January 2021

Student First Responders

Lockdown Round Two?

Finding Friends Through Fath

Spring Sports Preview

Pages 5

Page 6

Page 13

Page 14

A MATTER OF TIME See pages 8 & 9 for a glimpse into Sandpoint High School’s consideration for a new schedule after implementing the 4x4 schedule this year.

Volume 98 Issue ll Sandpoint High School shscedarpost.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS | 3

EDITOR IN CHIEF MOLLY BALISON EDITOR IN CHIEF CONNOR BIRD PHOTO & ANNOUNCEMENTS EDITOR WYATT LEONI MULTIMEDIA & REVIEWS EDITOR LUCY ALLEN RADIO & PODCAST EDITOR WIL AULD GRAPHIC DESIGN EDITOR PEYTON MULLEN NEWS & RADIO EDITOR CHRIS KOCH SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR ALI TERRY OUTDOORS EDITOR PIPER FRANK LIFESTYLE EDITOR BELLA BAKER OPINION EDITOR FALLYN O’CONNER SPORTS EDITOR DILLON TERRY

@shscedarpost @cedarpost @cedarpost shscedarpost.com

STAFF LIST

TABLE OF CONTENTS 4: A Second Safe Haven 5: Student First Responders

6: Lockdown Round Two? 7: Confrontation to Vaccination 8: A Matter of Time 9: A Matter of Time 10: Online Overwhelm 11: Safe Winter Driving Tips 12: Finding Friends Through Faith 13: Post-Sandpoint Success

14: Spring Sports Preview 15: Confusion on the Court

TUNE IN THURSDAYS ON 88.5 KRFY FOR OUR RADIO SHOW

CP@3

16: Students on the Ice

17: Taking on Spartan Racing 18: Ads 19: Words For 2020 20: Ads

NEWS | page 4

A SECOND SAFE HAVEN Kinderhaven works to build a facility specifically for displaced teenage boys in the community.

By Molly Balison

Editor-in-Chief

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magine being driven from your house to an unfamiliar building that will be your new home. You are afraid, confused and upset at the events that transpired to result in you being taken out of your home. Walking through the front door of this church-like building you are greeted with open arms and inviting smiles. You are given a meal and your own room and, for the night, you feel a little more comforted.

Since 1996 Kinderhaven has been an emergency shelter for children who find themselves being removed from their homes by Child Protective Services to escape their unhealthy family situations.

Day or night, Kinderhaven welcomes new kids into the safe living space that they have created.

Kathy Chambers works behind the scenes of Kinderhaven as the chair of

the board and plays a role in coordinating volunteering efforts. “I love the stories that hear about the differences that Kinderhaven is making in the lives of kids.” she said. “They’ve got an idea of what it can be like when it’s healthy, and loving, and stable.”

However, Kinderhaven cannot take in teenage boys if there are teenage girls already residing in the home. These displaced boys are put in a tough position and their case worker has to decide if they will go back to their families or end up in a foster home

in hopes that they will be taken care of.

This hurts the hearts of those working with Kinderhaven, so the board saw that it was necessary to have an additional building that can accommodate more teen boys.

Kinderhaven accepts children from the 5 northern counties.

The current home can house up to 16 kids and the number of children coming in and out of the home fluctuates. As a nonprofit, Kinderhaven thrives off of donations. Though mate-

rial donations are accepted when there is a need, donating money is the best way one can help Kinderhaven continue their mission.

The new facility will be in the Old Mission Baptist Church on Hickory Street. After renovations, the building will be a great place to turn into a home for boys. In order to keep the facility up and running for a long time, Chambers explained that the board will need to run a capital campaign to ensure that there will be enough funds to make the home successful.

Chambers is greatful that Kinderhaven is continuing its mission. “We know that the work we are doing is changing a child’s life.” she said. “And in that instance, it can’t help but change the lives of all the people that they come in contact with in their future.”

FILLING STOMACHS & FUELING SMILES

Bonner County Community Food Bank provides for struggling community member in times of need.

By Lucy Allen

Multimedia and Reviews Editor

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tanding strong for 41 years, the Bonner Community Food Bank strives to assist people in the community in times of need. Through the pandemic, the organization has persevered and continued to supply families throughout Bonner County with food and hygiene items to get them through the week.

“We have had to brainstorm and improvise new methods of food procurement through the summer, and the fall, and now winter.” ” said Debbie Love, who has been working at the food bank for 5 years.

The food bank is open to local community members Monday through Friday from 8am to 3pm. The food bank will help anyone who needs it, but they do ask for ID and proof of residence in an attempt to keep it local.

The food bank relies on local stores

such as Super 1 and Yokes for supplies.

“Because of the limited resources locally and the needs of our community,” Love said, “we are also purchasing pallets of food through distributors.”. The food bank currently needs donations of peanut butter and cereal as well as gloves, masks, and cleaning products.

Along with donations, the food bank is in need of volunteers. “In March, we had a sudden shift, we went from 40 volunteers to five and increased from serving 1,600 families to 2,000” Love explained. This increase in community members being served comes with more work and the need for more sets of hands to help.

“The people, the connections, and networks I have made through helping our clients and community warms my Photo by Lucy Allen heart.”Love said.

Above: Debbie Love (right) and a worker stock shelves after hours in preparation to open.

NEWS | page 5

STUDENT FIRST RESPONDERS The start of Code Team gives CNA students an opporutnity to practice nursing from in school.

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Smith Above: CNA students, members of the code team, stand in front of an ambulance.

By Wil Auld Radio and Podcast Editor eacher and nurse Elizabeth Smith started a first aid response program called Code Team where students enrolled in the Health Occupations

T

pathway are able to hone their nursing talents in a safe environment. Students in this program are able to be hands on with real world injuries and accidents.

“We have been lacking clinical experience and haven’t been able to go to

clinical sites,” Smith stated. Due to the pandemic, medical students have been deprived of their opportunity to participate in internships at the local hospital.

To give her students the chance to practice clinical Smith became inspired to start the program.

“Everyday there are two students available who carry a first aid bag and a radio,” said Smith, “if there are any injuries or medical issues they will be able to respond.” Not only can this program benefit medical students but it also helps those in need of assistance.

The school nurse does not reside in the school and is often outside the town, so it takes longer for her to arrive on scene.

In this situation student responders are at the school to take vitals and administer basic first aid to the student before the nurse arrives on scene.

Senior Lily Gammon, a student on the Code Team said, “At first I was nervous, but I was happy that I had another person with me.” Gammon received the radio call and met her first patient in the office being the first medically trained responder on site. She treated the student and watched over them until the school nurse arrived. “He was basically fine” said Gammon, “but I’m still grateful that I had this opportunity.”

Though the students are limited in how much they are able to help students., they still gain valuable experience and keep students safe during medical emergencies. When in class or in the halls, make sure to watch out for the student first responders. They can be Identified by their Code Team T-shirts, First Aid kits, and radios. Thank these students for their service.

ACTS OF SERVICE

SHS has outlets for students to participate in service projects throughout the school year.

By Ali Terry

Social Media Editor

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ervice projects are a great way to give back to the community and practice selfless acts. Throughout the year, Sandpoint High School participates in and starts many service projects.

A well-known annual fundraiser, Toys for Tots, is a service project that Sandpoint High School proudly participates in during the winter. The Toys for Tots mission is to provide toys for less fortunate children at Christmas.

This year Sandpoint High School raised $8,529.36 for the cause and the community of Sandpoint $92,188 total surpasing the Sandpoint Lions Club’s goal.

Being a part of the Key Club is another great way for students to get involved in participating in service projects. Luera Holt, the Key Club organizer, said the Key Club is possi-

bly one of the oldest clubs at SHS “We volunteer for many activities within our community and participate in Key Club International’s project which usually encompasses service work in another country that is in need, fresh water project, vaccinations, etc.” said Holt Locally, this club participates in the Festival of Trees to raise money for Kinderhaven and in projects such as the Salvation Army, clean up at Camp Stidwell, and help out with any community events such as the 4th of July and Lost in the 50’s parades.

This month, the Interact Club startPhoto by Ali Terry ed a food drive to raise donations for Above: donations for the food bank were accepted by the Interact Club this month. the food bank. They promoted prizes as incentives to donate non perishable card, the second place prize is a $20 ing drive is easy for a student to start food items. For every item a student Joel’s gift card, and the third place prize independently. There are many opporbrought they recieved one raffle ticket. is two movie tickets. tunities for students to get involved in The first prize is a $75 Amazon gift Putting together a food or clothgiving back to the community.

OPINION | page 6

LOCKDOWN ROUND TWO? Principal David Miles shares his perspective on the possibility of a having a second school closure.

By Wil Auld

Podcast Editor & Web Manager

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efore the global pandemic struck, there were many parts of life that were taken for granted which have now been altered or even removed completely.

In the beginning months of the first lockdown. Restaurants closed, gyms shut down, and business operations were put on hold indefinitely.

Sandpoint High School faced this issue head-on when the school district made the decision to close schools from midMarch up until June in an attempt to reduce community spread of the sickness. This school year, the same council decided to reopen schools to at-

tempt to provide a better education for students. However that decision has produced its own set of problems.

Despite the many concerns regarding the health of students and staff, there is one overarching question: will Sandpoint High School face a second clos Principal David Miles has responded to this question to share his insight on the moral aspects of closing a school and whether or not Sandpoint High School’s efforts to stop the spread of Coronavirus Are working.

“I am fairly confident in what we are doing here at SHS,” Miles said, “I think that we have created as safe an environment as we can and still give students the quality education that they deserve.” The practices that SHS staff has put into place to protect students have seemingly limited student to student spread of the virus.

Seeing that

the safety measures being taken have been effective, Miles said he believes students should absolutely be in school.” “I’m not going to lie to you, there’s no way that we can keep students absolutely safe,” said Miles. In his mind, this does not mean that education should be compromised. A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics states, “The importance of in-person learning is well-documented, and there is

the classrooms everyday and have students socially distanced in class, whether that be simply six feet or with plastic dividers.”

Even though many students have chosen to keep doing distance learning throughout the pandemic, Miles is confident in not only the school’s precautionary measures, but also the quality of in-school education.

“I think that we have created as safe an environment as we can and still give students the quality education that they deserve.”

-David Miles

Graphic Courtesy of CDC Above: Bonner County is in a red zone meaning a high number of COVID cases.

already evidence of the negative impacts on children because of school closures in the spring of 2020.” This evidence supports Mile’s assessment that students should stay in school.

Miles does not think that there needs to be a second school closure unless there is a sudden rise of cases in the school district.

Sandpoint High School staff is taking numerous protocols that have been consistently protecting students throughout the year. “We are encouraging kids to wear masks and stay home from school if they feel ill,” Miles said, “we also have the janitorial staff sanitizing

Graphic by Peyton Mullen Above: Principal Miles is confident that school will stay open.

OPINION | page 7

CONFRONTATION TO VACCINATION

Students weigh in on the controversy surrounding the release of the Coronavirus vaccine.

By Chris Koch

News & Co Radio Editor

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he coronavirus pandemic is reaching an all time high with death rates exceeding 1000 deaths every day.

However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. The Pfizer vaccine was recently authorized by the FDA for emergency use in the United States. About a week after the Pfizer authorization, the Moderna vaccine was authorized for emergency use in the United States.

There is controversy about whether or not the vaccine is safe to use. A pole was taken on the Cedar Post instagram account. Here is the result: Out of 169 voters: 42.2% voted yes to taking the vaccine and 57.8% voted no to taking the vaccine (this only applies to those who are similar to the volunteers who responded to the Instagram poll).

Grace Walker, one of the responders to the pole, said “I want to take it so I am not contracting and spreading a deadly disease.” She also thinks that seeing high officials like President-Elect Biden and Vice President Pence receive the vaccine can help convince people that the vaccine is safe. “I trust medical authorities more than politicians but I guess seeing those people take it could help someone feel more safe.” Walker Photo corteousy of Tracey Koch said.

Above: (left) Nurse Tracey Koch receives her first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

There is a group of people who are (right) Results of a poll reflecting students’ oppinions on getting the COVID-19 vaccine. recommended to not take the Pfizer Based on studies conducted by the Taking the vaccine is a personal vaccine. This group includes those who choice; however, mass vaccination would are pregnant, have allergies, are under 16, FDA, the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines help defeat the virus that has taken lactating, have HIV, are on immunosup- are deemed safe and effective against COVID-19 (95% effectiveness rate). over 1.9 million lives globally and over pressant therapy, and have received or 360,000 in the United States. plan to receive another vaccine soon.

Silver linings that came of of this past year.

By Fallyn O’Connor & Lucy Allen

Opinion Editor & Multi Media Editor

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fter an eventful year, it is easy to focus on the catastrophies that occured. However, if you look back on this past year, there are still silver linings that can be found. Here are some postive things that came out of 2020:

ments, it can also bring a family closer together. During quarantine families were forced to put their differences aside and find some common ground. Because people were stuck in their homes there was no other option but to spend time with your family and to make the most of it.

Pets Adopted

that there was lots of interest shown in fostering and adopting animals during this hard time.

This increase in adoptions was not only good for pets getting homes, but pets also help to improve our mental health.

Great Music Realeased

Many artists created new songs for their loyal fans even in the midst of the pandemic. Artists such as Twenty One Pilots, Alex Benjamin, Megan B Stallion, and Taylor Swift have made the best of the situation by making music that listeners can enjoy during these stressful times.

What’s better company than a furry friend while you are locked up at home Healthcare Heros and unable to go anywhere amidst a During the pandemic many healthQuality Family Time pandemic? Shelters and rescue organicare workers stepped up and were the Although being with family all of the zations across the United States reported front line of the coronavirus. This finally

got people to realize how important healthcare people are and what they do.

This then followed with people showing their appreciation and love to the men and women in the healthcare field through different ways. Whether it was drawing positive signs, or giving healthcare workers free meals. This pandemic is not the best but it has allowed us to see what truly matters.

New Hobbies

With the pandemic hit and people were forced to stay home people learned new skills and hobbies to avoid boredom. People tried new things or picked up something they always wanted to learn how to do. These new hobbies filled the time while we waited to safely venture into public settings again. These new skills will be helpful in the future for when we need them. It is a good thing that we had the the time to pick up new skills.

A MATTER FEATURE | page 8

SHS considers implementing new a schedule after using the 4x4 schedule this school year.

By Molly Balison Editor-in-Chief

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No matter what perspective you hold s a freshman, you have tranon the changes that have been made this sitioned to high school after year, you want to see decisions made tackling distance learning for that will benefit students who were the final months of middle school. You thrown into unexpected circumstances. wonder if you will have to jump through This school year, the 4x4 schedule was more hoops with the possibility of havimplemented at Sandpoint High School ing to adjust a new schedule next school as an emergency response to the Coroyear. navirus. Questions of whether or not As a senior, you got comfortable with the routine you established over the last 3 years. Your expectations REASONS BEHIND THE 4X4 for this year turned upside down and SCHEDULE: your last year of high school becomes the experiment of an emergency reReduce classes sizes to minimize sponse. the number of contacts. (Makes conAs a parent you saw your kids tact tracing easier) abruptly adjust to distance learning and then dive into a new schedule.

You want to see them less stressed and Limit the number of students improve in their studies. Most impor- and teachers an individual comes tantly, you want them to have as into contact to 80 people instead of normal of a High School around 160 people. experience as possible.

As a teacher, your agenda might have had to be adjusted to accommodate for shorter class periods. The pace of the curriculum in your classes has changed, but you are glad you get to see your students every day while you also have to account for students that you do not get to see face to face anymore.

determined to collect as much information as possible to make the best decision.

Planning for next year has started earlier so every school in the district can present a plan of what they think would be best for student learning next year.

From there, the district will tweak their final plan to align with the requirements set in place by the State Board of Education who also must approve any hybrid classes that incorporate blended learning. 990 hours of instructional time and 60 hours of seat time for each course also have to be accounted for the SHS to be an accredited school.

This is the first time in over a decade that a radical change has been made to the scheduling system. SHS was originally on a 6 period day schedule. Back then, much debate and research went into choosing a block schedule over a 4x4 schedule.

Though this schedule has been successful, there are still valid conMinimize the amount of courses cerns.

The 4x4 schedule is not ideal for a student needs to balance in the AP classes and some electives. If this event that there has to be a schedule were to continue next year, school closure. there would be large gaps between this schedule has been effective and classes that are meant to build off each will continue to be used are on ev- other. For example, a student might go a eryone’s minds. full calendar year between taking a math From the administrative point or foreign language class. of view, there are many factors that have However these same classes requestto be considered before making an im- ed having their students meet every day portant decision about the trajectory of for continuity. “You need that continuity next school year. They still have ques- and that daily practice in order for stutions: Will we be post-COVID by next dents to really be as successful as they year? Will we have the same flexibility of can possibly be,” Miles said. This goes blended learning? What type of sched- to show that creating a balance in the ule is best for students learning? Pleas- schedule is a real challenge. ing the majority of people is always a Miles reached out to other schools in challenge, but Principal David Miles is the country that have a 4x4 schedule as

DO STUDENTS LIKE THE 4X4 SCHEDULE? (From a sample of 124 volunteers)

29% NO

71% YES

DO STUDENT THINK THE4X4 SCHEDULE SHOULD BE USED NEXT YEAR? (From a sample of 127 volunteers)

36% NO

64% YES

Graphics by Molly Balison Above: Data of student opinions gathered from a poll on the Cedar Post Instagram.

OF TIME SCHEDULE OPTIONS FOR NEXT YEAR : 4X4 or 5x5 Classes are split in half and attended every day for a quarter or semester.

A/B BLOCK Classes are split in half and attended on alternating days TRADITIONAL NON- BLOCK Same classes every day all year (dependent on how many courses a student takes) HYBRID BLOCK Some classes are semester-long and some are year-long attended only every other day. weeks. However, this year, the students have almost weekly deadlines and will have to finish the rest of their AP Art portfolio at home without the time for working on it structured into the school day. This is an example of how the 4x4 schedule has affected year-long classes.

Stafford thinks that a hybrid schedule which allows students to still have

only four classes at a time, yet gives them the option to take a course over a whole school year rather than half the year could be beneficial for the classes that need constant practice.

Department chairs and administration have started discussing what next year might look like, but they are mainly in the data and input collecting phase to weigh if it is practical to implement the same aspects of the schedule next year.

Since the school day has been shortened in response to COVID-19 recommendations, the bell schedule is also a factor to consider when planning next year’s structure. It could be a hard adjusment if the 4x4 schedule were in place along with 90 minuteclass periods.

“In any system that we end up choosing, I think we’ve all agreed that probably more training for our staff is needed just in general.” David Miles said. Teachers will have to rebalance their curriculum to maintain student engagement. There is the possiblity of seeing an increase in disciplinary issues due to students’ fleeting attention spans over the extended class times.

David Miles believes that science supports learning material in shorter segments day to day is more beneficial for retention. Taking all these things into consideration and finding a balance is easier said than done.

Lake Ponderay School District Superintendent Tom Albertson said that everyone is trying to figure out how to incorporate the positive aspects of the 4x4 schedule into a somewhat regular schedule. However, finding a perfect balance amoung all the contributing factors is easier said than done. “To me it’s just going to take a little more brain power, a little more creativity, a little more problem solving to work through it,” Albertson said.

STUDENT STANCES

ON THE 4X4 SCHEDULE

“

Stephanie Sfeir Senior

Even though sometimes it feels like you can’t get in as much information, I feel like it’s easier to obtain the information that is being taught.

“

Sophia Mikat Junior I think if we had the 4x4, and it wasn’t a short day like it is now, I think it would be way hard because it’s due the next day instead of having A days and B days to pace yourself.

“

all I’ve really seen are the advantages of it,” she said.

Art teacher Ezra Stafford also enjoys seeing his students daily, but he wishes that they had more time in class. “Students need time to process and work through the period.” he said.

In his AP Studio Art class, projects were traditionally completed every 2-3

“

a long standing plan rather than an emergency plan. “Really we’re just gathering input, getting data, and trying to get information to make the best decision at this point in time,” he said.

As a statistics teacher, Wendy Auld wants to see data collected on students’ retention and test scores, before a decision is made only based on how well people liked the schedule this year.

“You shouldn’t make big decisions based on people’s education based on a gut feeling. You should make it based on data” she said.

A positive aspect of the schedule that Auld observed was “Kids had much better retention day to day and so I had higher grades in my classes,” she said. However, Auld wonders if students will be able to retain what they have learned in first semester when the day of their AP test comes.

Senior Stephanie Sfeir also sees the struggle with how this schedule affects AP classes. “For 1st term classes, It’s hard because you don’t have that teacher help towards the end of the year closer to the test, but then for the classes that are second term, you don’t have enough time to learn all this stuff,” she explained.

English Teacher Sarah Miles pointed out that the current schedule is helpful for preparing her students in Dual Credit courses since college courses work on a semester system like the 4x4 schedule has been exhibiting. Dual Credit classes The biggest changes teachers have had to make is adjusting their curriculum and pacing of their courses to account for the shorter, daily class periods.

Sarah Miles was skeptical of transitioning to the 4x4 schedule at the beginning of the year, but was soon pleasantly surprised at how well it was working. She loves getting to see her students every day. “From my viewpoint, in my room,

FEATURE | 9

LIFESTYLE | page 10

ONLINE OVERWHELM The potential negative effects that online school could have on students’ mental health.

Photo by Bella Baker Above: Sitting in front of a computer screen for hours at a time can be mentally taxing on students who are trying to succeed at online school.

By Bella Baker

Lifestyle Editor

M

any students have chosen to switch to distance learning this year. This has been a big adjustment for some teens that have never gone through online schooling before. This change of pace results in a very different day to day routine.

With more time being spent at home and away from peers, Many wonder the effects this has on students’ mental health.

Jill Khan, a licensed family therapist, shared some of her knowledge on mental health and the effects online schooling has on the brain. She explained that there are essentially 3 main ways online school can affect kids: emotionally, physically and cognitively.

“Emotionally, teenagers need to have socialisation and interact with their peers,” Khan said, “It’s very important for their emotional development.”

She shared that it is important for order thinking skills.” Khan said. This students to engage with others around means individuals learn to think in them and use that to grow and help more complex ways when interacting themselves. “With working online, with people around us directly. This is we are seeing a ⅓ increase in anxiety, super important to help kids learn and deppresion, think more panick attacks, critically. and suicide at“When “Emotionally, teenagers need doing [school] tempts,” Khan states. Making to have socialisation and interact online we miss sure students out on social with their peers.” have people cues and pick -Jill Khan to talk to and up on subtle support them nuances” Khanwhile they stated. Without tackle online social cues it is school is crucial to their mental health. difficult for someone to develop emBeing isolated not only has negative pathy. People need to see other peoples effects on people’s emotions, but also faces and hear their voices in order on how one thinks. “Cognitively, when to become more in tune and sensitive people are talking about their ideas it to these emotional pieces related to helps then develop what we call higher empathy.

In addition, there are physical consequences as well. When sitting at a screen for hours it can cause eye fatigue, back pain, headaches, stiffness, and other negative effects. Having frequent movement when working at a computer helps the body to become less lethargic and promotes positive charges in one’s brain. Getting physical activity also gives the brain something else to focus on and direct energy towards instead of being mentally exhausted from doing assignments at a computer screen all day.

Working from home is not always easy mentally, emotionally, or physically. Taking steps to talk to a supportive mentor or teacher and get physical activity are simple things that could improve mental health in students who struggle in online school.

LIFESTYLE | page 11

SAFE WINTER DRIVING TIPS Three ways you can be safer on the roads during the unpredictable winter months.

By Wyatt Leoni

Photo & Daily Announcemnts Editor

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riving in the snow can be both scary and dangerous. However, winter driving is something you will have to face at some point in your life if you live in North Idaho. Here are a few precautions that you can take to prevent driving accidents in the winter and keep you safe on the icy roads.

Get snow tires.

They are essential no matter

what vehicle you drive. If you are sliding uncontrollably, even with snow tires, take them to a trusted tire shop for replacement. Snow tires age after so many miles, which can make them dangerous in icy conditions.

Drive gently. Do this by accelerating slowly and braking earlier and softer to gain traction. Do not accelerate hard up hills, ride the brakes, take sharp turns, or speed on icy roads. These little things can make the difference between getting to your destination or ending

up in a ditch.

Be prepared. Here are some things you should store on your car in case you happen to get in an accident: extra warm clothing because you never know if you will be able to stay in your car with a heater, and you never know how long you will be without rescue. A small shovel can be your best friend if you need to dig yourself or some-

one else out. Recovery straps will be helpful in any situation where your car or another car on the road needs a tug to get out of a slushy situation. A flashlight, flare, or reflective triangle make you visible on the side of the road, helping rescue find you.

SHAKE OFF THE WINTER BLUES Tips for boosting serotonin levels to subdue periods of wintertime sadness.

By Fallyn O’ Connor

Opinion Editor

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e all know about depression, but what some people don’t know is that seasonal depression exists too. However,there is a chemical in the brian that can help combat seasonal depression called serotonin. Serotonin affects your mood and your overall well being. And with these five helpful activities listed below, you can boost your serotonin levels and help combat the feelings of seasonal depression.

Meditation

Meditation is extremely helpful with our mental health. It allows us to slow things down and readjust ourselves, so make sure to do lots of meditation rituals.

There are also plenty of free apps to get you into meditation that

you can download.

Light boxes

When the winter season comes around, sunlight is in short supply. Experts recommend a thirty minute exposure to a light box to help with your health. They range in a wide variety to suit your everyday life.

Taking care of plants

It is said that taking care of plants can help combat depression and it bises yourself.

There are a wide range of plants with their sizes which can fit your lifestyles. It also can be great to have a routine so you can have something to do.

Spending time with friends and the people you care about

When you feel bummed out and you need something to lift you up, look to the people you love.

Spending time with the people who care about you and make you happy can help you get out of a rut any day. It’s never a good idea when you’re feeling depressed to just stay inside and not deal with your issues.

Talk about them to your friends so you don’t have to keep it in.

Sometimes just having someone listen to your problems can make you feel better.

Workout sessions

Working out is a common

and effective way to help with seasonal depression. It releases endorphins which fuels the happy parts in your brain. It’s also important to have a good diet so that your body is healthy and having a good diet can also boost your mood. It is true you are what you eat.

As we head into the gloomy months of the year it’s important to keep your mental health in check, so you don’t get burned out. Stop every once in a while and just breath and take a step back. It will all be okay and remember you are loved. These tips may not work for everyone, so find what works best for you.

LIFESTYLE | page 12

FINDING FRIENDS THROUGH FAITH

A group of SHS senior girls get together once a week to talk about their faith.

Photo (Courtesy of Alyssa McLaughlin) Above: Faith Clark, Taylor Sadewic, Libby McLaughlin, Molly Balison, Katherine Mellander, and Kami Raver watch the Cedar Hills service at the first night of small group.

By Ali Terry

Social Media Editor

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enior Libby McLaughlin was feeling alone with her Christian faith and was all at once getting approached by friends asking her how they can get involved with God. She took this as an opportunity to host a small group in her home. This group consists of a handful of senior girls who get together and “figure out what life as imperfect people with God looks like!” said McLaughlin.

These individuals get together every Tuesday night at one of the girls’ houses from 6 to around 9:30 PM, eat some snacks, watch a Cedar Hills gathering and then answer questions that go along with it. Not only do they have discussions delving into various topics, they also take time at the end of the meeting to process what’s going on in their lives and pray about it with each other.

The Sandpoint High School stu-

dents who have consistently been a part of the group are Katherine Mellander, Molly Balison, Kami Raver, Olivia Lynch, Faith Clark, Taylor Sadewic, Stephanie Sfeir, and Camille Neuder.

These girls have been encouraging each other in their faith and creating a supportive, welcoming community centered around growing closer to God.

“These girls have watched and helped me with my faith” said senior Olivia Lynch. By being a part of this group Lynch has learned that she is able to “navigate hard things with God. “The past few months, things have been really difficult,” Lynch said, “but I don’t think this group, and God, could have come into my life at a better time.”

McLaughlin has gained valuable encouragement, accountability, and

“These girls have watched and helped me with my faith.”

-Olivia Lynch

insight from meeting with other believers on a weekly basis. “My relationship with God has gotten so much stronger and has been way more applicable,” she said, “I’ve gained truly some of the most genuine and valuable friendships I have ever had in which I know I can count on honesty and kindness, and I’ve also become a much more aware leader in God.” Even though McLaughlin has left to attend discipleship training in Hawaii and further her relationship with God, the group has continued to meet. The decision to continue, “ really shows that we’ve really created an environment that’s bringing hope and encouragement in Christ to one another,” said McLaughlin.

The group is currently all senior girls, but are talking about having more girls of different ages to participate, no matter their spot in their faith.

LIFESTYLE | page 13

POST-SANDPOINT SUCCESS Sandpoint High School alumni make successful careers for themselves in the media.

By Chris Koch

News and Radio Editor

S

HS has always been a school that produces extraordinary people with high ambitions. A few have propelled themselves in various media careers to become successful. Here are a few:

Brendan Dunne

Years after graduating in 2007, Dunne is part of a massive media company. “I’m the GM of Complex Sneakers and Sole Collector, which basically means I’m in charge of all our sneaker content,” he said. Dunne writes about sneakers and is also a co-host for a podcast and talk show. Dunne’s interest in sneakers started while he was in high school and has stuck with him throughout the years.

Kristen McPeek: McPeek, a former student in the graduating class of 2013, is a multimedia journalist in Boise, Idaho. “I work for CBS 2 News Photo courtesy of: Brendan Dunne, Damian Dalthorp, and Kristen McPeek in Boise.” McPeek said. McPeek described Above: Damian Dalthorp (top left) Kristen McPeek (bottom left) Brendan Dunne her profession as a “one-man-band” since (right)

she shoots, writes, edits, and publishes her own news stories. McPeek covers major events in the state of Idaho like Idaho State Legislature and Idaho politics. Her passion for journalism has been present for as long as she could remember. “I was always taking pictures, writing in journals, and making videos with my friends.” McPeek said.

Damian Dalthorp Dalthorp recently graduated in 2018 and gravitated towards social media.

“As simple as it sounds, I just make Tik Toks,” he said. As of now, Dalthorp has around 2.1 million followers worldwide on Tik Tok. “My main message to people is to seek discomfort.” Dalthorp said.

Dalthorp is very grateful he can influence so many different people. “It still boggles my mind, like why do people follow me? Why not someone else? It’s truly a dream come true,” he explained.

READY, GET SET, RECYCLE

The Life Skills teacher shares the mission behind the recycling program here at SHS.

By Peyton Mullen

Graphic Design Editor

Y

ou’ve probably seen a team of students going from room to room collecting recycling in the morning. But do you know what the reason behind this service is?

On Wednesdays and Fridays the Life Skills students get ready to round up recycling in the halls. Life Skills teacher Zach Ponder explained that his class makes this aspect of their morning routine into a friendly competition “We have two teams. We have team green team and team Save-a-tree.”

Ponder said, “One team will take the west side of the building, one team will take the east side of the building. And then we race and the first team to get to the trash can out at the middle school

wins.” A weekly tally of each team’s wins are kept and the team with the most points at the end of the month receives a prize.

A change that has been made this year is that teachers now place the recycling outside of their classrooms. This makes it easier for the life skills students to quickly collect the recycling.

This daily activity teaches the students that helping others and working together can be enjoyable. Ponder also explained that it teaches them how to lose with respect in a competition. Not only do these students help out the school by collecting recycling, but they also have fun doing it and learn valuable lessons along the way.

Photo by Peyton Mullen Above: The Life Skills class collects the recycling every Wednesday and Friday

SPORTS | page 14

SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

Coaches explain their goals for the upcoming season and challenges COVID has brought.

Photo by Dillon Terry Above: After being robbed of their season last spring, some athletes have gone a whole year without playing their spring sports and must train to get back on track to have a successful 2021 season.

By Dillon Terry

Sports Editor

N

o athlete ever thinks about losing their entire season, it usually just happens to a handful of individuals who have to recover from injuries. However, athletes all over the country that competed in spring sports last year lost their season.

It was a devastating end to a season that had barely begun for all those who were involved in sports, especially seniors.

Now that the spring season is approaching, athletes and coaches are hungry to jump back into their sports.

Baseball

Although the baseball team didn’t have a real season last Spring, head coach Chase Tigert is very confident in his team. “We have a special group of kids and they’re hungry.

I’m confident we will make up the difference quickly,” Tigert said.

Every sport has their restrictions due to covid, baseball is a sport where no matter what players are very rarely closer then 6 feet and there is little to no contact with others.

When ask about if he believes that covid will effect their upcoming season Tigert said

“ I can’t imagine having any issues with our season after other sports have been given the green light.”

Last year the program completely rebranded itself. Since the team was unable to wear the new gear they received last year, they will break out their new uniforms on the new turf field at Memorial.

Softball

Hawkins said, “However, anyone that has been around spring sports in our community knows that is how our season goes anyway due to the weather.”

Although the team still needs to figure out who they are and what they will become Hawkins is excited for the upcoming season.

Track contains a variety of different athletes competing for themselves as well as for their team. This means that there are multiple different coaches for the different events.

This year all the coaches for the team have one simple goal in mind, and it is to have a full season.

“We met for the month of March and had no meets before the season was canceled last year. Some of the athletes continued to practice and meet in small groups once it was

“It is an evolving situation with COVID this year and we will do our best to make the season the best it can be.”

-Angie Brass

The softball team had lots of new players added to their varsity line-up. This year’s goal for head coach Elizabeth Hawkins-Williams is to rebuild and figure out what the team identity is.

“I think we will be affected the same way the winter programs are currently being affected by COVID – cancelled games, postponements, changing game schedule, etc.”

Track

allowed.” Head coach Matt Brass explained.

Even though the athletes had their season cancelled last spring, Sandpoint High School was still able to hold a meet in June for those who wanted to compete.

Brass knows that his athletes are really going to have to really work hard and struggle to get back to where they were last year.

Along with this coaches Tom Keener and Angie Brass have their own goals for their athletes too.

Keener says that one of his goals every year is to help every athlete he coaches to be the best they can be on and off the track.

“In order to maximize our individual God given potential takes tremendous initiative, dedication, practice and persistence on the part of the athlete. As coach, my goal is to the best of my ability, help instill and develop those traits in each and every athlete.” said Keener.

Every coach knows that getting back to where they were last year will be tough, there is no shaking their excitement for the upcoming season.

SPORTS | page 15

CHEERING FOR THE CAMERA

The SHS cheerteam trains for their virtual 2021 competition state championship.

Photo by Wyatt Leoni Above: Cheer team practices the routine they will preform for the state competition. ferent seasons, including sideline cheer,

By Wyatt Leoni which is cheerleading at sporting events Photo & Announcements Editor like football, basketball, and wrestling, ust coming out of 2020, the Sandand competition season. This is when point High School cheer team is all different cheer teams around the preparing to start their 2021 com- state compete to see who is the best. petition season. Though cheer is a year The team has been working very hard round sport, it is broken into two diftogether to better themselves, improve

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communication, gain perseverance, and hopefully make their way to the state championship. Due to Covid-19, this year’s state championship will be done virtually. Meaning, that the cheer teams will compete from their own schools, and they will be judged via a video recording of their performance routines. This is done to reduce the spread and exposure of Covid-19. Also because of Covid-19, the team was not able to practice over the late spring and summer of last year. This has made it difficult for the team, the only reason being they didn’t receive the practice time they should have for this season, causing them to be slightly behind.

Cheer is a tough sport, these cheerleaders go through intense practice and conditioning. They also have to work diligently with each other to improve communication, one of the most important parts of cheerleading. Cheer, being such a physically and mentally

demanding sport, has a lot to teach. According to Max Knight, new member to the cheer team, you really have to slow down, be able to critique yourself, and beware of timing and your surroundings. Cheerleader Olivia Dyk said cheer has taught her “time management, how to work with hard situations, and how to deal with let downs.”

For this team, it would mean the world to win state this year. They have put in so much work, and have been practicing almost everyday of the week.

The SHS Cheer Captain, Cori Lester, has been working very hard with the team, teaching them individually what to work on and how they can improve themselves. Olivia Dyk, when asked about state, said, “they worked very hard last year, and are working even harder this year, and winning would let them feel like they are doing something valuable with their time, and it wasn’t all for nothing.”

CONFUSION ON THE COURT

A look into this years basketball season, COVID precautions, and a new coach mid season

By Lucy Allen

Multimedia & Reviews Editor

W

inter sports have taken a hard hit this season because of COVID regulations. Games have been cancelled and new rules have been put into place eliminating fans and increasing sanitization.

The boys basketball team has also experienced the change of energy during their games as a result of no spectators.

“The fans are fun to be around because they change the momentum of the game at any second,” said varsity player Ethan Butler. However, Butler has found a positive from this situation.

“We can play a lot more freely knowing there aren’t a couple hundred people watching you in person,” he said.

Another challenge the team has encountered was their coach quitting, leaving the team questioning who was

going to take over. Mike Roos stepped up for the coaching job.

The transition to a new coach mid season has been tricky with the players having to adjust to a new coaching style. Butler explained, “We have changed the offense up a little and the coaching style has changed as well. It is hard to transition mid season to a new coach but I think the team is making the most of our season and our time on the floor.”

The boys also don’t get to have big team dinners this year like they normally would. Butler said that “This year has been a challenge from games being cancelled due to COVID and Photo by Wyatt Leoni having a coaching change mid season, Above: A varsity boys basketball player attempts a layup in a game against Timberlake. but we are all getting better and moving forward.”

OUTDOORS | page 16 17

STUDENTS ON THE ICE

Students find enjoyment in honing their skills ice skating during the winter months in Sandpoint.

By Dillon Terry

Sports Editor

I

Photo Cortesy of Gabby Hicks Above: Senior Gabby Hicks poses with her dog while ice skating in Comeback Bay.

n the winter time, there are few things for people to do in Sandpoint. Some people ski or snowboard, others stay inside and find ways to pass the time. One fun way to get outside is by going ice skating.

For it to be safe to go out on the frozen lake, you should watch the weather and make sure that it is cold for a couple of days before you venture out on the ice. Being good at ice skating is a very hard thing to learn. Two students who know about this are Senior Gabby Hicks and Sophomore Jacob Gove.

Hicks has been ice skating since she was three years old and Gove has been skating for the past 2 years. “I live on comeback bay and if we are lucky that part of the lake freezes over flat, we ice skate there,” said Hicks.

Gove likes to spend his time playing hockey with his friends which has created some fond memories.“While skating with my friends we were doing some trick shots out in Dover and Joey Aexel megged Hannah Harvey with a pass to me from like 50 feet away. It was pretty funny.” said Gove.

Being out on the ice has created very fond and fun memories for the both ice skaters. “A few years ago my parents held a curling party and there were all these little girls who were around the age of 5, and they are so excited to learn how to skate. So I gotta teach them how to skate and like to pull them around the ice. It sounds sorta weird but it was really cute.” said Hicks.

BRAVING THE SNOW ON BIKES Senior Jordan Cassidy shares her familys love for a fun winter activity: snowbiking.

By Piper Frank

Outdoors Editor

D

uring the winter in Sandpoint most highschoolers find themselves up at Schweitzer mountain skiing or snowboarding down, but this isn’t the only way to get outside and enjoy fresh powder. Senior Jordan Cassidy snow bikes with her family on powder days. Having snowmobiled before snow biking Cassidy says snow biking “gives you a lot more control making it easier to fall over, but you can go really fast”.

Cassidy first got involved with the sport from her dad who built shipment crates for the snow biking company Timber Sleds. From there he got the whole family involved, with the sport that is “the perfect combination of everything” (Cassidy). The Cassidy family dirtbikes in the summer, but when the snow hits they break out

their snow bikes and go right from the house to Baldy Mountain. Cassidy says from Baldy she rides up the ridge to Schweitzer with her dad, grandpa, and uncle.

One of Cassidy’s favorite parts about snow biking is when it’s a powder day.

“Powder is definitely the best because you get the feeling that it flies around you. It’s like skiing because the more powdery the more fun it feels” says Cassidy.

When the snow falls in Sandpoint, Schweitzer is always a fun place to be whether you’re on the slopes or in the backcountry snow biking in the powder. Snow biking will give you a serene feeling of flying through the snow, and it will broaden your winter fun.

One of Cassidy’s favorite parts about snowbiking is when it’s a powder day.

Photo By Peyton Mullen Above: Snowbikes can go really fast making the sport both exciting and dangerous.

OUTDOORS | page 17 18

TAKING ON SPARTAN RACING A student athlete trains to conquer rigorous obstacle courses for a Spartan race.

Photo Cortesy of Kelly Greenway Above: Freshman Katelyn Greenway trains to complete obstacles in Spartan races such as her pulling herself over a steep metal frame with a slippery rope in a recent race.

By Piper Frank

Outdoors Editor

C

ommon sports high schoolers participate in are soccer, basketball, football, track, cross-country, volleyball, and baseball which are known across the country. Freshman Katelyn Greenway has branched out from traditional sports to compete in Spartan races. Spartan racing is a newer sport that offers an entertaining and competitive spin on long distance running.

A Spartan race has a series of obstacles differing in the level of difficulty and distance ranging from 3 miles to marathon distances. Greenway has been training for the Spartan race by participating in both high school and club sports cross-country and nordic skiing as well as running in her free time. Having experience with the sport, Greenway knows what to expect

on her upcoming race, although she will be participating in her first adult race instead of the kids courses she has gone through in the past. “I like the obstacles because it’s not just a run, and not just a race, there are things to entertain you,” Grenway said.

There are Spartan races all over the country, yet the courses Greenway has run are located in Canada, Montana,

and Utah. Her upcoming race will be in Utah. When Greenway arrives at the course, she expects to find the obstacles such as bucket carries, tall walls, barbed wire to crawl under, and more exciting things that spice up her competitive love for running. Since Greenway is conditioned to running long distances, the race will feel like a 3 to mile sprint to her. A contestant looking for a longer race, Greenway

“It’s not just a run and not just a race there are things to entertain you.”

-Katelyn Greenway

informs that they also offer “the Super” and “the Beast” which are marathon distances.

Greenway isn’t the only one in her family who participates in Spartan racing. “My family got me into the sport, and my dad started racing a couple years ago,” Greenway said. Loving the thrill of the race aspect, Greenway and her family all enjoy the competitive fun that Spartan racing brings, making Greenway always excited for another race.

One can compete in a Spartan race as an individual or on a team to mix it up. Training for and joining a Spartan race is an activity any highschooler who wants to be active and try something new can engage in because it is a more enjoyable and fun way to exercise.

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health

balance love excitement

flexible

endurance unknown

WORDS FOR 2021 renaissance optimism goals

bumfuzzle happiness Cedar Post staffers picked words that they want to focus on throughout the new year.

Compiled by Molly Balison

Balance

Verb: to bring into harmony or proportion

“This year I want to practice bringing balance to different aspects of my life by putting healthy time and energy into the things that are important instead of overexerting myself for things that shouldn’t require so much of my attention.”

-Molly Balison

Renaissance

Noun: a revival of or renewed interest in something.

“With all that happened last year, we need a renaissance in everything that we took for granted before the pandemic. Going out with friends, family gatherings, evening barbecues, we need to rekindle our passion in not only social activities but in life itself.”

-Wil Auld

Flexible

Adjective: characterized by a ready capability to adapt to new, different, or changing requirements.

“By being flexible I will be ready to meet any new challenges or changes in the upcoming year with ease whether that involves the pandemic, new opportunities, school, or accomplishing different goals, being flexible will overall solidify my adaptability.”

-Piper Frank

Excitement

Noun: a feeling of great enthusiasm and eagerness.

“Since 2020 was a year of sitting around the house and not doing anything very exciting I want to make 2021 much more exciting than 2020. I hope that the year will be in line with my ambitions and not bring another catastrophic event!”

-Chris Koch

Optimism

Noun: an inclination to put the most favorable construction upon actions and events or to anticipate the best possible outcome

“I chose optimism as my word

to implement in my life in 2021, because I want to try and be more open to all the good possible outcomes that could come out of each day. I will try to be more optimistic about what this year will bring and hope it will be better than 2020.”

-Ali Terry

Love

Noun: an intense feeling of deep affection.

“I chose love because in 2021 I want to not only learn how to love myself, but I also want to fall in love with living life and not waste one moment of my life stressing about things that shouldn’t really matter.”

-Lucy Allen

Endurance

Noun: the fact or power of enduring an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way.

“We all know that 2020 didn’t exactly come out the way we all hoped, but with quarantine and all that happened in the world we

all stuck through it. In a way, we all endured.”

-Peyton Mullen

Unknown

Noun: something that requires discovery, identification, or clarification.

“Since 2020 brought so many things that no one saw coming, we know that we never really know what the next year will bring. I hope that 2021 is a very exciting and good year!”

- Dillon Terry

Bumfuzzle

Verb: To be confused or perplexed.

“With all that has happened this year and the years to come it is clear that things are very confusing. Certain people aren’t essential, the election and so much more. But with all this confusion just remember there will be an end of this madness or Bumfuzzled feelings. We just have to get through this together.”

-Fallyn O’Connor

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