5 minute read
Finding Friends Through
from January 2021
by Cedar Post
FINDING FRIENDS THROUGH FAITH
A group of SHS senior girls get together once a week to talk about their faith.
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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
Senior 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 students 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 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.
POST-SANDPOINT SUCCESS
Sandpoint High School alumni make successful careers for themselves in the media.
By Chris Koch
News and Radio Editor
SHS 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 in Boise.” McPeek said. McPeek described her profession as a “one-man-band” since 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.
Photo courtesy of: Brendan Dunne, Damian Dalthorp, and Kristen McPeek
Above: Damian Dalthorp (top left) Kristen McPeek (bottom left) Brendan Dunne (right) READY, GET SET, RECYCLE
The Life Skills teacher shares the mission behind the recycling program here at SHS.
By Peyton Mullen
Graphic Design Editor
You’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.
