophomore year, on my way back home from a long snapping camp in Las Vegas, Nev. my life changed forever. My family and I were in a horrific car accident in which an elk came through the windshield and hit my mom in the face. She was life-flighted to Boise where she spent 17 days in the hospital. She suffered from a broken nose, broken eye socket, a concussion and a spinal chord bruise. The doctors are still amazed that she can walk.

In the wake of the accident, I thought about quitting long snapping. I decided it could not be a coincidence that the accident happened on our way home from a long-snapping camp. Instead of quitting, I decided there was no better

Where Are They Now? Americas Priorities breederry editorinchief

“We the people…” This phrase has been used countless times in the history of our country. Beginning at our roots, it established that the government founded by the people, for the people, of the people. The power that resonates from these three words not only protects basic rights, but as of recently, helps to infringe upon them as well.

Justin Bieber, Canadian-American pop icon, was arrested Jan. 23 for allegedly drag racing, driving under the influence of marijuana, prescription drugs and alcohol, as well as resisting arrest. So… why are we discussing the “Biebs” when it comes to freedoms and rights? The dude’s from Canada! After the news of his arrest and mug shot, (ahem -- photo-shoot?

-- ahem) were released to the public, anger gripped the hearts of Americans.

I mean, c’mon. How dare this pop star act like most other 19-year-old Americans? That incorrigible Bieber! In fact, his actions were so heinous, talk of deportation ensued. The petition bragged a number of 255,203 signatures as of Feb. 10. The petition arose from Detroit, Mich. on the date of Bieber’s arrest.

Side note: Doesn’t Detroit have more problems to worry about than another pop star going a little crazy? Like, oh, I don’t know, bankruptcy?

But back to the Biebs. Wethepeople. com, the national petition website for the Obama administration, is a new feature that the White House enabled to help citizens voice their opinions. After a threshold of 100,000 signatures has been reached, the government must respond to each petition.

Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the federal government will take action against Bieber, nor that Bieber will be sent back to his homeland (“O’ Canada! Our home and native land….”). But regardless of this, why as a nation do we allow things like this to occupy our attention?

We preach that bullying is bad and needs to be stopped, but over 200,000 of our citizens think that it’s acceptable to not only ostracize a person, but bully and demand that he be sent back where he came from.

Imagine waking up to read a petition to make you leave the place that you’ve called home for years, and knowing that almost an entire nation hates you. If this petition isn’t bullying, I don’t know what is.

The petition posted for the nation to sign and support went viral in just a few days after Bieber’s arrest. “We the people of the United States feel that we are being wrongly

represented in the world of pop culture. We would like to see the dangerous, reckless, destructive and drug abusing Justin Bieber deported and his green card revoked. He is not only threatening the safety of our people but he is also a terrible influence on our nation’s youth. We the people would like to remove Justin Bieber from our society.”

Our nation, is founded on personal rights.

Our government was created to protect its people, not ship them off when they publicly humiliate themselves. While Bieber may “threaten safety” and show himself to be a terrible influence, don’t almost all the other 19-year-old celebrities? Do we need to bring up Miley or Lindsay or the Kardashians?

It’s time to wake up, America. Realize what really matters. Poverty lines our streets and children go homeless because their parents can’t afford the monthly rent for their homes. Does Bieber’s arrest really rank very high on our list of priorities?

But just to be clear, I do not support Bieber’s actions, nor do I like much of his music. I don’t view him as a role model, and feel that he doesn’t deserve to be the idol that he somehow is. Regardless of my personal opinion on one guy, I feel strongly and passionately that as a nation founded on freedom; we should extend such promised rights to all of its legal residents. Even those who carry a temporary residence card.

way to honor my mom than to continue snapping. Every time I take the field to snap, I think of my mom and what happened a little over two years ago.

In December more than four years of hard work paid off when I received tremendous news. The University of Idaho offered me a spot on their team next year to snap. As a lifetime Vandal fan, this is an opportunity of a lifetime.

I have never really told the full story of what I have gone through over the past four years to get to this point, or the struggles that I have experienced.

But now it has all paid off and I am happier than ever. I get to follow my dream and that is something everyone should experience. You will never know if it will come to be true unless you try.

There are a few people whom I would like to thank for getting me to this point: my teammates, my coaches, my long snapping coach, Chris Rubio and my parents.

I would also like to thank all of the people who said I could never get to this point and that I would never be good enough and that what I do is stupid. You just made me more determined to prove you wrong.

Letter to the Editor Thank you so much

Jackson’s Pay It Forward Foundation wants to thank you from the bottom of our hearts. The Golden Throne (game) was again a major success and one of the best events in our valley. The turnout was amazing and the atmosphere was crazy with school spirit. We were very honored to be one of the recipients of the money raised by both schools.

We know there are so many great causes that you could have chosen.

Jackson passed away over seven years ago now and would be a senior this year at LHS. To see his friends and previous classmates be a part of this was quite emotional for us. We know he was watching and was as proud as we were with the purple and gold. Go Bengals.

Thank you, Scott and Staci Baldwin

Contact Us The Bengal’s Purr staff encourages and welcomes comments from readers. Please submit your letters to the editor on our website (About the Purr) or in the form of a signed letter. Keep all letters to the Editor at 250 words or under.

The Bengal’s Purr staff reserves the right to comment on or edit each letter for libel or space limitations.

Sports 5

Friday, February 14

Bengals experience big wins, losses

Lady Bengals “hunger” for second chance

Boys basketball falls short, senior night

alexboatman senioreditor

The Lady Bengals basketball team fell to the Coeur d’Alene Vikings 44-39 in the 5A District I-II title game Wednesday, Feb. 12 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

After the girls lost their previous matchup to the Vikings 47-27 in late January, Lewiston started out of the gate firing on all cylinders. They grabbed an early half-time lead of 23-21, but the Vikings retaliated in the third quarter and out-scored their Lewiston opponents, 12-7. The Bengals never recovered from losing their halftime lead and the Vikings secured both the district crown and a birth to the state playoffs next week.

Even with a loss to the Coeur d’Alene, Lewiston still receives a second chance to advance to the state tournament as second seed.

The Bengals plan to face off against the Lake City Timberwolves for the right to play as the second team from District I-II. District officials set the winner-take-all game for Saturday, Feb. 15 in Booth Hall.

Lewiston previously defeated Lake City 67-40 in a home game.

“I know the girls are really hungry for another chance to play at State,” said Head Coach Pat Teichmer. “I expect them to play really well and to win.”

alexboatman senioreditor

Courtesy of A. Pearson

CHEER CHAMPIONS: Bengal cheerleaders swept the District I and II competition at the University of Idaho Sat., Feb. 8, winning first place in all events. They will continue to the state competition in Nampa, Idaho, Sat. March 21.

Courtesy of A. Pearson

Lewiston boys’ basketball fell to the Lake City Timberwolves 75-36 in an Inland Empire League (IEL) matchup Saturday, Feb. 8.

Senior guard Jayden Kauffman led the Bengals with 14 points. Only three other Bengals tallied points on the scoreboard including junior Lincoln Carter who scored eight points. Additionally, junior Kyle Whitlock and senior Brandon Berlik each added seven points.

With the loss, the Bengals’ record dropped to 5-14 for the season and 0-5 in league play. Lewiston holds the bottom position in the 5A IEL and prepares to play the league champion Coeur d’Alene in the District I-II tournament for the right to compete in the state tournament.

“Any given night we can compete with these teams,” said Head Coach Corey Williams. “Anything can happen in districts.”

Only senior night remains on the LHS schedule. The Bengals plan to face off against the Post Falls Trojans tonight, Feb. 14, in Booth Hall. This year’s LHS team included three seniors who plan to be honored at senior night: Kauffman, Berlik and Vince Hewett.

“Our effort and attitude have been there all year,” said Williams. “It’s been a rough year with the loss of three people due to injuries and team rules, but the kids that have come up have been playing very well.”

Bengal wrestlers rumble and prepare for districts faithevans sportseditor

The Lewiston Bengal wrestlers placed second in the North Idaho Rumble, Sat. Feb. 1, as Post Falls secured another win over Lewiston.

Although juniors Reece Baldwin, Ryan Klemp and Bryce Parson obtained major wins, the Bengals fell short by only a half point.

Parson (138 lbs.) attained fourpins and three individual titles.

He collected every point possible, with the four pins, three of which he earned in the first period. In the finals he beat Post Falls’ T.J. Wolf, who defeated Lewiston junior Drake Randall Wed., Jan. 29, at Booth Hall.

Klemp (152 lbs.) won his title in a rematch of the Clearwater Classic held Sat. Jan. 18, against Sandpoint’s Casey Reynolds.

Klemp won both matches.

Baldwin, ranked number 3 in the state, accomplished a 3-2 win in the 195 lbs. finals over number 2 Phoenix Duncan of Coeur d’Alene.

The team also suffered quite a few injuries this season. “Almost half of our varsity lineup was out this year, so we lost a few duals we shouldn’t have,” Klemp reported.

Despite a few bumps in the road, the Bengals prepare for the district tournament, Fri. Feb. 21. “All F. Evans year, we’ve been really close with Post Falls. …We’ve gone back For all of February, the Bengal wrestlers prepared for the District tournament, and forth with them, so we’ll see set for the fourth weekend of this month. Above, Brandon Vandevender, who what happens,” said Klemp. recently placed second at the North Idaho Rumble, wrestles in Potlatch in January.

6

Friday, February 14

7

Happy Valentine’s Day

“Roses are red, violets are blue...” wwww

Valentine’s Day: Love it or hate it?

“I don’t like it when people touch each other...or smile at each other. But it’s very cute, the great lengths people go to for each other.”

-Cassidy Ravet, senior

“It’s a day of love...and chocolate! Lots of chocolate!”

-Sara Wassmuth, senior

“It’s almost as expensive as Christmas--it makes my wallet cry.”

-Taylor McConnell, senior

“It’s a pagan holiday propigated by card, candy and flower companies...”

-Keith Stuffle, faculty

“It’s a stupid, lame holiday.”

-Rachel Parsley, sophomore

Cutest couple-photo of the issue!

Brittany Weeks and Dalton Ewing

Love crosses cultural boundaries

Homosexuality gains approval but still faces opposition For centuries, man pondered the 20:13). In other words, if a man meaning of life. Questions such as “Why participates in sexual actions with are we here?” and “What is my purpose?” another man, both of them ought continue to plague people, even in to suffer death as consequence the 21st century. Answers vary from of their “abhorrent” actions. But person to person and change with bias while acts of homosexuality qualify and personal history. To work towards as acts of abomination, one must survival, happiness and salvation remember that the text also states satisfies a percentage of the curious that “You shall not round off the hair minds. But one answer-- one theme-- is on your temples or mar the edges found repeatedly, not only throughout of your beard” (Leviticus 19:27). works of literature and culture, but With strict teachings from the Old throughout history as well. Love, one of Testament, the New Testament the favorite answers for all the hopeless provides a direction that dodges the romantics of the world, continues to be harsh punishments of the old. Yet still the stereotypical answer to the infinite homosexuality faces discrimination pursuit of the meaning of life. Perhaps from a religious perspective. The the social activist Thomas Merton said hate crimes inflicted on homosexuals it best: “Love is our true destiny. We do relate closely to the Jim Crowe laws not find the meaning of life by ourselves that previously afflicted African alone -- we find it with another.” Americans from the 1800s to So the question arises-- if the true 1960s.

Beatings to the extent of meaning of life centers on love, why brain surgery and even death occur. must society reject love between sameThe United States Federal Bureau sex couples? Western culture treats the of Investigation (FBI) defines hate love of a mother, brother, sister, father, crimes as crimes of hatred and husband and wife as holy and sacred. vengeance that range from lynching “Without a family, man, alone in the to vandalism of religious buildings. world, trembles with the The Bureau reported cold,” said Andre Maurois, “...if a man lies with a that 2012 saw a total author of the French 5,796 hate crimes, male as he lies with a of biography, Victor Hugo. If with 19.6 percent of society views cousins and woman, both of them those targeted toward committed an sexual preference. brothers as a holy family have connection, equal to that abomination...”

That computes into of man and wife, a bond a total of 1,135 between man and man or reported hate woman and woman ought to be viewed crimes. While this number lowered with the same respect and dignity. mildly after 2011, homophobia still As a teenager living in 2014, it ranks second for motivation of the can be observed that opponents of transgressions, second only to racism. homosexual matrimony largely base To grow as a society, people need their arguments off of religion. The Old to realize that sexual choices affect Testament states that “if a man lies with only those directly involved in the a male as he lies with a woman, both of relationship, regardless of morals them have committed an abomination. or personal life choices. The only They shall surely be put to death. Their opposition blocking the legalization blood shall be upon them” (Leviticus of same-sex marriage results from

religious views, and insurance costs. security, tax exemptions and even As of 2012, Mercer, a financial service Medicare coverage. Married samecompany, reported that 52 percent of sex couples even lose the right employers offer health insurance to to decide life or death situations same-sex couples. While the number for their spouses with DOMA. rose from the previous 31percent two June 26, 2013, after 16 years of years ago, think about the 48 percent discrimination, the Supreme Court of couples unable ruled that Section III to receive coverage. “...because of DOMA appeared of this Insurance companies unconstitutional. either refuse or find refusal...the couple faces This grants married themselves unable to thousands of dollars in homosexual couples offer benefits to gay medical fees after the... recognition under couples due to the birth of their child...” federal law, as well as Defense of Marriage the benefits previously Act (DOMA) signed denied to them. into law by President Clinton in 1996. “This was discrimination enshrined After it passed into law, legally married in law. It treated loving, committed same-sex couples found themselves gay and lesbian couples as a separate unable to claim over 1,100 rights and lesser class of people,” President and protections that heterosexual Barack Obama said after the ruling. couple naturally received through In 2014, government officials began marriage. The federal government work toward a better tomorrow not only refused to recognize same- for gay rights.

Secretary of State sex marriages through this act, John Kerry provided a comment but state governments and even regarding spouse benefits for employers used it as an excuse homosexual couples after the ruling. to deny rights to homosexual “We will work to swiftly administer employees and their spouses. these changes to ensure that Kerry Considine of Connecticut every employee and their spouse suffered the effect of DOMA first- have access to their due benefits hand when her employers refused regardless of sexual orientation to extend benefits to her legal wife, both at home and abroad.”

Renee Considine. A senior living Over time the LGBT community center refused to offer the benefits endured multiple setbacks, but to same-sex couples because they managed to progress immensely as originated in Tennessee, a state that well. The resulting effects of legalizing refuses to acknowledge the legality gay marriage only holds benefits for of a same sex marriage. Because the American community. As Queen of this refusal to acknowledge their Latifah officiated the marriage of union, the couple faces thousands 33 couples, both gay and straight, of dollars in medical fees after at the 2014 Grammy awards in Los the future birth of their child. Angeles, she helped prove that more The refusal to recognize a legal and more people support the right union not only costs couples to love whomever they like. So the thousands of dollars, but also denies question must be asked: How does other marital benefits such as any one person’s marital status affect you? death benefits of their spouse, social -B.D.

Baby Fever

LHS teachers Jamie Bakker and Charity Egland have plenty in common. Both graduated from LHS in the 1990’s, and both are English majors. But most significantly, both are pregnant with their first child (girls) and they are due between February and March!

Fun fact about pregnancy:

“I will continue to wear maturnity pants even after I have my baby.”-Bakker “Even though I am nine months pregnant, I still have a moment every day where I’m like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m pregnant!’”-Egland

Something unexpected:

“People are much nicer to me now that I’m pregnant...they’re much more accomodating.”

-Bakker “It’s teaching me to be okay with asking for help.”-Egland

Valentine’s Day Statistics Average number of children conceived on Valentine’s Day: 11,000 Women who send themselves flowers: 14% Women who would end their relationship if they didn’t recieve anything for Valentine’s Day: 53% Statistics courtesy of statisticbrain.com

8 Entertainment

THE BENGAL’S PURR

Valentine’s season delivers classics, cutting-edge comedy Behind the gold curtains: Oklahoma! angelyncox graphicseditor

The large, gold curtains open and a sea of smiling people from the audience look to the stage, waiting…anticipating the first line, the first stage direction.The noise changes to quiet whispers and the actors hear their hearts beating within their ears.The moment arrives.

The cast and crew of Lewiston High School’s spring musical practice each day after school from 3 to 6 p.m. to prepare of their performances of Oklahoma!, set for Feb. 27, 28 and March 6, 7 and 8. Until the week before opening performances, the actors continue to wear street clothes, throughout practices. The week before opening performance lives up to its name as‘Hell’Week, a drama term in which the cast wears costumes while practicing later into the night. During this week, the cast polish and finalize scenes toward perfection.

“The talent this year [is good] and the group has been doing excellent work,”said Elizabeth Atkinson, director of the LHS drama department. “[Oklahoma! has] lots of opportunity for singing and dancing for the chorus as well as for the leads,”she added.

Finding enough cast members to participate in productions plagued the director this year. Due to the small cast and no understudies, Atkinson arranged shorter scenes and dance sequences specifically for this cast.

“Every new show teaches me something new, even though I’ve been in a lot of productions… there’s so much more to learn,” said junior Emilee Howell, ensemble member.

The production includes familiar set pieces from previous shows, built by the students of this semester’s advanced drama class and the drama department.Together the students create an overall workin-progress toward a fulfilled show.

A.Cox

Purrcussion: Elvis Presley’s 20 Love Songs

faithevans sportseditor

Look back to the time of poodle skirts, vinyl records and“going steady.”The 1950s included not only the birth of Mr. Potato Head and Barbie, but also the birth of rock and roll. A star emerged from Sun Records in Memphis, Tenn. In 1954, and boy, he knew how to hook the ladies with his smooth talkin’ lyrics and scandalous dancing. Elvis Presley sang like a dream, and his love hits on the 20 Love Songs record melted hearts over the years.

The collection explores a wide variety of tempos and experiences of love. Songs like “Love Me Tender” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love” pull at the listener’s heartstrings with a slow, mesmerizing beat and deep, rich lyrics that exemplify the “honeymoon phase” of a new relationship.

“Return to Sender” and “Good Luck Charm” satisfy listeners looking for more upbeat tracks.

Each song seems completely different than the last one, with a different story and a different spin on romance.

Listeners feel as if they experience Presley’s exact emotions within the song.

German lyrics from Presley’s hit “Wooden

Heart,” “Sei mir gut, sei mir wie, du wirklich sollst, wie du wirklich sollst,” give listeners a taste of his diversity. The lyrics translate to “be good to me, the way you really should be to me, the way you really should.” Presley served the United States army for 17 months, stationed in Germany, from Oct. 1958 to March 1960. The song, half in German and half in English, provides a tasteful, antique sound and fun rhythm for listeners.

This Valentine’s Day, put on your “Blue Suede Shoes” and let yourself feel “All Shook Up” for Presley’s record, 20 Love Songs. This blast from the past refreshes listeners’ musical taste and gives a vintage outlook on the music of today, earning this album five-out-of-five stars.

Reporter’s note: This review is dedicated to Phyllis Evans.

Actors practice their dances for Oklahoma!, Monday, Feb. 10,in the auditorium.

Gormican directs a series of ‘Awkward Moments’ breederry editorinchief

St. Valentine’s Day marks a day for couples to celebrate, but also when cinemas all over the country release the latest romantic movies.

While it released Jan. 31, two weeks before the holiday, That Awkward Moment, directed by TomGormican,offersafreshperspectiveonthe stereotypical romances that audiences endure annually.

Gormican directed a movie that approaches a relationship from a man’s point of view -- or rather, from three men’s points of view. Jason, played by Zac Efron, fills one of the major roles in the film and leads the viewer through the scenes with his brief commentary. After Mikey, played by Michael B. Jordan, discovers that his wife not only cheated with his two best friends, Jason and Daniel (Miles Teller) swear to stay sin-

gleforaslongaspossible.

With hearts determined to remain unattached, the boys head out for a night on the town to reintroduce Mikey to the dating scene and rebuild Mikey’s roster of women. This night marks the beginning of a passionate and changing relationship between Jason and Imogen Poot’s character, Ellie.

Ellie immediately attracts Jason with her natural beautyandfeistyattitude.

While Jason and Ellie go to her place, Daniel adds another woman to his roster with the help of his wing woman, Chelsea (Mackenzie Davis). Still aching from his broken heart, Mikey returns home alone.

Mikey’sfirstnightsingleelegantlyandhumorously foreshadows the rest of the film. Efron attempts to pursue a relationship with Ellie, while Daniel and Chelseadiscoverdifficultiesthatdevelopwhenbefriendingtheoppositesex. Mikeyattemptstofight his still-strong emotions and move on from his cheating wife. Though they promised to remain unattached, they each endure complications of

dating, all without exposing their true relationships toeachother.

The movie exposes a man’s thoughts on almost every kind of relationship, from a simple hookup togrowinglove. Whilethefilmfallsunderthelabel of romance, it remains not innocent eyes. Mature scenes surprise viewers and happen almost unexpectedly,butGormicanrefusedtoholdbackwhen introducinghisnewtypeofromanticcomedy.

But of course, the way the actors portray their characters proves to be essential when creating a film. Efron breathes life into Jason, creating a sexy, witty and lovable womanizer ultimately unlike his starringroleinHighSchoolMusical.

Efron’s character highlights Jordan’s lovable role as a divorcée. The tone in his voice and his body language create a realistic image of a man trying toholdhimselftogetherwhileinwardlyshattering.

Acting as comic relief, Teller offers that awkward friend that everyone wants. With every word and action, he crosses personal boundaries, from daily bathroom visits in Jason’s apartment to a room of

people seeing his pants around his ankles at a holidaydinner.

Even when acting completely serious about his new relationship, Teller provides viewers with a laugh as a taxi cab sends him head over heels, literally.

While the plot and acting offer a refreshing glance at romance, twwhe costumes fall short and lack originality. Regardless of that, the superbactingspinsawebofheartbreakandhope for the future of each character. That Awkward Moment combines crude humor, drop-dead sexy men, and three realistic love stories to create a new type of romantic comedy that perfectly suits both men and women. But viewers beware -- the movie sports an R rating for a reason.Forthosewhoblusheasilyatthehumorina typicalAmericanPiemovie,avoidThatAwkward Moment. Even with crude humor and stereotypical costumes, the superb acting and the entertaining storyline earn ThatAwkwardMoment four-and-a-halfoutoffivestars.

9 Feature Student dances her way to London

Friday, February 14 laurenreitz senioreditor

After auditioning for the Universal Dance Association’s (UDI) All-American Team, junior Taylor Offerdahl pursued the opportunity to perform in London’s 2014 New Year’s Parade along with 300 other jazz dancers.

Offerdahl started dance classes at a local studio, Dantz Dynamix, at age 3. This opportunity of a lifetime presented itself just 13 years later at UDI camp. “We each learned three routines which we performed in groups of two in front of the judges,” Offerdahl remembered.

After performing the routines, the newly selected elite members of the All-American Team received the option to go to London for the New Year’s performance. To fund raise, Offerdahl received a little help from her biggest supporters: her family.

“It’s incredible to me that my little sister did something as extravagant as

going to London by herself,” gushed Offerdahl’s older sister and freshman at Lewis-Clark State College, Maddie Offerdahl. Her family also provided monetary support.

“My relatives gave me a lot of money,” she laughed. In addition to accepting generous donations from her family, Offerdahl held raffles for gift cards from local businesses such as Happy Day resaurants and Spot On Yogurt.

“With the raffle, I earned about $1,500. ...It helped out a lot,” said Offerdahl. Upon raising the funds, she booked her nine-and-a-half-hour flight from Seattle to London, where she spent the following six days.

But the trip brought more than business. She visited Windsor Castle, the official royal residence, for an entire day. “Oh my goodness, it was so pretty,” she gushed, “but we couldn’t take pictures [unfortunately].”

Offerdahl’s positive London experience influenced her decision to

audition once more for next year’s All-American Team, in hopes of traveling to New York to perform. Her other

future aspirations include attending Gonzaga University. “I want to be on Gonzaga’s dance team,” she said.

Courtesy of T. Offerdahl

The All-American dance team performs during the New Year’s parade in London.

THE BENGAL’S PURR 10 News Annual events occur at not-so-annual times LHS students sprint ahead with Conflicting shedules result requirements to graduate early in Prom date change faithevans sportseditor socialmediaeditor

Five students graduated from LHS Jan. 24 through the early graduation program offered by school administration.

The early graduation program at Lewiston High School provides the opportunity to move ahead with one’s future by enabling seniors to graduate following the first semester of their senior year.

The seniors who graduatedinclude Bryann Konrad, Paige Miller, Jasmin Moore, Randi Munson, Hannah Sarmiento. In order to be successful with this program these students worked to obtain 54 credits in just seven semesters. “I took

three online classes over the summer and had to put off electives until my senior semester,” said Moore.

Typically, students complete the 54 credits in eight semesters and graduate in the spring with their class. In order to earn t h e credits early, early graduation students enroll in summer school, online classes or a combination of both.

“Students need to assess what their goals are, and have a clear reason for the early graduation,” said Williams.

chloekirk reporter

As of Friday, Feb. 7, LHS administrators changed the date of the annual spring Prom at the Elks Lodge to April 12.

The administrators decided on the official date change from after student leadership suggested the switch. According to Kevin Driskill, principal, the Distributive Educational Clubs of America, nationals’ competition date changed

to the weekend of the original Prom date.

After examining all possible dates, administrators and leadership said they attempted to select a day that conflicted least with extracurricular activities.

“I don’t know if any day benefits all of LHS. … We were trying to have the least impact on the least amount of kids,”said Driskill.

Every year the Freshman Dance for Sacajawea and Jenifer junior high schools falls the night before Prom in order to combine budgets and decorations.

A dance committee decided

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11 News

Friday, February 14

Bowlers plot to ‘strike’ again tilsenmulalley reporter After defeating Lake City High Coeur d’Alene, the Lewiston High School bowling team prepared for the state championships in Burley, Idaho, Tuesday, Feb.18.

Though the team goes to state every year, the bowlers said the feeling of excitement stays ever-present.

“You don’t really get pumped until you’re actually there,” said senior bowler Jaime Schacher. “Once you’re there and you have all of these people surrounding you, then your adrenaline really goes up.”

Whoever wins takes home the coveted title of champions for the season and receives first place medals.

This year, the bowlers face fellow high school teams from Burley, Post Falls and several other towns around Idaho. The difference though, is that

the other teams are supported by their respective high schools. The team is affiliated with LHS by name only and operates out of Orchards Lanes.

However, the players said they don’t bowl just to win. Each year, the Lewiston Junior Bowling League awards $7,000 in college scholarships. Any person age 5 to 20 who bowls in a tournament becomes eligible for part of the scholarship money.

In addition to the scholarships already available, all LHS senior girls on the team last year received a $100 scholarship during a memorial tournament for Ashley Nelson.

Nelson, who passed away in 2012, bowled for the local team. Each recipient of the scholarship belonged to Nelson’s graduating class of 2014. The team keeps Nelson’s ini-

T. Mulalley

The 2013-14 LHS bowling team gathers at Orchards Lanes during a practice.

tials sewn onto their sleeves in memorial.

“I don’t know about everyone else, but I was bowling for Ashley,” said Austin Kuhn, of 2012’s champi-

onships. The other bowlers quickly agreed.

“I think we have a real chance this year,” said Coach Mike Ralstin of this year’s team. “They’re real good kids.”

LHS gains ecofriendly water fountain chloekirk reporter

C. Kirk Student Resource Officer Robert Massey earned a top police award in January.

During winter break the LHS maintenance department installed a new water fountain called Elkay EZH2O in the sophomore hall due to a broken pipe.

A pipe for the water fountain froze and broke during Thanksgiving break. So maintenance searched for an upgrade, according to Kevin Driskill, principal.

The water fountain brought clean, quick way to fill up water bottles for students (three times faster than a standard water fountain) and enhanced sustainability by minimizing disposable bottle use.

An electronic sensor for water bottles provides touchless sanitary operation.

According to the EZH2O web site, the

fountain saves consumer spending on plastic water bottles, the environment from plastic bottle pollution and energy to produce plastic disposable bottles.

Many consumers use plastic water bottles, while others opt for reusable water bottles. 38 billion disposable bottles go into landfills, or more than $1 billion worth of plastic, according to EZH2O. As of Thursday, Feb, 14, LHS saved 2,708 plastic water bottles according to the fountains digital counter.

“It’s easy access and the water tastes a lot better,” said Jamie Bakker, English teacher.

Massey recieves top police honor Students suffer late winter mckennaanderson websiteeditor

The Lewiston Police De partment awarded LHS Student Resource Officer Robert Massey as the Employee of the Year for 2013.

Every January the police department employees of the investigation, patrol and communications departments select one employee to receive this award.

“It was a great honor-- it was neat that some of my other colleagues took the time to throw

my name in the hat,” said Massey.

As LHS’s Student Resource Officer (SRO) Massey oversees school legalities, implicates punishment when needed and enforces rules. Massey also acts as a counselor for troubled teens.

“He’s a really nice guy and every time I see him around campus he always has a smile on his face. He definitely deserved this award,” said Emilee McCullough, a junior at LHS.

tilsenmulalley reporter Monday, Feb. 10, marked the first school delay in Lewiston in recent memory.

After an advisory from the Idaho Department of Transportation about the danger of the icy conditions, the school districts of Lewiston, Clarkston and Asotin issued a two hour delay for all schools.

“It was pretty icy. There were a lot of people sliding around,” said Junior Ryan Rhodes, a student who drove to school that day. “I saw two elderly women get into an accident.”

Dr. Robert Donaldson, superintendent of the Lewiston IndependentSchool District No. 1, authorized the delay after conferring with the superintendents of Asotin and Clarkston.

“We thought it was the safest option,” Donaldson said.

Typically winters pass without hindrence in the district, and the two-hour delay happens to be the first since administrators issued an early release in 2012.

12Variety

Hip Skip

THE BENGAL’S PURR

. . . s l l a H e h t , n i ays of LHS d w ll a r h e a h He We walked arounmdet things we heard are so and these

“I like kissing mangos.”

“I JUST REALLY LIKE HAMBURGERS!”

Daft Punk

Dead Mau5

Beats Pill

Beats Headphones

“Can you go to jail for not following the 10 commandments?”

Frozen

Tangled

Freaky Facts about February

Flappy Bird

Candy Crush

Good Samaritan of the Issue

“I went fishing for birds once!”

February is the only month that can pass without a full moon. This last happened in 1999 and will next happen in 2018.

The birthstone for February is amethyst.

The Boys Scouts of America were founded Feb. 8, 1910.

Brian Larson Mr. Larson picks up garbage all around the LHS neighborhood every day during his lunch to help clean up the school.

Thank you, Mr. Larson, for all your help!

Upcoming Events Hawaiian Lunch Luau.............................................................................Feb. 19 DECA Be-You-tiful Fashion Show, Macy’s........................................Feb. 22 SAT................................................................................................................April 16 Senior Project Presentations..............................................................April 25

Have a good samaritan nomination?

Tell us about it in room 103!

Junior/Sophomore Elections.....................................................March/April