January 2015

Volume 92, Issue 4 | January 2015

Add the words

prom plans| Page 2

Valentine’s Day | Page 4

trash talk| Page 5

spotlight wyatt mccormick| Page 6

students promote amendment to idaho human rights bill

photo by | cooper king

Preston Cole | editor-in-chief

How a Bill Becomes a Law

Human Rights: sandpoint high school students show their support for the Idaho human rights act amendment

A

dd the Words is a political action committee in Idaho focused on adding “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to the Idaho Human Rights Act (IHRA).

Recently, the additions were printed for introduction in the Idaho Senate after s ev-

february Dates to remember

06 18

pretty kitty plc early release day

eral and

years of activism in

protests Idaho.

“I was in the protest, in fact I actually started it.”

Eric heil| junior This amendment to the IHRA will allow for protections in housing and employment based on sexual orientation and gender, which previously has not been enforced in Idaho.

Some Sandpoint High School students were a part of the protests in favor of this amendment at the girls’

letter to the editor Carrie logan | mayor of sandpoint

To the students of Sandpoint High School, I just got through reading in the Daily Bee that students raised a phenomenal amount of money.

Kudos to you for your effort, caring, inspiration and success!

Because of what you accomplished a lot of kids will have a really happy holiday this year.

Hopefully you are as proud of yourselves as I am.

basketball state games last year.

Junior Logan Finney stood with supporters where they could potentially be arrested at the Idaho State Senate Chamber.

“There was a protest actively going on in front of the Senate Chamber, and one of the band students went over and stood with the protesters, and we stood to the side, supporting,” Finney said.

Eric Heil, also a junior, was a part of the protest as well.

“I was in the protest, in fact I actually started it. I was in Boise for the state game, and I saw the protesters standing outside the doors...I asked if I could stand to the side [and not get arrested],” Heil said.

Even though these protests happened in the past, Finney and Heil (among many other Idahoans) are still passionate about this issue.

“It will definitely guarantee that more people will have equal opportunities and rights in Idaho. I hope [the bill will pass],” said Finney.

While this bill is only beginning its journey through the Idaho state legislature, it has made it through the first step of being introduced before the Senate.

Both the Human Rights Club at Sandpoint High School and the students interviewed in this article have shown their support for this legislature. It will still be awhile before this bill makes

twitter.com/shscedarpost issuu.com/cedarpost facebook.com/shscedarpost instagram | @cedarpost

News

Prom plans

2015

Sarah Wells | Business Manager

E

ven though the date of prom, April 25, is still three months away, Student Leadership has been busily making decisions about this year’s event.

Most students may initially notice that the date for prom is earlier than it has been in the past.

This date change was due to scheduling conflicts with other events that had already been planned for this year, such as sporting events and field trips.

However, even though this date is unusual for Sandpoint High School, Student Leadership officers have a positive outlook.

“It feels a bit early, but I think it will be convenient since it won’t be so close to graduation,” said Senior Class President Aislynn Robertson.

“I’m feeling pretty good about prom being early this year. I know that it has been later in the past three years,” said Associated Student Body President Emily M c K a y .

Robertson and other senior council members have been researching and actively working on prom plans for several weeks now, but the final details will take more time to sort out.

As the date approaches, Student Leadership is also projected to organize a prom committee, made up of seniors who are interested in being a part of the planning and set-up of the event itself.

“I think prom will definitely be a huge success, just the students of the senior class will make it amazing,” said McKay.

Across the

Globe

Lauren sfeir moves from lebanon to the U.s. sadie nitcy| news editor

M

oving from one culture to another can be challenging for anyone, let alone moving across the globe after one year down of high school. Lauren Sfeir, a sophomore at Sandpoint High School, did just this. After years of a life settled in Beirut, Lebanon, Sfeir moved to Sandpoint over the summer of 2014.

Sfeir lived and was born and raised in the busy capital of Beirut, Lebanon, which lies along the coastline of Lebanon.

“My favorite part about living in Lebanon was my family and friends. My grandmother would make us a feast and the whole family would eat together,” Sfeir said.

The Lebanese lifestyle was not always easy for Sfeir, however, as a country in war for much of her time surrounded the country.

“In 2006, Israel and Lebanon got into a war and I spent that summer in the mountains listening to the fighter jets overhead,” Sfeir said. “In May 2008, the political television station that was connected to my building was set on fire by an opposing group

and they started off by shooting; we could hear it as it approached from far away and we were camped out in our hallway for 2 days.”

The destruction was not over.

“In 2014, suicide bombings were everywhere including one across the street from my house. My sisters and dad were at home and had heard it go off and had started crying,” Sfeir said. “My mom and I had to convince a soldier to let us into our house as the area was sectioned off.”

Beirut worked to rebuild its city as Syria began to bring in

Suicide

more conflict to both nations.

“My school has been having more and more students due to refugees coming from Syria. Having the Syrian conflict has affected Lebanon because it has received over 1,000,000 refugees,” Sfeir said.

While Lebanon will always be a home to Sfeir, she still continues to adjust to a new life in the United States.

“I like that Sandpoint is a small community, where everyone feels included,” Sfeir said.

who is

p r e v e n t i o n on to state?

Sarah Wells | Business Manager

I

n early January, students at Sandpoint High School learned that a fellow student had taken his/her own life over winter break.

In response to this, the Cedar Post interviewed Jeni Griffin, the Executive Director for the Suicide Prevention Action Network (SPAN) in Idaho to inform students and adults on how to cope with or help someone with depression or suicidal thoughts.

There are many different causes for feeling sad or unhappy that adolescents may experience in high school. However, knowing when negative feelings may be caused by more than just everyday life is an important step to take. “...if this unhappiness lasts for more than two weeks and starts to interfere with your life, it might be caused by depression.

Depression is a physical illness for which treatment is available,” Griffin said.

Identifying if a student or someone a student knows may be depressed and/or suicidal is a complicated matter, and asking for help can be even more difficult.

However, there are steps students can take to make the process easier.

“If you are having problems and thinking of hurting or killing yourself, tell someone who can help. [...] Don’t be ashamed

taylor martin| staff member

or embarrassed. A lot of teens and adults have problems that they cannot solve on their own.

Finding the courage to get help is often the first step toward solving your problems and becoming a happier person,” Griffin said.

There are also steps students can take to help friends who may be depressed or suicidal, and this is especially important as it is much harder to cope with depression or suicidal thoughts on one’s own.

“If you think that any of your friends or classmates may be thinking of killing themselves – tell a responsible adult; someone who is concerned with and understands young people and can help. [...] Don’t be afraid of being wrong.” Griffin said.

Some major indicators of suicide include: talking about or threatening to commit suicide, withdrawal from friends and family, changed eating or sleeping habits, agitation, giving away prized possessions and themes of death or depression in writing, reading or artwork.

If any student sees these signs in a friend or feels depressed or suicidal themselves, it is imperative that they talk to a trusted friend, adult, or suicide hotline and get help. Having the courage to do so is one of the hardest challenges any person in crisis will face, but that courage could be life-saving.

1st Place

2nd Place

3rd Place

lacheale linscott daniel durfee anthony mione treva nosdahl sadie nitcy india miller corinne mcclelland

taylor martin shayli hanson sadie nitcy corey calvert anthony mione sarah wells rachel royse

Don huang edward pilkington lacheale linscott sarah ahern aislynn robertson daniel durfee bruce bales maria henderson

BPA

A

regionals

fter a few months spent preparing, the business students of Sandpoint High School displayed their skills on January 9 at the Business Professionals of America (BPA) Regional competition at North Idaho College in Coeur d’Alene, ID. “Everyone did a great job. We have never had this many students qualify for State, and I am very excited,” BPA advisor Melinda Nieman said.

The participants engaged in both open events at the site of competition and previous events done before the competition date.

“The top three students in each event qual-

ify for state, and this year there was a total of 22 SHS students that ranked as high as third place,” Nieman said.

“I am really excited for state this year because I didn’t think I was going to make it and I had so much fun last year [at state] that I didn’t want to miss out,” LaCheale Linscott, vice president of BPA said. “There are a lot of people that made it to state from Sandpoint and it makes me proud to see so many people in our club getting far with their talent.”

BPA State will take place on March 1114 at Boise State University in Boise, ID.

O u R

V e I W

Early Drainage

New Plan Proposes Taking Lake Pend Orielle Down Much Earlier

N

ine months ago, the Kalispel tribe of indians proposed late summer or early fall drawdowns of lake Pend Oreille to better the local bull trout population.

During the summer, locals and tourists use Lake Pend Oreille regularly.

In fact, many even visit daily.

Between the beach, boating, and fishing, Pend Oreille provides many uses for the community.

The possibility of these uses being cut short is real.

Lake Pend Oreille was originally dammed in 1955 and it is operated by the U.S. Army Corps. Sixty years later, the community con-

tinues to struggle with seasonal water levels.

Currently, the struggle is caused by the drawdowns to better the bull trout habitat downstream from our lake.

With elevated snow above the lake this

winter, watersheds produce a risk of flooding.

Releasing mass quantities of water earlier could produce floods for other collecting bodies downstream.

Throughout the year,

Lake Pend Oreille has fluctuating water levels for various reasons.

Over the years, winter levels may fall between 2051’-2056’, whereas summer levels average at 2062’. During the summer, recreation and

tourism is greatly involved with the lake at its optimal height. With the lake possibly being lowered in the late summer, recreational activities such as fishing and boating would

have their seasons cut short.

Although the fun of summer could be limited, our local ecosystem would benefit. The bull trout population alone would greatly increase according to the lake commission’s blog. Over the years bull trout, along with kokanee have had below adequate population numbers.

The proposal of lowering the lake sooner has the population of these fish in its sights.

Overall, the lake commission has aimed to keep the recreational season around as long as possible, while also keeping the health of our local aquatic ecosystems in mind.

five star school

Illustration by Alex Baker

Lake Pend Orielle School District Graduation Requirements jackson russo | Opinion editor

W

ith second semester of the 2014-2015 school year already under way some seniors are scrambling to make sure they meet all the requirements so they will be able to graduate in June.

At Sandpoint High School there are many different requirements that are not mandatory to graduate in the state of Idaho itself.

To graduate high school in the Lake Pend Orielle School District you need 56 total credits, minimum, but the state only requires high school students to have 46 to graduate. Another difference is the state only requires students have 17 elective credits and the district requires 21.

Futhermore, the Lake Pend Orielle School District splits US His-

tory into two different courses. As a result of this, the district requires two more history credits than the state does.

One of the biggest and most controversial differences is that our district requires two PE credits and the state does not require any.

“PE helps the overall health of everyone and that is clearly good” Jake Timothy| Junior Students are split on whether or not P.E. should be a required class in high school.

“Stricter requirements will help

people challenge themselves more in school, which is better, but it is still tough to juggle everything,” said junior Jake Timothy.

Sandpoint High Scool is ranked seventh among Idaho schools according to usnews.com and this could possibly be attributed to the district’s tough requirements. Because students at SHS are required to take so many more classes and credits than the state requires, it helps boost our school into the top ten.

Another difference between state and district is our district requires students to have two practical art credits and the state requires none.

This is just another example of how the Lake Pend Oreille School District demands the best out of its students.

Should P.E. Be Required at Public Schools ?

no

yes

P

.E. is not something for everyone.

For the amount of kids who don’t participate in sports, it should be.

Physical education gives non-athletes the chance to be active and do something other than sit at school and home. Physical education is proven to make students more prone to learn in the school day. The percent of obese youth from 2-19 is at 17% or 12.7 million people according to Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. “It’s important for Americans to be fit”, said Bruce Bales. P.E should be required for the point of lowering childhood obesity. “Americans are overweight,” said Josh Suto. If kids are in P.E. Classes early they will develop team building, leadership skills and life lessons to help you in the future. In physical education you will be forced to be on teams and learn to interact with other children and problem solve to win for your team. To do so you will have to work together, give and take advice and communicate.

73 Percent of students said yes

27 percent of students said no

Cedar Post EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Preston Cole NEWS EDITOR

Sadie Nitcy OPINION EDITOR

Jackson Russo SPORTS EDITORS

Hailey dunn Darbey Scrimsher LIFESTYLES EDITORS

Jordan GarreTt Caroline suppiger COPY EDITOR

SaraH Almeida PHOTO EDITORS

Cooper king Madi sleyster SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR

Austin Laiche BUSINESS MANAGER

Sarah Wells WEB DIRECTOR

Galen May MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

Christian Crossingham STAFF MEMBERS

Dylan Kuzmich Jake Betcher Delia Boyd Oakley Pettit Ben Bristow Madi Schoening Mikayla Brennan Greer Cole Alex Lantz Taylor Martin Alex Baker

EDITORIAL POLICY

SHS Survey Dylan kuxmich| staff member

opinion

I

Ben Bristow| staff member

f you aren’t one of the people that enjoys working out, then why are we required to take P.E.?

P.E. teaches you no real life skills, and having opportunity to be at school and the ability learn many things can mean a lot to a student.

Having some of these periods used/wasted on P.E. will not teach you any important life lessons.

Learning how to take care of your body and stay in shape throughout your life is all covered in health class. And, because these classes give what you put into them, I don’t think they should be required at the high school. Students should be allowed to take a different elective and have the ability to explore something they are truly interested in. My suggestion to the school would be to provide more in-depth health classes where kids can work on improving their overall health and how to change their lifestyle.

The Cedar Post is governed by the same legal rights as the professional press. Under the First Amendment, we reserve the right to free expression and freedom of the press. The student newspaper of Sandpoint High School is an open public forum for the students of Sandpoint High School and the community of Sandpoint, Idaho, with its editorial board making all decisions concerning its contents; it is not subject to prior review by administration, faculty, or community members.

Unsigned editorials express the views of the majority of the editorial board.

Letters to the editor must be signed, although the staff may withhold the name upon request. The paper reserves the right to edit letters for grammar and clarity, and all lettersaresubjecttolaw-governing obscenity,libel,privacyanddisruption of the school process, as are all contents for the paper.

Opinions in letters are not necessarily those of the staff, nor should an opinionexpressedinapublicforum be construed as opinion or policy

SHSCEDARPOST.COM CEDAR POST 410 S. DIVISION STREET SANDPOINT, IDAHO 83864

Lifestyles

Preview Review The imitation Selma

2015 Oscar Nominated Best Pictures oscars air Feb 22 jordan garrett | Lifestyles Editor

Rated R

Rated R Focusing on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in one of the most difficult time periods known to our nation, this movie looks like an incredible rendition of the events Dr. King inspired. Personally, I cannot wait to see this movie.

Although the subject matter is not for the weak hearted, the movie looks incredible for the inspirational story it represents.

Game

Based in World War II, a group of mathematicians work to crack Nazi codes through the use of Enigma, a code believed to be impossible to solve. Despite the fact that math is involved, this movie looks like an excellent glimpse into the past. The subject matter may not fascinate or appeal to everyone, but the struggle towards solving the impossible may be enough to captivate your attention.

Whiplash The theory of Rated R

Don’t be fooled by the title of this movie, watching the preview is nothing like you expect it to be. This movie captures an aspiring drummer training under an excellent musician, but his teacher is nothing short of a monster. This movie depicts the struggles of success and the emotional journey towards making yourself into somebody.

Boyhood Rated R

everything Rated PG-13

I have done a review for this movie before, and am still just as charmed with the preview as the first time.

Following the story of Stephen Hawking, this movie seems to be an uplifting tale of endurance and courage. Eddie Redmayne plays Hawking, giving an excellent performance of the hardship Hawking faced when diagnosed with his disease, and the passion he continued to have for life.

american sniper Rated R

Following the life of a young man from childhood into young adulthood, Boyhood looks like an absolute must see. The trailer alone gives me goosebumps for the candid and original story portrayed in the movie. The movie seems to be a cinematic representation of growing up, awakening a feeling of nostalgia in everyone.

birdman Rated R

Comic books hit the screen in Birdman. A man who played the superhero Birdman, finds himself beaten down by the life around him. He begins to transform in the character he played, feathers and all. This movie seems to be a psychological thriller, testing the boundaries between reality and fantasy. If you enjoy action-packed films with twists and turns, this movie is for you.

Whenever I hear people talking about this movie, it’s about how much everyone wants to see it.

Bradley Cooper plays the character of the most deadly American sniper in history, capturing the hardships faced in his position. I think this movie looks like a heart-wrenching, action packed kind of movie with a story that you will always remember.

The grand budapest hotel Rated R Of all movies on this list, this movie takes the win for the film I want to see most. The Grand Budapest hotel entails a timeless sense of humor, you’ll find yourself giggling just watching the preview. The movie seems truly grand, over acted and ridiculous all at the same time as it follows the story of a lobby boy at the hotel.

Romance, crime, mystery and comedy all collide in this new feature.

cedar post’s declassified 2015 survival guide

Lifestyles

caroline suppiger | lifestyles editor delia boyd| staff member

photo by | sarah wells

photo by | hillary contor

photo by | sarah wells

Here are a few tips from some cedar post memebers about how to survive the spring semester

“Humor is your greatest defense, especially in high school.”

“Sleep is for the weak. Study through it.”

photo by | gavin klein

christian crossingham

galen may

jackson russo

“Don’t worry about yesterday beacuse in 20 years literally no one will remember what happened.”

There were actually 14 Saint Valentine’s in recorded history, not just one.

greer cole “No flex zone.”

delia boyd “Remember to put your health before school. It’s more important in the grand scheme.”

photo by | jean-luc albertson

photo by | tina stevens

photo by | jason duchow

“You need three things: oxygen, protein, and weight lifting.”

preston cole “I can’t think of a life tip.

I’m 17.”

Ten things you didn’t k n o w about

valentine’s day 1

photo by | sage fitchett

photo by |jason duchow

taylor martin

darbey scrimsher

“Nothing and everything matters, all at the same time.”

“Don’t be Greer.”

photo by | jason duchow

“Fake it ‘till you make it. ”

“Live your life to the fullest and stay positive.”

sadie nitcy

photo by | alex lantz

madi sleyster

photo by | megan beuscher

Sarah Almeida

austin laiche | social media editor

2

On February 14, around 278 A.D. Saint Valentine was executed for performing marriages in secret.

3

The first valentine card was sent from jail.

4

Valentine’s Day became an official holiday in 496 A.D.

5

Cards for the holiday began mass production in the U.S. During 1847.

6

Over 190 million valentines are sent per year in the U.S. alone.

Alex lantz “Don’t give a hoot.”

be mine, valentine

1. Even if they are cheesy, stuffed animals are cute and will always make that special caroline suppiger | lifestyles editor someone smile.

2. Chocolate! No matter what she says, girls love when they get some chocolate hearts.

1. Surprise him with a coffee or 3. Flowers are always a token of appreciation. Leave some in hot chocolate in the her car for a fun surprise. morning.

4. Jewelry is always a good go to gift for a special someone.

Maybe chose something with her birthstone!

2. Let’s be honest, guys like chocolate too. Grab a box of chocolates for your guy.

5. Homemade treats may 3. Switch up date night for a change and pay for dinner, be difficult to make, but movie or any outing of his choice. It’s a nice gesture to they definitely prove show how much you care. how much she 4. Write a “love note”. As mushy as it is, it’s sweet to let your guy know means to you. that you appreciate him.

5. Pick up his new favorite movie, popcorn and some treats for a movie night. Let him watch his choice of movies for a night.

7

15% of American women send themselves flowers for the occasion.

8

About 3% of pet owners send their furry friends valentines.

9

The holiday itself wasn’t associated with love until a millennium after its creation.

10

February is the second most popular proposal month. (December is first)

SPORTS

dancing to a new beat lily waldrup expresses herself through a unique dance Mikayla Brennan | Staff Member

C

onsidered to be the oldest known dance by some experts, belly dancing is a common dance among women in the Middle East, Mediterranean, and northeastern Africa.

Some sources claim that the pyramid builders in ancient Egypt were belly dancers.

In most cultures, the dance was traditionally performed for other women, usually during formal events such as pre-marriage ceremonies. African women would sometimes perform in street markets or other public venues trying to earn coins for their dowries. The women would sew

these coins onto their clothing for safe keeping, creating the style of garment most would relate to belly dancing today. Typically, belly dancing costumes consist of vibrantly colored scarves, veils, and coins.

Modern and traditional belly dancing is often performed barefoot.

Although it’s origins come from these middle eastern places, people all over the world practice the art of belly dancing.

One member of the SHS Dance Team, Lily Waldrup, started to teach herself the talent about two years ago. More recently, she has taken up classes with an instructor to become better. Waldrup has been dancing for four years, learn-

ing multiple styles of dance.

Today belly dancing is still used as a celebration of heritage and a form of expression, but in the United States it is more commonly used as a way to get some exercise. “ M y f a v o r ite thing about dancing is being able to express my emotions through p h y s i cal activity and gaining more and more body control,” said Waldrup. cooper king| photo editor

FEATURed STUDENT ATHLETES | Biography |

| Biography |

Wyatt McCormick is

Hailey Combs is a

a junior who is very

junior who is a multi-

talented. He proves his

sport athlete who

athletic ability through

pushes the limits and

football and cheer-

strives for unreach-

leading.

able goals.

|how did you become |who inspired you to wrestle| a cheerleader| “freshman year, the cheerleaders convinced me”

| what is your favorite stunt| “a one man stunt because it’s challenging”

|why does cheerleading interest you|

cooper king| photo editor

“my older brother, David”

| what is your favorite move| “a double leg, especially when I knock them across the mat!”

|do people forfeit because you’re a girl| “no, I think it’s be-

“I like the competition

coming more com-

because I’m very com-

mon to have girls on

petitive”

the team” cooper king| photo editor

yelling from the crowd Students talk to other sports teams in an inappropriate manner Delia Boyd| Staff Member

T

rash talking is a well known weapon in most sports, and while it can be very useful in giving players an edge on their competition, too much of it can take away from the true spirit of the game, and make players forget the real reason they’re athletes.

An example of trash talk close to home is our very own basketball team. On Saturday, January 17th, the Sandpoint basketball girls’ and boys’ team celebrated a great victory over Moscow in Inland Empire League games. Yet while they were excited over their win, some of them seemed much more focused on making sure they trash talked Moscow in person and over social media than concentrating on their sports’ purpose.

Sophomore football and basketball player Taran McLaughlin said of trash talking, “You can get into the opponents head and it makes the game more interesting.”

Many famous sarah wells| business manager athletes such as Muhammad Ali, Larry Bird and Michael Jordan are as well known for their use of trash talking as they are for being good at their sport.

Trash talk and mind games can mean as much as a player’s abilities in competitive environments, and there’s really no limit to what you can say about an opponent. tory, which is the tradition. Silva However, you can also lose reis a world champion and arguably spect from talking trash, and in one of the most talented fightsome cases ruin your reputation. ers in UFC history, but because When Anderson Silva fought in of his excessive showboating UFC 112, his showboating was so there is a stain on his reputation. embarrassing that UFC boss Dana Junior soccer player Ashly White refused to put the champiBusch pointed out, “It can defionship belt on him after his vicnitely bring a player down and

it can reflect on their playing level and bring the spirit down.”

There is really only one unspoken rule of trash talking: you’ve got to have mad skills if you do it. If you’re trash talking others and bragging about your skills, you better have some serious game or you’ll be a laughingstock.

packing a punch brelynn converse and her story of mma fighting

sPORTS

PHoto by| Cooper king

PHoto by| Cooper king Madi schoening| staff member andpoint High School has students all throughout that are involved in activities outside of just school sanctioned sports.

Some people find their passions beyond the norms of high school and would rather spend time out in the woods or playing card games or even in the ring.

Junior Brelynn Converse is a multisport athlete including basketball, track and MMA fighting.

Her inspiration to become involved in such a time consuming and physically demanding sport was to give herself a better outlook on what she can become.

The one who got Converse really started in MMA was her sister. She thought that it would be a great outlet for Converse to express herself through a physical challenge while also being interested in the sport.

After asking Converse what her most proud achievement was, she answered, “I got second at state last year and have only been knocked out 5 times out of 256 from the time I started MMA fighting to now.”

For such a demanding sport, Converse explains, “I train through my weaknesses only to make them my strengths and put usually 24 to 35 hours per week to my training.”

Converse has been asked if she uses it as a defense mechanism before. Her response was, “You can use your skills as self-de-

S

PHoto by| Cooper king

fense, but you’re not allowed to unless you are attacked first. All fighters are under a code of honor. And to know if they’ve been attacked first, it’s if they get three good hits in, then

“I got second at state last year and have only been knocked out 5 times out of 256 from the time I started MMA fighting to now” brelynn converse | mma fighter you can fight back. If they are just trying to cause some trouble, we are trained to just pin them down and calm them using pressure points.”

A life skill that Converse has learned is how to use self-anger management tactics to calm either oneself down or another person.

“There are pressure points in the hands, feet, and back that will naturally slow the heart rate down to calm someone.”

And to prepare for a match she explains, “I have my

coaches from Coeur D’ Alene there to help me get ready and get my head into the match. Then I get my wrists taped and wear a padded helmet.”

Converse is no longer involved in the MMA as of 2015. The program took all medical and gear insurance off all fighters. “I bring in a lot of money for them from my fights so I didn’t find it fair that they get to take away my insurance if a shoe was to break in the ring.”

Brelynn Converse is dedicated to her sports and is willing to put time into her activities to better herself.

Students at Sandpoint High School can find any activity they may be interested in their own c o m m u n i t y, just like h e r.

| SPOTLIGHT |

Motorcross, Alex Mays

Galen may| web director

When did you start?

“I started when I was old enough to ride and then I got into racing with my dad in 2012.”

Where do you compete?

“Last year I went to Clarkia, it’s the Fossil Bowl race track and I race in the 125-250 intermediate class and I have a CRF250R.”

What is your favorite part about racing?

“My favorite part is just the whole entire race, just racing against people like if there’s someone at your same level then your are battling the whole race trying to be first.”

Are you sponsored?

“Ya, I’m sponsored by One Industry and Smith Optics.”

s n o i t a r e n e g e h t h er

b g m e u m o y l i r m a h f t a h t s i t w n r o i s spo re their pas a h s s t n e d u shs st

PHoto by| Cooper king oakley pettit| staff member or both Casey Randles and Taylor Ward, competing in their respective sports really is a family affair.

Mike Randles is the head coach of the wrestling program, which includes his son, Casey. Duane Ward is the head coach of the girl’s basketball team, which includes his granddaughter, Taylor.

Both of these student athletes develop a special and unique relationship with their family member.

It’s not always easy though.

The long car rides home after a loss, having the relationship solely centered around the sport, arguments, exclusivity, and favoritism are some of the potential downfalls of having a family member as a coach. It can be very hard on both family members’ relationships at times.

But there is also so many upsides. It can strengthen and rekindle relationships. The coach will know child’s limits better than anyone else, so they can push them to their limits to do the best that they can. Also, the parents get a keen sense of joy in being able to see their child triumph.

Taylor Ward, a sophomore, has her grandfather, Coach Duane Ward as a basketball coach on the girls’ varsity squad. “It can both be positive and negative having my grandfather as my basketball coach,” said Taylor. “He knows me really well so he knows

F

FAST

A C T S

• Mike is the youngest of 13 • Casey and Mike’s birthdays are one day apart • Casey was one of the last citizens to be allowed to sit in the pilot seat of a commercial airplane, a few weeks before 9-11 • In 1960, Duane was the quarterback for the first undefeated football season @ SHS • Taylor can read over 300 words a minute

how far he can push me. He always talks to me about new plays, or what he’s going to do next.”

Coach Ward also agrees that it is an overall positive experience having a granddaugh-

ter as a player. “It’s been good for us, we’ve learned a lot about each other,” said Ward.

“It’s greatly strengthened our relationship.”

Mike Randles coaches the varsity wrestling team including his son, Casey, a sophomore.

“Overall it is a positive experience coaching Casey,” said Randles. “It creates a great wealth of memories that we can always look back on.”

“Sometimes I have troubles remembering that his roles as a coach and a father are separate, said Casey. “Like sometimes I take his criticism as a coach too personally, and I forget that he’s just trying to make me a better wrestler. But overall it is a positive experience having my father as a coach.”

Even though a lot of work is put in to not only coaching a team, but also one’s child/grandchild, most coaches seem to agree that it is all worth it.

In the countless hours spent together, they have the memories, the pictures, the special moments, the small victories and the great triumphs to look back on. Having a close family member as a coach is overall a very favorable experience just for the simple reasons: being able to teach them, to be a positive role model for them, and to help them to be successful not only in sports, but also in life.

Post Script

Great Scott!

Back to the Future II: This Spielberg and Zemeckis film debuted in 1989, and starred Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly, a teenager who must time travel (again) to the future year, 2015. Some of the differences between the expected 2015 and the actual 2015 are shown here.

Sarah Wells | Business Manager cooper king| photo editor

les

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Sty

Varsity style jackets and shoes in the style of Marty McFly’s are popular in 2015, as they were in the movie.

Te c

Clothing

2015 according to back to the future II Selfadjusting clothes still haven’t been invented

C a rs

Not all cars on the road are futuristic, as they are portrayed in Back to the Future II.

d Trend e l i s Fa Pockets inside-out, however, haven’t become a “thing”

A Bell-bottom Tour of Europe

el

iT meAndTrav

most importantly, time travel still hasn’t happened... (yet)

A Novel by Pam Lippi Available at:

Ivano’s Ristorante Editors’ Note: The pink theme in this issue on the front and back pages is honoring the life of a student at Sandpoint High School; more information is available on page 2.

Sandpoint, Idaho

PamLippi.com Amazon.com

HOW TO BE SEEN IN 2015?

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