Winter eDition Explore Different Religions Page 5 Pick Out the Perfect Gift
Volume 87, iSSue 4
page 5
December 2009
SanDpoint HigH ScHool
Top Ten
Predictions for 2010
The Power of Art
Human Rights exhibit uses students work to inspire, create and inform
Journalism students were asked what will happen next year, here are their answers:
Mr. Miles will finally shave Swine flu will alter pig DNA so they can fly Global freezing will kill us all
SHS football team will win the state championship Mr. Search will give an A+ to each of his students, and everyone will love him Dinosaurs will come back to life, and we will use them instead of cars Moving will be done by tying balloons to your house and floating it to the new location SHS students will stay the same while everyone else in the world changes
Dr. Kiebert will drop out of “So You Think You Can Dance” after suffering a knee injury
Jules lutz
Staff reporter
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or the first year ever, Sandpoint High School hosted the annual Art of Human Rights exhibit. The show took place Thursday, Dec. 10, in the SHS foyer, where attendees were greeted by a performance from the Sandpoint Middle School Mixed Choir. Among the schools that presented artwork for the exhibit were SHS, SMS, Sandpoint Waldorf School and Sandpoint Charter School. “I am so proud of the work put in by my students,” SHS art teacher Heather Guthrie said. “They were very understanding of the limitations presented and they did an outstanding job.” Bonner County students in middle and high school were invited and coordinated by the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force and the Pend Oreille Arts Council to contribute artwork voicing social protest. Much of the artwork presented was inspired by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The need for such an internationally accepted document was glorified after the atrocities of World War II. The United Nations played a crucial role in the advancement of these international humanitarian laws. The purpose of the exhibit was to inform and ignite introspection in students on issues that speak to the core of humanity. Some of the issues addressed in the artwork, among many others, were the right to life, right to equality, right to an adequate living standard, and right to freedom of speech. The exhibit allowed students who participated a chance to state their personal beliefs in deeper and creative ways. Senior AP Art student Amanda Barnett expressed her social protest through two pieces, one on women’s rights and the other on gay rights. Both pieces articulated her belief in the necessity of equality. “I feel everyone should have equal rights,” Barnett said. “It doesn’t matter your sex or if you’re a man who loves a man — we are all equal.” Displaying the art in the foyer gave students outside the art classrooms a chance to experience exhibit in a unique medium. Although the show was well
Censorship: Right or Wrong?
Sandpoint High School hosting the Human Rights Art Exhibit was not without some controversery. SHS Principal Dr. Becky Kiebert and art teacher Heather Guthrie struggled to find the balance between the appropriateness of nudity and controversy in art versus freedom of speech. In the end, students were asked not to include nudity in their pieces of art. “Our No. 1 focus has to be on offering information, which sometimes involves bringing up controversial issues,” Kiebert said. “But we also have to make sure that these controversies don’t disrupt the education process.” Having the art exhibit at SHS gave more students a chance to contemplate and appreciate the art, but with its setting in a public school entry way, students might have been offended by nudity or controversial debatable subjects. The other side of the argument is
that under the Declaration of Human Rights and the U.S. Constitution, human beings are allowed freedom of opinion, the right to petition, and the right to express beliefs in a peaceful manner. It is in the interest of such rights that the exhibit was held. “I think that the world has enough ugly stuff as it is that we don’t need to make it uglier with art,” Guthrie said. “However, art is the voice of social protest — sometimes it is meant to shock.” Kiebert and Guthrie concluded that they were unsure students could grasp potentially offensive material without being vulgar or heinous in the delivery. Both Kiebert and Guthrie agreed censorship is an extremely controversial facet to freedom of speech. As a result, it can be difficult to find an appropriate balance between what is necessary and what is extraneous.
Artwork from left to right: senior Lindsey Cook, Charter School students, and senior Rori Shah.
Holiday season hits Sandpoint
Bad economy poses problem for local businesses
Jule Paul
Staff reporter
Holiday gifts: more beneficial online or in stores? Jule Paul
Staff reporter
Christmas season means buying presents and spending money — a good thing for retailers. In today’s economy, however, businesses are struggling to keep their sales consistent with those of previous years. Consumer spending accounts for 70 percent of the economic activity in America, but with the economy still recovering, many American families are saving money any way they can. Reports have shown that more people are taking advantage of deals, such as those found on Black Friday, but on average, they are spending less money. Local and small businesses are usually the first to suffer, as they often cannot compete with the prices of national stores, such as WalMart. The last two years have been a challenge for Eve’s Leaves, but despite the bad economy, the clothing retailer’s income has increased this year.
winter break countdown
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attended, a few students and teachers would have liked to see it hosted in a more formal setting. “I think the pieces get kind of lost with all the other distractions in the entrance,” junior Aisha Graham said. “I don’t really feel like I’m in an art show.” The effort and thought that went into the exhibit, however, was well received by the community and participating schools.
Everybody has heard of Black Friday. Getting up ridiculously early, running into stores and grabbing as many items as you can possibly hold to get the best deals is part of many Americans’ Thanksgiving weekends. However, a term that many may not be familiar with is “Cyber Monday.” Cyber Monday is the Monday following Black Friday. It is a day when Web sites offer special deals to shoppers, much like stores do on Black Friday. Focus.com reported that Black Friday 2008 took in $41 billion, while Cyber Monday took in $846 million. SHS students and teachers mostly still prefer the old way of buying presents — going to stores. Sophomore Shea McCormick prefers shopping in stores, both locally as well as in Coeur d’Alene and Spokane. Shopping continued page2
Economy continued page 2
What’s inside?
News.....................................................................Page 2 Opinion................................................................Page 3 Arts & Culture.....................................................Page 4,5, Sports...................................................................Page 6,7
123456789 nine memorable moments of 2009 page eight
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The Bypass will be completed... in 2053
I want to get my supermodel figure back. -Kevin Clyde, senior
Read more New Year’s Resolutions on page 4
Page 2
Cedar Post
December 2009
Toys for Tots Sandpoint: A Walking Town? huge success Pedestrian safety reconsidered after deaths at SHS AmAndA HAyes Staff reporter
Lions Club hopes to reach goal of $50,000 GArrett dunn News editor
It’s winter again, and Bonner County residents have been preparing as usual. The tree in the Sandpoint fountain has been lit, and many charities have resumed, fueled by the Christmas spirit. It is a time of giving and people are ready to help those in need, especially in these rough economic times. One of those charities, Toys for Tots, has already begun raising money for their cause. The Sandpoint Lions Club started their charity off with a bang before winter even started. In September, the ladies’ motorcycle group, the Scootin’ Sisters, rode their bikes for the cause, bringing around $4,300. The Lions also had their annual three-day turkey bingo event, which brought in another $1,800 towards their goal of $50,000. The Scootin’ Sisters aren’t the only ones helping out. The NHS program at Sandpoint High School was involved in donating, and all students at SHS had the chance to donate Dec. 7-11. This year, students raised a little more than $2,000 , helping to give toys to those who might not get them come Christmas. But the giving doesn’t stop there. If you’re a student who forgot to bring anything into school and still wish to donate, toys can be left in donation boxes in Sandpoint-area banks, Wal-Mart and the Bonner Mall entryway, along with Nu-Way Storage and North Idaho Spas. Also, if you wish to give financial donations, they can be left at Panhandle State Bank’s Sandpoint or Ponderay locations, the front desk at the Bonner County Daily Bee or mailed to the Daily Bee, P.O. Box 159, Sandpoint ID 83864, ATTN. Toys for Tots.
In light of last month’s pedestrian fatality, Sandpoint officials are considering whether new measures are needed in order to ensure public safety. The intersection of Cedar Street and Fifth Avenue where Anthony James Joerger, 46, was killed, may be creating a situation of unnecessary danger for pedestrians. Although the collision is still under investigation, Sandpoint Mayor Gretchen Hellar foresees the possibility of improvements in Sandpoint’s future. “There are a lot of changes we could make as a city,” Hellar said. She cites doing away with the ability to turn left on a red at some of Sandpoint’s intersections, including the one found at Cedar Street and Fifth Avenue. Also a probable danger are walk signs, which Hellar said go on 10 seconds before the light turns green at this particular intersection. It has also been suggested that better lighting would improve safety. Mark Harley McElroy, 49, hit Joerger at 5:20 p.m. on Nov. 19 as he was turning onto Fifth from Cedar. The accident occurred well past dusk, and according to reports, McElroy
did not see Joerger using the crosswalk. Joerger was a member of Sandpoint’s Pedestrian Advisory Committee, a position to which he was appointed by Hellar. The city does not know what action, if any,
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Students need to take their time, be patient, and drive home safely. -Derrick Hagstrom Resource Officer
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needs to be taken until the final accident report has been completed by the Idaho State Police. “Both sides (pedestrians and drivers) need to be more aware of their surroundings and pay attention,” Sandpoint High School resource officer Derrick Hagstrom said. “Sandpoint has a lot of congestion, and you need to be vigilant when you’re crossing the road.” Safe intersections do result from good driv-
ers, but Hagstrom noted that, “It’s important for any community to be consistently assessing safety concerns or issues.” The accident was not one of unprecedented occurrence. In 2006, Mark Eugene Carter, 48, was killed at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Poplar Street. Following the tragedy, adjustments were made to signs and lighting. “Accidents are not random, they tend to happen because of a problem,” Hellar said. She feels that this problem deals with “not just this accident, and not just that intersection.” Even if no changes are made by the city, both Hellar and Hagstrom hope that Sandpoint residents and SHS students will use increased caution in driving and crossing streets. Hagstrom admitted that congestion, especially when leaving Sandpoint High School, can be frustrating. “Students need to take their time, be patient, and drive home safely,” he said. Hellar hopes that this accident will be seen as an example. “Be careful even if you have the right of way,” Hellar said. “ It doesn’t make any difference in the end; you aren’t going to win the battle. All of us have mental lapses.”
SHS hosts annual ‘Moose Madness’
Bonners Ferry travels to Sandpoint for spirit competition GArrett dunn News editor
Last year, Sandpoint High School and Bonners Ferry High School started a tradition: one of sports, friendly competition and excitement. Known as Moose Madness, the tradition is a challenge between the schools for which one truly has more school spirit. The winning school receives the moose antlers that were decorated by the students of both schools. The moose antlers were won last
Sarah Palin returns to her roots
year by host Bonners Ferry. Because the event was held in Bonners Ferry, some SHS students couldn’t help but wonder if there was a “homecourt advantage.” “It would seem that any team playing on their home court has the advantage,” senior Maddie Gill said. “People are more relaxed and comfortable in their own territory.” Fortunately, this year things will be different. Moose Madness comes to Sandpoint, giving SHS students a chance to prove their worth against the Badgers.
Students are thrilled about the opportunity to host the game for the first time. When asked if she would be excited to show her spirit, junior Natalie Charbonneau said. “Definitely, especially after last year’s performance.” This year’s game is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 16, with girls playing at 6 p.m. and the boys at 7:30 p.m. The dance team, and many other groups here at SHS will be performing and showing their school spirit.
Drama performs at State
SHS students go to semi-finals, win two medals tAlA Wood Copy editor
Sydney MorriS
nVice presidential author: Former Vice Presidencial nominee Sarah Palin speaks with a young man suffering from Down syndrome while signing copies of her new book at the Sandpoint Events Center. Palin, who has a son with Down syndrome, was born in Sandpoint. The next edition of the Cedar Post will have an exclusive interview.
Shopping from page 1 “Online shopping seems inconvenient because you can only see a picture of the product,” McCormick said. Freshman Anna Andruzak shops both online and in stores for Christmas presents. She buys online at American Eagle because “they have more stuff online.” Andruzak also shops in stores, such as PacSun, since they have more in-store options than online. Senior Meghan Hamilton shops both online and in stores for presents. She buys other peoples’ presents in stores because she shops all year for Christmas presents. For her own Christmas presents, however,
Hamilton prefers to shop online because she knows exactly what she wants and always gets “really excited” when it arrives in the mail. SHS teacher Woody Aunan buys his Christmas presents in local stores. He prefers buying locally and usually does not go to Coeur d’Alene or Spokane to go shopping. His sons are grown up now, so they usually buy each other socks and books. Junior Trevor Kost also prefers shopping in local businesses. Kost, who works at Merwin’s True Value Hardware, knows how local businesses have struggled during the economic downturn and wants to support businesses like the one that employs him. “It’s nicer to go to local stores and help the local economy,” he said.
Every year, District Drama, a competition for drama students, is held, and the winners from each category go on to compete at State Drama. There, a series of rounds are completed, the best entries of which are given another round: semi-finals. The best of the semi-finals go the final round. In the closing assembly, the medalists for first, second and third place are announced. This year, State was hosted in Idaho Falls by Bonneville High School. A charter bus, which SHS shared with Coeur d’Alene High, was rented for the nine-hour drive South. The Coeur d’Alene drama teacher summed up the talent seen with a single statement. He said something to the effect that SHS students should all look carefully at the faces they see at the competition because these were the people whom they would see on the television a few years from now. SHS, while one of the smallest groups there, sent seven out of the nine entries to semi-finals and took home two medals.
Economy from page 1 Owner Marilyn Sabella feels that because she is a local business owner, she wants to give back to the community and so chooses to shop locally. Arlo’s Ristorante has noticed a drop of about 20 percent. As Americans try to save, eating out has become a luxury for many. The owner of Arlo’s also feels that the media
Jennifer Jansen won third place for a serious original entry entitled “Weight Loss,” and a serious ensemble entry called “Teenage Traffic Fatalities,” which consisted of Maggie Miller, Sarah Glewwe Caleb Nishimoto, Osaze Ogbeide, Darian Brown, and Nichele Blanchard. These same students were the only ones who made finals. The entries that made semi-finals included: an ensemble serious called “The Final Goodbye” with Amanda Comstock, Joey Eich, Adam Leas, Kristina Ricci and Tala Wood; an original serious entitled “It’s Not Me, It’s You” by Jaclyn Breakey; another original serious called “In My Head” by Amanda Barnett and Tala Wood; “Mice”, a solo pantomime done by Hunter Price; and “Clawfoot Interview/Lady’s Last,” which was a solo audition by Adam Leas. Other entries included “The Evil Fluffball,” an ensemble humorous with Darian Brown and Karli Hergenreder, and an original serious entitled “The Strangest Thing,” by Maree Congdon and Joey Eich. overuses the term “recession,” as it is “like a black cloud.” Arlo’s has noticed that people often split meals and are more cautious about spending money. To take advantage of the Christmas season, Arlo’s has a Christmas show with music to get more people to come to their restaurant and enjoy their food. It is personal touches like this that local businesses are offering to compete with national stores chains.
Cedar Post
Our View
Page 3
December 2009
How the Economy didn’t steal Christmas
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sk not how the recession will effect you, but rather ask how you will effect the recession in the coming holiday season. Whether the fact is accepted or not when the holiday season is mentioned, some (if not most) people think of the wrapped iPod nanos, cute clothes, computers, board games, train sets and surprises that they will be opening in the near future. Unfortunately the coming holiday season appears to be a double-edged sword of sorts. If consumers buy, buy, buy and spend exceedingly beyond what they can afford, interest builds, and the economy is eventually harmed more than it was ever helped by the money that was spent to buy gifts. This year a fairly new idea has been circling the interweb: a Buy Nothing Christmas. Started by an organization of Canadian Mennonites this particular idea has gained popularity especially quickly in this hard economic situation. In fact, the Buy Nothing Campaign Facebook group, which was created by www.adbusters.org, has over 81,000 members. However, will this effect the holiday “tradition” of gift giving? No. Holidays shouldn’t be focused about gifts anyway. They are a time for family, friends, giving thanks and feeling closer to one another. Americans should stop obsessing over buying items for one another, and instead, just enjoy each others company.
These are phrases Cedar Post staff members have heard from students of SHS. The views expressed in Word for Word are not necessarily shared by the Cedar Post.
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• I dropped my water bottle in the hallway and it concussed itself • Hang on, I’m busy putting together a spine
evan metz
Her
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ady GaGa, n, A woman with a beautiful voice, but a celebrity who hides behind ridiculous costumes, insane lyrics and overly repetitive beats.
A few weeks ago, my older sister came home from University of Idaho for Thanksgiving. She readily admits to being a huge Lady GaGa fan, whereas I would rather cover my ears and eyes and run away screaming when her music comes on. It is simply not my cup of tea. After the American Music Awards, which Lady GaGa performed at, my sister opened her laptop and played a video of Lady GaGa off YouTube. I was shocked to hear a beautiful voice accompanying a piano. I thought my sister was playing a joke on me. I looked at the screen and it confirmed my belief that it was a joke. Sitting at the piano bench was a pretty girl in a long blue dress belting out a wonderful blues song. There was no way this fantastic performer was the crazy, bleach-blond Lady GaGa who sings about her “Poker Face” or how she “Likes It Rough.” My eyes shifted over to the edge of the screen to look for the name of the real singer. You can understand my shock to learn that it said, “Lady GaGa as a student at NYU.” I couldn’t believe it. I liked Lady Gaga. Turns out she is really talented; I just wish she would focus on the singing, and not breaking vodka bottles on her piano while setting the stage on fire. But that could just be me.
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have not recited the Pledge in nearly six years. I stopped during the Bush administration, since I believed that our country was not a nation “with liberty and justice for all.” After the U.S. elected Obama, I desperately wanted to be able to recite the Pledge, and feel proud of my country. But the words still would not come. I still do not feel that this country is treating all of its citizens fairly. Lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transsexuals (LGBTs) do not have many of the rights that heterosexuals take for granted. The Idaho hate crimes law does not address those based on gender identity or sexual orientation, or permit transsexuals who have had Sexual Reassignment Surgery to change the sex stated on their birth certificates. The state law also does not address discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation, or allow marriage between same-sex couples or have any other forms of recognition, like civil unions. And that is just one state. Five states have made legal, or soon will permit, same-sex marriages. 31 have, through referendums, blocked such marriages. Why does the US have such a fear of LGBTs in the first place? We don’t have a fear
View
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with Jules Lutz
ast weekend I went on my break for work, as I always do, grabbed a cup of coffee and searched for the first newspaper on hand. I was struck by the cover of Inlander’s front cover: “The faces of Homlessness.” I have to admit that I have rarely given homelessness more than a second thought, but for some reason these faces and stories spoke to me. I was surprised to find that a few of the individuals photographed chose to live on the streets. Why would anyone chose to be homeless? At first this thought baffled me, but the more and more I thought about it, the more and more I began to understand. I realize some who are homeless lack the income or resources to maintain a stable environment, I realize some who are homeless are just flat out lazy, but what is far more fascinating to me is that a major facet to the homeless psyche is pure rebellion. They refuse to contribute to a society that they don’t believe in, or a society that utterly disappointed them. It is a direct devotion to social protest. I have to admit that I completely agree with this particular mindset. I feel that of heterosexuals or their marriages. Want proof? Get onto one of the school’s computers, and try to open something like “The Windy City Times,” a newspaper that caters to LGBTs: Access Denied under the category “Adult Lifestyle.” Try to get onto one of those marriage Web sites who talk about marriage problems (heterosexual) and hey, total access. And marriage isn’t an adult lifestyle? We have given the right to marry to all races. Up until 42 years ago, interracial marriage was illegal in 16 states. Today, the thought of forbidding two people to marry because of the color of their skin is not an accepted one. We know that it is a racist idea, and our government does not support it. A Louisiana justice of the peace who refused to marry an interracial couple resigned after receiving criticism from everyone, including Louisiana senators. Although interracial marriages of the time accounted for less than 2 percent in 1970, the right was still extended to them. LGBTs make up about 10 percent of the population, but they do not have the same rights. While Obama has signed into law the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, named for a gay college student who was tortured and killed in 1998 and a black man who was dragged to death behind a pickup truck, hate crimes are only the violent tip of the iceberg. A significant percentage of the United States population is being denied their rights. How can we go abroad and say we are on the side of human rights when we do not extend them to all of our own people?
there is a lot of corruption in advertising and government control that just isn’t talked about. I respect and recognize their passion, however, there is one aspect I have difficulty accepting- instead of trying to change the society they abhor, they chose to do nothing. I could begin to quote for you many cliche statements, spoken from many famous people, all trying to say the same thing; in order for there to be change in the world we first need to begin by changing ourselves. Nothing in this world is perfect, not everyone and everything will coincide with our beliefs. We are the ones that need to adjust to the world, we contribute the change we want to see period.
• Holy crap, your water bottle does smell like bacon • Don’t step on my Pop-Tart again • Fama Fama Fama!!! • She thinks it’s weird when I bite his neck • I wish I could taste color • Would you ever eat Brad Pitt’s pinky? • Why are you eating your hair? • If you can’t stay in your clothes, don’t twirl
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• I’m not in the mood to deal with elves
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ast September, I ran into a car while bike riding and it turned my world upside down. A lot of people’s first thought on waking up in the morning is, “What is the point?” I don’t know either. We go to high school to go to college to go to work to go retire to go die... Yeah. It all seems so empty. I started pondering about time, meaning, and all the whys of life well before I hit that Mustang. Last summer, believe it or not, I had briefly contemplated what might happen were there to be an accident. I conjectured that a brush with death might reveal what life is all about. Be careful what you wish for. In reality, the brain works very slowly when you get a concussion, and is in no shape to have an epiphany of any sort about life. Hell, I was still in denial about hitting the car until after about a minute of watching my arms bleed out on the street. That’s when I panicked. I still didn’t have a clue about life. Mikka Nostdahl, on the other hand, had an insight about life at my expense. He saw the blood spattered everywhere and decided that he didn’t want to be a doctor after all. Love you, Mikka. It was only after begging the ambulance guy — who happened to be a Christian — for some assurance of heaven in case I died (He readily complied, explaining that Jesus already died for my sins), that I realized what a loss I was actually at and how unsure I was of everything in life, and even more uncertain of what will happen after death. I still am. So, in order to avoid a pointless existence, I am on, and have been on, a search for significance in life. So far I know that the meaning of life isn’t a one-size-fits-all phrase, but a complex web with countless parts. In other words I know... nothing. I did learn one thing, however: Helmets are good. After smashing into the car, taking off its side view mirror, and flying over it like a rag doll, my head was the first thing to make contact with the ground: “Hello ground.” Mr. Ground broke my helmet. Had I not been wearing it, I’m pretty sure my head would’ve exploded like a watermelon. Wear your helmet!
Feel passionately about something? Want your voice to be heard? Want to express your opinion? We are your public forum. Drop a letter with your thoughts and name in room E8 or e-mail shscedarpost@gmail.com
Jennifer Prandato Editor-in-Chief
Jessie Webster Assistant Editor
Graham Cole hannah meek
Arts & Culture Editors
Garrett dunn News Editor
eddie oGle Sports Editor
Connor Griesemer Photo Editor
meranda Carter Graphics Editor
tala Wood Copy Editor
brooke Williams Advertising Manager
mikka nostdahl Office Manager
William love Adviser
Editorial Policy 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 letters are subject to law governing obscenity, libel, privacy and disruption of the school process, as are all contents for the paper. Opinions in letters are not necessarily those of the staff, nor should an opinion expressed in a public forum be construed as opinion or policy of the administration, unless so attributed.
The CP strongly encourages you to voice your opinion through the student paper. E-mail your letter or bring it by E8.
Sandpoint High School 410 South Division Sandpoint, ID 83864 (208) 263-3034 ext 244 0000
Page 4
December 2009
Cedar Post
A New Year
DIFFERING BELIEFS With many religions beginning their traditional celebrations, editor-in-chief Jennifer Prandato explores four religions of students attending SHS
Krishelle Ward
Andrew Pearlstein
Jehovah’s Witness
Jewish
Junior Krishelle Ward is a Jehovah’s Witness, a religion that believes in everlasting life beyond earth, Jesus and his resurrection, but holidays are not to celebrated. “We believe that most holidays have a pagan origin,” she said. “[Pagan] means not Christian, so since Jesus didn’t celebrate the holidays, we shouldn’t either.” Jehovah’s Witnesses do acknowledge one day: the death of Jesus Christ, which is held sometime in April. However, during what many Americans deem the “holiday season,” Ward’s days stay constant. “We just live our everyday lives,” she said. “[My family and I] enjoy the weather and the lights, but we just don’t celebrate it. I mean, it’s beautiful, but we just don’t believe in it.”
Senior Andrew Pearlstein is in a unique situation — his mother is Catholic and his father is Jewish. “We’ll celebrate them both,” he said. “But we usually get Christmas presents and celebrate Hannukah with food.” Being exposed to both religions, Pearlstein can make the distinction between the two easily. “The main difference between Christianity and Judaism would be that [Jewish people] don’t believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” he said. “We believe that God’s son will come to earth and save us, but we don’t believe it’s happened yet.”
Ben Chitlungsei
Michelle Rockwell
Buddhist
Catholic
Buddhists practice the beliefs of karma and reincarnation, and, while they don’t celebrate Christmas, they participate in their own celebrations. “We have some holidays, such as a day where we celebrate water,” senior Ben Chitlungsei said. “[In some places], entire cities would be soaked just because of that.” Like Ward, Chitlungsei’s family treats other religions holidays like “normal days,” although they may focus on meditation and studying Buddha’s concepts.
Sophomore Michelle Rockwell practices Catholicism, a religion that pays special attention to Christmas as the birth of Jesus Christ. “We’ll go to church [on Christmas] or the night before,” she said. Rockwell’s family generally participates in activities like decorating a Christmas tree and exchanging gifts. However, ornaments and presents aren’t all Christmas is about. “Catholics believe that Christmas is Jesus’s birthday,” Rockwell said. “It’s a time of celebration.”
Sandpoint students contemplate 2010 resolutions
AmAndA HAyes Staff reporter
Sandpoint High School students are sharing mixed feelings about devoting themselves to New Year’s resolutions for 2010. Some of the discrepancy seems to stem from a portion of students who question the effectiveness of setting firm resolutions. Either they are unsure of the purpose of setting yearly goals, or they feel spending time to create them is a waste of energy. “New Year’s is good, but all of the resolutions are stupid because no one ever keeps them,” junior Markie Franck she said. She wonders why people feel that they need to wait until such a momentous event as 2010 in order to begin. “I don’t see why people don’t just start now,” Franck said.
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I think New Year’s resolutions are great, because it at least gives you the chance to try.
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-Alicia Eberle Junior
Sophomore Dylan Vogel opposes any suggestion of a New Year’s resolution. “I think New Year’s resolutions are for people who are very, very vain,” he said. Vogel questions the legitimacy of a participant’s power to change. “Too many people make shallow, not well thought out, New Year’s resolutions,” Vogel said. Other students still place faith in the annual tradition. Junior Alisha Eberle said, “I think New Year’s resolutions are really great, because it at least gives you the chance to try.” Eberle supports the effort of some students to better themselves. Others have set their goals at extreme heights this year. Senior Galen MacDonald would like “to grow a super-legit flowing Gandalf beard,” while junior Davie Mullen hopes to stop genocide. “I want to get my supermodel figure back,” said senior Kevin Clyde, who is aiming to be back down to 75 pounds. Also attempting to better himself is senior Anders Nostdahl. “I’m gonna try to be nicer to my favorite brother (senior Mikka Nostdahl),” he said. Senior Lindsay Jennings wants to make the most of her New Year’s resolution. “I’m gonna clean my car out for the first time since I got it,” she said.
I am confused with “Happy Holidays”
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ow I miss the days when I would get candy canes from Wal-Mart and hear, “Merry Christmas!” after I paid for the candy and walked out of the store. I miss the days when everyone was cheery around Christmas time and everyone put on a happy face and enjoyed the time with family and friends. In current times, it seems like the government has to be “politically correct” about everything, even interfering with the Christmas spirit. I hold no religious beliefs, but I have nothing against the cashier at Wal-Mart telling me to have a “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!” Instead, I have to listen to the cashier say, “Happy Holidays.” This makes me confused, because then I forget what holiday we are celebrating when they say this. “Happy Holidays” could mean anything: Happy Easter,
Happy Birthday, Happy Thanksgiving ... I want everyone to be equal and have equal rights, but come on, taking the merry out of Christmas really dampens my Christmas spirit! It seems like every year it gets worse and worse, and more people are angry that their religion isn’t celebrated and demand equal rights. I know that technically Christmas is celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth, but I never celebrated Christmas as a Christian holiday. I am sure half of America doesn’t celebrate it as a Christian holiday. I believe that Christmas is a time to enjoy with family and friends, and to exchange gifts with one another as a symbol of love. It’s definitely my favorite time of year and holiday, and if anyone tries to take Christmas away — even trying to ban Christmas trees — I will get really upset and might even start a protest rally.
My point is that the government is trying to take the Christmas spirit away! I want to hear people celebrate and be merry during Christmas! I want to hear people say, “Merry Christmas” to one another as they are walking past each other! I don’t want to be confused with “Happy Holidays” anymore!
Cedar Post
Page 5 December 2009
5 things to do during Holiday Break g Go ice skating Express yourself through the art of ice skating, just don’t try the Iron Lotus until you’re ready. g Fight with snowballs Relieve stress, make friends, build forts, throw snowballs.
Spot light the
Senior Shelby Hendrickson met with her brother... for the first time in 18 years Jennifer Prandato Editor-in-chief
g Build/live in an igloo You don’t have to be stranded in the wilderness to enjoy an igloo. g Host a hot cocoa party Fight the chill of winter with friends, and remember the whipped cream. g Go to a cookie exchange These parties are one of the last places a medieval barter system can be found, but are much better because you don’t lose your hands if you steal a cookie.
SHS volunteer club makes a difference Local Key Club branch participates in charity events beneficial to world Graham Cole
Arts and Culture editor For the past two and a half years the Sandpoint High School Key Club has been trying to make Sandpoint a better place under the direction of Connie Kimble. The Key Club is an organization based on “promoting higher social values,” said Kimble, the club adviser. One of the Key Club’s goals is to remain an active part of the community. One way Key Club accomplishes this is through picking up odd jobs and doing community service. On Dec. 12, the Key Club dressed as elves and helped out with Tina Sleyster’s Speech Pathology Center, and on Dec. 18, they made paper snowflakes with the kids at the Head Start Center. “We are the teen chapter of the Kiwanis, a local business, that focuses on volunteer and community service for the youth,” Key Club President John Briggs said. “We always help out with the Festival of Trees, which actually just happened, and we help out with Head Start because we really support what they do.”
The SHS Key Club does not only work to make its community a better place, however. On a much larger scale the Key Club also works to better the world. Last year, both Operation Christmas Child and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) received aid from Sandpoint’s Key Club. Operation Christmas Child is an international organization, which delivers gifts to needy children all over the world. Like Operation Christmas Child, UNICEF is an international organization that focuses on the children of developing nations. UNICEF works to ensure education, nutrition and protection to all of the children of the world. The Key Club meets every Monday after school in room W14. The officers of Key Club are Briggs; senior Jennifer Prandato, vice president; senior Jessie Dexter, secretary; and junior Mariah Brakey, treasurer. In the holiday season, the Sandpoint High School Key Club is busier than ever. If you have the time and inclination, your help is appreciated and needed.
Around this time of year, people really begin to cherish their family lives and feel closer to one another. Senior Shelby Hendrickson is no exception, although her situation is more unique. “My dad told me [I was adopted] when I was three,” Hendrickson said, noting that she embraced her adoption by “telling everyone about it.” Contacting her birth family never really crossed her mind, but on a seemingly normal day, everything changed. Hanging out with her mom and friends one day, Hendrickson’s friends began talking about their heritage. Being adopted, Hendrickson did not know her nationality. “I had no clue what I was,” she said, “so I asked my mom and she got really emotional and showed me all my adoption papers.” Noting that she was French and German, she did not pay much attention to the event until the following night, where the course of her life
(same price or lesser value)
Must bring School Identification Card
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By eddie oGle
Every year when December rolls around, people remember the season of giving. With holidays right around the corner, many are looking for gifts to give to their friends and loved ones. Everybody wants to pick out the perfect present, but quite often it is hard to come up with the perfect gift idea. After all, each person should get a unique gift, important to them. Here are some things to think about as you do your annual holiday shopping. PARENT GIFTS Getting your parents the perfect gift is a great idea. Not only will they enjoy what you get them, but you can easily gain “Perfect Child” points. Your gift should be something personal — something that shows them how much you care. Think of a gift your parent might need, or just something that can make them smile. Try making them a homemade card along with your gifts. Remember, moms always like smelling great and having jewelry. Many dads tend to enjoy gifts that they will use often. Try purchasing something for a hobby they like to do.
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was changed forever when her it just started picking up.” have raised the child seem mom handed her the phone. Hendrickson’s brother hesitant and afraid to let their On the phone was and cousin greeted her with child be contacted. Luckily, Hendrickson’s birth mother, practical jokes, such as tying Hendrickson’s parents have who had contacted her firecrackers to the door or been nothing but supportive. “They were the ones who siblings to get a hold of her. throwing them into rooms. “It was really exciting,” she This behavior made it obvious really supported me going said. “I didn’t even to Hendrickson that down to Texas to meet my brother,” she said. “And know who it was. I’ve my mom was the one always grown up having a mom and talking to I’ve always grown up having a who really wanted me to the woman who gave mom and talking to the woman talk to my birth mom.” Meeting her blood birth to me was really kind of weird, but we that gave birth to me was really relatives opened up opportunities to had a lot in common.” kind of weird. Hendrickson that she Hendrickson, an -Shelby Hendrikson wouldn’t normally only child, was invited Senior consider. Currently, to fly down to Texas she is enrolled in the to meet her blood Health Occupation 2 relatives for the first time, her 22-year-old brother, they were indeed related. class and wants to pursue the “Personality wise, we’re profession of a registered nurse. Anthony, and cousin, Justin. the same,” she said. “I play “I want to go down to Texas She agreed, and, although practical jokes on people all the A & M University and get into it was their first meeting in eighteen years, Hendrickson time and so does [Anthony].” school there [because] this Besides Anthony and experience has really made me said the “trippy” experience Justin, Hendrickson has a want to go there,” Hendrickson went better than fine. “I was really, really nervous,” younger sister, Lisa, who lives said, who implied that she she said. “I couldn’t sleep on with their mother, as well as did not consider Texas the plane, and [when I met an older sister, Shantelle, who before meeting her brother Anthony], I didn’t know what resides in Phoenix, Ariz. In and cousin. “[Texas A & to say or talk about and neither some adoptive situations M] is close to my brother. did he. But once we got back to where biological parents The towns are basically the apartment where he’s living, are contacted, parents who separated by a street sign.”
FRIEND GIFTS Getting your close friends presents is an easy way to have fun. It’s always great to get them a super funny gift to make them laugh. It’s also fun to look around for small gifts to brighten their holiday season. Going to a goofy, random store for your friends is the best. Picking out fun accessories is always a good choice. Fun sunglasses, Jesus Band-Aids, hats and bracelets are all fun ideas.
SIBLING GIFTS When you aren’t an only child, you tend to spend a great deal of time with your siblings. In many families, siblings have close relationships and know each other well. Getting them a good gift can only strengthen your relationship. It’s good to get a gift to remember a good memory you and your sibling shared. Knowing your sibling’s hobbies and activities can lead to a good gift. Sometimes shoes are good too. Just know what colors they like.
REMEMBER! Picking out the perfect gift can sometimes be a challenging process, so knowing where to look is very useful. Many online stores have good gift ideas for a great price. Also, during the holiday season, many online stores offer free shipping. If you plan on buying gifts locally, many stores offer great deals now, and can be helpful in your shopping journey.
Come by and see John and Michelle for your after school treats! Deirde Hill Liz Evans 710 Pine Street Sandpoint 208-263-9012
Page 6
December 2009
Cedar Post
What’s new?
Several ski areas offer improvements this season Schweitzer
Molly Burgstahler Assistant copy editor
This year Schweitzer has 2,900 acres of terrain, more than many popular ski resorts. The closest is Crested Butte Resort with 2,651 acres. As of Dec. 15, the mountain has 23 runs and 800 acres open. There are four lifts open.
The unofficial start to the winter sports season begins Dec. 19 when most students around the Inland Northwest begin their two-week winter break. For a lot of students this is the time to hit the slopes. Here is a quick look at what is new at resorts around the area.
Silver Mountain Silver features a gondola to access the ski hill from the main lodge at the base of the mountain. They also have the Silver Rapids Waterpark, which includes the Flow Rider (a surfing simulation), the lazy river, Cub Cove (a kids’ play area), Minor’s Island (a multi-level play structure), Warm Springs, Hoop Lagoon (an activity pool including basketball hoops), and several other fun family activities.
49 Degrees North 49 Degrees North will open Angel Peak this season. A collaborative project between 49 Degrees North and the United States Forest Service, Angel Peak has been transformed into seven new runs and about 170 acres to create more of the glades that 49 Degrees North is known for. The upper half of the peak will be hike-to-terrain, but the lower section is accessible from Chair 4 and the “Lost Dutchman,” and existing run. Planning is under way for a chairlift accessing the Angel Peak summit to be built in 2011. One of the most interesting additions to the mountain resort is the installation of a public restroom on the summit of Chewelah Peak, the main mountain, making it the highest toilet in the Northeast Washington State.
Mount Spokane Mount Spokane has installed a brand
Whitefish Mountain
new Tubing Hill at Lodge 2, their main facilities. It is scheduled to open by Dec. 18. The new Tubing Hill features a rope tow to haul sliders back to the top of the hill, as well as lighting for night-tubing. Children’s Choice Dental sponsored the Tubing Hill. Their new pricing structure is less expensive, with three hour sessions costing only $10 for adults and those over 42 inches tall. Those under 42 inches tall are free, but must ride with a paid adult.
Mount Spokane also will use a bonus operating schedule for this winter. They added eight additional nights to their night skiing schedule, bringing the total of night skiing sessions to 48, more than any other local resort. This spring, the resort is adding Daylight Saving Hours to the regular ski day. This will extend their closing time from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Also, their schedule has been extended to be open during Spring Break 2010.
Prices and Numbers
Dec. 19 to Jan. 3 Winter break for Lake Pend Oreille School District
Schweitzer Lift Ticket: $42 208.263.9562
Jan. 7 USASA Boarder X @ Silver Mountain
Lookout Pass Lift Ticket: $24 208.744.1301
Jan. 16 Wham Bam Rail Jam @ Silver Mountain Jan. 16-18 Sandpoint Winter Carnival
Silver Mountain Jasper Gibson
n ShreDDiN’: Local snowboarders launch off an early season jump at Schweitzer Mountain Resort.
Mt. Spokane
Whitefish Mountain
Jan. 30 USASA Comp @ Schweitzer
Lift Ticket: $54 406.862.2900
Feb. 5 Toyota ski free day @ Mt. Spokane March 5-6 Outrageous Air Show @ Schweitzer March 19-21 Stomp Games @ Schweitzer April 3-4 Tropical Daze @ Schweitzer Jasper Gibson
from the Cedar Post staff
Lift Ticket: $34 208.783.1111
Lift Ticket: $33 509.238.2220
Jan. 23 USASA slopestyle @ Mt. Spokane
Happy Holidays!
Want to be better prepared in the wilderness? The Ski Patrol at Whitefish is offering scholarships to classes in Wilderness First Aid Certification, Wilderness First Responder Certification, and Level II Avalanche Certification. The classes will be held in Missoula, Mont.; Big Creek, Mont.; and Stevens Pass, Wash., respectively. The application deadline is Jan. 1, 2010, and the scholarships will be awarded on Jan. 7, 2010.
Niemanns
December 2009
Cedar Post Page 7
The Profile Barry Wilson Staff reporter
Player
Quick Facts Santa Claus Team: North Pole Reindeer Position: Quarterback Height: Tall Weight: Jolly
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Santa Claus has been a part of popular American culture for generations. Every year, Santa takes on the enormous responsibility of delivering presents to millions of children worldwide, asking only for cookies and milk in return. Santa’s career has been fraught with allegations of fraudulence, throwing his very existence into doubt. But the Cedar Post recently scored an inclusive interview with Santa. Here is what he had to say. What’s your training program for the 24th? “Staying up all night can be rigorous. I have to condition my body and mind for such a strenuous event as Christmas.” What is your favorite sport? “Snowmobiling, ice hockey, reindeer games.”
Is this Christmas like all the others, or is there something special about year? “Christmas is always special, but this year times have been tough. Kids’ lists are longer than ever, and we’ve really had to ramp up production.” What do you do for the other 364 days of the year? “I am always very busy making toys, eating cookies and training.” How do you fit all of the toys on your sled? “I have to make many, many trips back and forth, which is why I have such a rigorous training program.” How can you do it all in one night? “That’s the magic of Christmas.”
Another star athlete finds trouble
T
iger Woods recently stated,“I have let my family down and I regret these transgressions with all of my heart.” These words were found on Tiger’s Web site after the golfing great was charged with careless driving and fined $164 by Florida authorities. He caused $3,200 of damage after crashing into a tree and fire hydrant across from his driveway at 2:25 a.m. on Nov. 24. At the time when Woods’ neighbors appeared at the scene, he was reported to be lying on the street, barefoot and snoring. His wife, Elin, broke out the
back two windows of his Escalade with a golf club. She asked the neighbors, “Can you help me? Can you please help me?” The neighbors then called 911 and Elin was reported to be nearly silent for the rest of the investigation. Many might wonder why his wife was chasing after him in a golf cart, and why he was shoeless and snoring. Woods has been publicly portrayed as having a perfect golf game, family life and strong personal ideals. Golf Digest featured Woods in its January issue, offering “10 things Obama can learn from Tiger — and vice versa.” Being the “Michael Jordan of Golf ” puts obvious expectations on a person who has never experienced a major scandal before. Tiger’s recent troubles have show us how quickly an icon can lose credibility and respect from the public. The reason for his quick rush from home raised a lot of eyebrows. US Weekly magazine put Woods on its cover on Wednesday, Nov. 25. Hours after the magazine reported allegations of a two-plus-year affair with a Los Angeles cocktail waitress, Woods posted a large public statement on his web site apologizing for his immoral behavior. Jaimee Grubbs met Woods in 2007 in a Las Vegas night club after the Masters, two months before Tiger’s wife gave birth to their first child. Ironically about
this same time, Tiger publicly gave Michael Vick advice on how to handle his dog-fighting incident. The US Weekly report also says that Grubbs, the waitress, has more than 300 text messages from Woods and a voicemail asking to change the I.D. on her phone so that his wife could not identify the number. Since the crash, Woods has been hounded relentlessly by the press and disgusted fans around the nation. For the average man, sexual temptations exist, but many can’t comprehend the same temptations of an icon like Woods. For those wondering how Tiger will bounce back, it’s easy to compare to football players Legarrette Blount and Michael Vick, who Trash Talk has recently covered. A cycle has been observed with both athletes: After major incidents, they have recovered from embarrassing situations. Now, Blount is being praised on his ability to turn his life around, and Vick appears on the track after recently having his best game since returning to the NFL. After watching those men come back, Tiger Woods has the chance to repeat the cycle for himself and try to salvage some of his “golden boy” he enjoyed less than a month ago. “I have been dismayed to realize the full extent of what tabloid scrutiny really means,” Woods said.
Connor Griesimer
n Post-season awards: Senior Cody Hecker carries the ball at the 4A State Championship game against Blackfoot. Hecker, along with many of his teammates, were recently honored for their on-field success.
Bulldogs honored
Sandpoint athletes earn hardware in football, soccer and volleyball Blaine Shultz
Assistant sports editor
Girls Basketball
Boys Basketball
Pendleton Tourney Clarkston 78, Sandpoint 62 Senior Koko James picked apart the interior with eight points and ten rebounds in defeat to a tough Clarkston team. The girls had solid scoring from sophomore sophomore Maggie Kirscher, junior Natasha Roop and senior Christina Johnson.
Sandpoint 56, Cheney 69 Senior Stefan Buratto led the Bulldogs with 23 points in their season opener against Cheney.
Sandpoint 57, Ontario 41 The post play of Sandpoint punished Ontario, leading to their first win of the season. Sophomore Maggie Kirscher posted a double-double with 26 points and 12 rebounds to seal the 16-point win for the Bulldogs. Kellogg 47, Sandpoint 29 Sophomore Maggie Kirscher led SHS with 15 points, and senior Christina Johnson put up 10. Sandpoint played strong until the fourth quarter, which decided the game. n Note: Results from other games were not available at press time.
Pendleton Tourney Sandpoint 54, Clarkston 71 Although the Bulldogs jumped out to a huge lead early on, they were unable to finish the second half as strongly. The half-court trap Clarkston enacted slowed down the pace of the game and held the Bulldogs to limited scoring later on. Sandpoint 60, Ontario 50 Senior Stefan Buratto went 15-29 from the field scoring 35 points in the Bulldogs’ first win of the season. The boys also dominated the boards with a 44-22 rebounding mark. Sandpoint 63, Kellogg 53 Senior Stefan Burrato had five three pointers and a game total of 26 points to lead the Bulldogs past the Wildcats on Dec. 14. Juniors Blaine Shultz and Cole Fuhrman both had eight points, contributing to Sandpoint’s win.
Several Sandpoint football players were honored recently for the Bulldogs’ successful season, which ended in a loss in the 4A State Championship game. Senior running back Ben Fisher was awarded with the 4A AllIEL Offensive MVP award after rushing for more than 1,000 yards and 14 touchdowns. “Ben was the heart and soul of our offense,” Sandpoint head coach Mike Mitchell said. “He’s a true competitor and he loves to be the go-to-guy when the game’s on the line.” Fisher wasn’t the only one recognized for the Bulldogs’ potent offense. Also receiving IEL honors were Daniel Charvoz (QB, Sr.), Cody Hecker (RB, Sr.), Mike Hubbard (WR, Sr.), A.J. Smith (TE, Sr.), Jacob Palaniuk (OL, Sr.) and Jacob Cramer (OL, Sr.). Junior Eric Nikssarian was awarded the IEL’s Defensive Newcomer of the Year after becoming a key component to the Bulldogs’ tough defensive secondary. In addition to Nikssarian, a handful more of the Bulldogs were honored for their performances. Shane Kidd (DL, Sr.), D.J. McIntire (DL, Sr.), Luther Morgan (LB, Jr.), Ray Lee (LB, Jr.), Sean Hogan
(DB, Sr.) and Anthony Gold (DB, So.) all received IEL accolades. Coach Mike Mitchell was also awarded with the 4A IEL’s Coach of the Year after leading the Bulldogs to an 9-3 record and the state championship game. The Spokesman-Review also recognized many Sandpoint players on the All-North Idaho offensive and defensive teams. On the offensive team were Fisher, Hecker, Hubbard, Smith, Cramer and Palanuik. Honored for their defensive efforts were McIntire, Morgan and Hogan. Mitchell was also awarded Coach of the Year out of the All-North Idaho teams. The All-North Idaho boys’ soccer teams were also announced, which included Daniel Anderson(MF, Sr.), Adam Crossingham (MF, Sr.), Tanner Williams (MF, Jr.), Anders Nostdahl (MF, Sr.) and Erik Wehse (G, Fr.). Coach Randy Thoreson was also awarded Co-Coach of the Year. The girls’ selections honored were Alicia Mertz (D, Sr.), Elli Kiselica (D, Sr.), Jessie Dexter (D, Sr.) and Meghan Pagano (F, Fr.). Sandpoint had two players make the All-North Idaho volleyball team after their successful season. Piper Wahlin (OH, Sr.) and Koko James (S, Sr.) led the talented senior class this year.
Bulldog Bench Supporting SHS athletics
Good job Bulldogs!
Page 8
December 2009
Cedar Post
nine memorable moments of ‘09
1. End date for Iraq War announced 2. President Barack Obama inaugurated 3. New Moon movie breaks records 4. Byway construction starts 5. Swine flu epidemic hits 6. Sandpoint High teams play for state titles 7. Kanye West interrupts Taylor Swift at the VMAs 8. Billy Mays/MJ die 9. Iberian Ipex extinct
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