March Edition 2018

THE

CEDAR P SANDPOINT HIGH SCHOOL

VOLUME 95

THE END OF LOCKERS?

ST SHSCEDARPOST.COM

ISSUE 5

FINDING THEIR FAITH

UNLIKING SOCIAL MEDIA

SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

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CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE! Pick your player and embark from the starting point to reach your destiny. Will you be a regular or advanced student?

Player 1

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Story by McCalee Cain, Editor-in-Chief Design by Cienna Roget, Managing Editor and Sarah Donnelly, Lifestyles Editor

START

FINDING A PATH

START

MAKING A MINDSET

placed in upper quartile

As the compact core of advanced students separates from their peers in regular classes over high school, the academic gap widens.

But in some classes, the curriculum doesn’t necessarily follow.

In general, the main difference between regular and honors level courses is the speed of the class and the level of depth explored.

The difference in pace can be a significant factor for many students’ selection of their course load.

Freshman Bailey Oulman has always excelled in English classes, but opted to switch out of Pre-AP due to the stressful homework load.

“It really weighed me down and I felt like I was very overwhelmed and I wasn’t able to really, like, express myself because of my stress I had,” Oulman said.

For her, regular classes offer a more thorough understanding of course material.

“I think that the workload is definitely different...and the regular [teachers] are so much more understanding and more elaborated in how they explain things,” Oulman said. “I feel like I’m kind of able to make my own track. I know what I can [and] can’t handle academically and how it can affect my mental state… At this point in time, I really need to be in the regular [classes] and that’s what really inclines me to do well in school.”

For some students, academic stature is tied closely to identity and self-image. When taken too closely to heart, problems can arise for both low and high achieving students.

In lower-level classes, teachers often struggle with inattentiveness or lack of initiative among students, On the other end of the academic spectrum, these same disciplinary issues can arise from selfrighteousness rather than complacency.

“The fixed mindset shows up at the entitlement end and at the

receive a high AR reading level

advanced or proficient on ISATS

SAT score under 1000

basic or below basic on ISATS

advanced or regular? selected normal classes

selected pre AP classes

A IS FOR AFFIRMATION Academic excellence begins for all students long before they reach Sandpoint High.

As early as kindergarten, students are being separated into advanced, regular and basic reading groups.

After years of positive affirmation or lack thereof, students can be primed to succeed.

“When students are labelled a certain way, whether its a low reading group, high reading group or ‘I’m in Honors Classes’ or ‘I’m not in Honors classes’, it’s that whole selffulfilling prophecy thing,” said teacher Mamie Brubaker. “If you believe that

you can do it, if somebody else is cheering you on, then you’re much more likely to be successful.”

Freshman Libby Mclaughlin is a driven student with a course load of advanced classes.

She accredits some of her motivation to the positive encouragement she has experienced throughout her education.

“I don’t think that I would try as hard [without it],” Mclaughlin said.

“I want to be naturally driven, but at the same time I feel like I need affirmation to know that I’m doing well to continue to do well.”

For Sophomore Joseph Withers, regular classes offer a more manageable workload — something he says doesn’t intersect much with his life outside of school.

“I can count as many times I’ve done homework for math at home on one hand,” Withers said. “[My parent] usually keeps all my school work separate from home life and that certainly decreases my productivity at home and throughout my childhood.”

A lack of emphasis on school at home challenges Withers’ academic motivation at times.

“That’s probably a big contributor as to why I’m in here now,” Withers said of his double block algebra class.

Psychology Teacher Scott Fitchett agreed that supportive families can be an indicator of a student’s capability to succeed.

“I do think there’s some real power to the fact that oftentimes, students who find themselves in advanced classes come from situations where that’s encouraged, that’s welcomed, and they have the ability to do so,” Fitchett said.

Among other factors, a family’s level of education and socioeconomic status are often components affecting their child’s success and motivation in school.

“Kids that grow up in educatedclass households are just trained to interact with the world in a way that’s going to allow them to be more successful,” Fitchett said.

A+

1000+ SAT score

GRADUATE!

WHAT’S ON SHSCEDARPOST.COM?

At 106 pounds, Sophomore Heather Wallace is the only female on the SHS Wrestling team. She recently qualified to compete at Wrestling State.

FAMILY MATTERS

move on to AP or Dual Credit class

GRADUATE!

MEET HEATHER WALLACE

placed in lower level math group

receive a low AR reading level

CHECKPOINT:

fail a class: choose to retake?

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lack of motivation end,” Psychology Teacher Scott Fitchett said.

A fixed mindset refers to a belief that basic qualities, such as intelligence or lack thereof, are fixed traits that can or need not be developed.

“With the entitlement issue, kids think, ‘I am great and because I am smart, this should happen for me,’ and then kids [who struggle] think, ‘because I’m struggling or because I don’t think I’m very smart, then there’s nothing I can do about it,’” Fitchett said.

#TBT TEACHER TUNES

Relive the musical golden days — from Michael Jackson to Dr. Dre — of your favorite SHS teachers with the Cedar Post’s collection of throwback tunes.

FAT PIG REVIEW

Tag along with CP Staffers Riley Walkington and Grace Hicks as they go to Sandpoint’s newest restaurant The Fat Pig for lunch.

DATES TO REMEMBER

MARCH

08

SCIENCE CIRCUIT

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NO SCHOOL

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IRONMAN COMPETITION

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END OF Q3 — NO SCHOOL

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NEWS

DECATHLETICS Academic Decathlon team members takes a practice test in preparation for state competition. | Photo by Sofia Kriz, News Editor

AcaDeca Team gears up for upcoming state competition GPAs below 3.0), the middle called the scholastic bracket (students with a GPA between 3.0 and 3.74), and finally the honors bracket holds the three students with the highest GPAs of 3.75 and above.

This year, the main AcaDeca team is comprised of only eight members, as they are lacking a qualified student at the varsity level.

The top two scores of each division are added up for a team total and compared to the scores of teams from other schools in order to determine which team goes to nationals.

Preparation for the competitions involve intensive studying, and activities such as jeopardy games to become more familiar with a competitive environment. Students additionally take a practice test before each meet in order get an idea of where they are at, and how much left they have to study.

“We are studying Africa this year so

Sofia Kriz News Editor

T

he Academic Decathlon team recently took home first place at their regional competition against Priest River at the end of January. They are currently preparing for the state competition, taking place in midMarch, which will determine whether or not they have a place at nationals.

Competitions for AcaDeca are comprised of seven multiple choice tests, a fifteen minute timed essay that is taken in class before the competition, a three and a half to four minute prepared speech, a one and a half to two minute impromptu speech, and finally an interview.

AcaDeca is separated into a nineperson team, which is divided into sections of three by GPA. The lowest GPA bracket is called varsity (students with

we’re hitting everything at this point — art, music, literature, Stockman said, “Today we did a presentation on a science section.”

Students have been able to further benefit from AcaDeca outside an academic standpoint. Involvement in AcaDeca additionally allows the students to develop their personal communication skills through speeches and interviews.

French teacher Dana Stockman is in her third year of coaching AcaDeca this year, and shared her aspirations for this year’s team.

“Last year we lost by 235 points out of 60,000,” Stockman said, “It sounds like a lot but we lost by a whisker.”

Stockman and her team are hoping to win state this year against Sugar-Salem High School, and move on to the national competition which will take place in Frisco, Texas this year.

LOCKING OUT LOCKERS

SHS reacts to latest national trend: elimination of school lockers viewed students from various schools nationwide all of which rarely, if ever, use their lockers.

More and more students across the With the replacement of textbooks with computers, and social interactions nation have been disregarding lockers with social media, lockers have tran- as a necessary and useful space to store sitioned from a useful school tool to a school This tendency not to use their school metal box in the way of students.

The Washington Post recently inter- lockers has recently expanded so much so that, currently, schools have begun to remove individual lockers, 143 and newfound schools have rewhat is your jected lockers from building stance on plans altogether.

SCHOOL “I would always want to lean toLOCKERS? wards what’s going to make the students day at school easier and more user-friendly to 53% create a better learning environment,” Principal Tom Albertson said.

Albertson 32% shared his views on the end-oflocker transition 15% in the United States, and the possibility of this idea being incorporated at Sandpoint High School.

Data from a poll taken by 200 students.

“If it was havimpartial

my locker is useful

I don’t use my locker

Sofia Kriz News Editor

Graphic by Cienna Roget, Managing Editor

ing wider hallways and not taking the space up for that [lockers] and putting the funds into something else, that would be where I would lean,” Albertson said.

When requested to take a poll to determine locker usage in the school, 68 percent of students responded that they either don’t use their school lockers, or are impartial about their views regarding school lockers.

“I see it as a useless waste of space and money that could go to other things like sports and better education,” Senior Cole Dillon said. “With how everything’s going to computer format we now only need to carry a computer in our backpacks, a few pencils and pieces of paper.”

A large portion of students’ disuse of their school lockers is attributed to the short amount of time in between classes available to retrieve their belongings from their lockers, as well as the limited amount of time during passing periods.

Many students have resorted to carrying all their necessities for the day with them in their backpacks.

The rest of the student body, 32 percent, believes school lockers to be helpful in storing their belongings for the day.

Although Sandpoint is not yet believed to be at a stage that would warrant locker removal, it is an idea that is taken to mind by administration.

They will consider these changes based upon what is in the best interest of students.

“If I had a magic wand and could build a brand new school I would really want the students’ input and parents’ input before going to the expense of putting lockers in,” Albertson said.

WILD MOUSE CHASE School custodial staff busy addressing recent mice sightings in the garbage.”

The mice are attracted to the warmth found in SHS because of the cold winter. They will continue to call the high As of three weeks ago, sightings of school home as long as they can find mice have been present at Sandpoint food.

High School. While this has not Substitute Nancy Miller had yet become an epidemic, the janisimilar experience when she entorial staff is hard at work to pre“They’ve been eating the peacountered a mouse during Battle vent any more appearances and nut butter out of the snap traps, for the Paddle. remove the mice from the build“I saw a mouse run into a little ings. they’ve really gotten smart.” hole in the back of the gym by Lead Facility Foreperson Renthe water fountain,” Miller said. nie Wruck has worked at the high Wruck advises students and school for two years, this being his staff to remove leftover food first encounter with a mice probfrom lockers and desks, and to lem. never leave food overnight, as Traps and glue pads have been “[Jordan] was walking through the not even plastic bags will stop the mice. placed where mice have last been spotThe simple solution is to carry all ted, however janitors have had little lunch room and he and his brother saw luck with accomplishing their goals to a little mouse. They trapped the mouse food and throw it away once finished, in the corner and grabbed it by the tail instead of leaving leftovers for the mice remove the mice.

“They’ve been eating the peanut but- and the mouse turned around and bit to forage for.

An absence of food will force the ter out of the snap traps, they’ve really Jordan and he dropped it,” Gordon said.

“The mouse started to run away and mice to search for a new home, leaving gotten smart,” Wruck said.

The mice have not only been seen by Jordan stepped on it and threw it away the halls of SHS mice and worry free.

Story by Addi House, Soc. Media Editor Graphic by Cienna Roget, Man. Editor

faculty.

On February 15 a mouse was caught and killed by Freshman Jordan Knapton.

Band teacher Aaron Gordon witnessed this event.

RENNIE WRUCK, FACILITY FOREPERSON

Hunter Jacobson poses before his dirt biking accident. | Courtesy photo

HEARTS FOR HUNTER Community rallies to support Hunter Jacobson, family Riley Walkington Web Staff

On Dec. 2, freshman Hunter Jacobson was gravely injured in a accident while riding on his dirt bike. Jacobson suffered several serious injuries including critical head trauma, internal injuries and broken bones.

“I think some of the best ways students can show their support for Hunter is to keep talking about him in positive ways. He has a long road ahead of him, but he will come home, and when he does an important part of that process will be knowing that his friends still have his back,” said Carmen Daugherty, a close family friend of the Jacobson’s.

He currently remains in a coma at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, although he is stable with good vital signs. Because of the severity of his injuries, there will be a long period of convalescence.

Jacobson has undergone multiple surgeries and continues to fight for his life daily.

Due to the lengthy recovery, insurance will not be covering all costs, as there are many expenses that go along with this situation. The Jacobson family is strengthened by the community’s support during this time.

While Jacobson is in the hospital, the community has began rallying in support of his fight.

A fundraiser dinner was held on January 25 at Jalapenos Mexican Restaurant, in which all proceeds benefited Hunter and the Jacobson family directly. At this event, customers were lined out the door and all seats were filled from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m..

Approximately $5,700 was raised in one night. A large portion of that was due to the donation buckets Hunter’s friends Eli Daugherty, Zander Moore and Zac Kohal, walked around with during the event.

There is a Go Fund Me page set up by friends of the Jacobson’s that has raised over $7,000 of their $10,000 goal.

Other donations can also be made directly at Wells Fargo Bank to the “Benefit for Hunter Jacobson” account.

There will also be bracelets and stickers available, with his motocross number on them, that students can get by donating to his fund.

The SHS mentors have set up a system called “Hearts for Hunter”, which allows students to write letters, or notes, to Hunter. These will be hung up in his room throughout his recovery process. It is located in the foyer next to the compliment box.

In the future, friends of the Jacobson’s are also planning a large fundraiser at the Fairgrounds on March 31.

Those interested in donating auction items for the event can drop them off at Sandpoint Furniture or contact event organizers to schedule a pick up.

OPINION

OUR VIEW

cedar post staff

MANAGING EDITOR Cienna Roget NEWS EDITOR Sofia Kriz

The Our View represents the majority opinion of the Editorial Staff. | Cartoon by Emerson Kanning, Opinion Editor

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okay to capitalize on teenager’s issues of self-image. Adults are constantly asking themselves: “Why are teens these days so messed up?” Yet adults fail to recognize that they are the ones who romanticized these issues to begin with.

Teens are struggling with having to sift through things that media is constantly trying to tell them: movies, music, and social media that glorifies issues like depression, self-hate, and negative mindsets.

The irony is the ones in charge of creating this media are none other than the generation that is criticizing teens.

Now, young adults are stuck in this belief that if one feels good about themselves, then they’re doing something wrong.

Another awful aspect of this trend consists of teens resorting to trash talking themselves as a way to build rela-

tionships.

Teens are at a time in their lives when they’re trying to figure out who they are and where they belong in a changing social climate, and putting oneself down is a way to find where they fit.

An example of this could be a teen saying something like: “I’m so dumb”, or “I’m so fat” and a peer agreeing with “ugh, me too.”

Self-deprecation has almost become a cry of relatability. It can be easy to find redeeming qualities in someone who struggles with similar self-criticisms, but relationships with insults at their foundation lack the real depth that teens are trying to achieve anyway.

Additionally, teens use self-deprecation to enhance their social media presence.

Though tweeting something in a joking manner such as “I’m going to kill myself,” may seem trivial, it’s actually counterproductive to the goals we are trying to reach in 2018.

It negates the headway we’re attempting to make towards opening up the conversation about positive mental health.

It’s difficult to change something that has become such an underlying feature of most teen’s social skills. These overlooked personal slurs still cause undetected damage, such as boosting insecurities.

On an extreme level, negative selftalk creates a dangerous spiral that leads to low self esteem.

Changing such a common social standard begins with realizing the issue and calling one out for our missteps.

If self-deprecation becomes acceptable, than it makes it okay for others to insult teens.

TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE TO HELP Federal agency failed to take action in stopping school shooter

Corinne Capodagli Opinion Editor

more lives need to be taken before these senseless shootings stop? Students shouldn’t have to go to school in fear, where the possibility of being shot is even tangible.

Whether we ban all guns or arm all teachers, there is no easy answer.

However, maybe instead of debating gun control, a closer look needs to be taken at the flaws in the justice and social system that allowed Nikolas Cruz’s continual erratic and violent behavior to be overlooked.

Nearly a year and a half ago, a representative from the Florida Department of Children and Families visited Cruz’s home after noting “troubling behavior.”

The department concluded after one visit that Cruz was at low risk of harming himself or others. However, just two

SPORTS EDITORS Sam Hendricks Jezza Hutto COPY EDITOR Josh Wells PHOTO EDITOR Saydee Brass ASST. PHOTO EDITOR Freddy Libby SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Addi House BUSINESS MANAGER Shelby Dorman WEB EDITOR Ciena Christensen MULTIMEDIA EDITORS Sam Diercks Claire Keener WEB STAFF Riley Walkington Grace Hicks Bruin Jones Evelyn Webster Mya Darling Sarah Brown Aaron Cole Maren Andrick

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 writer’s 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.

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Valentine’s Day will never be the same for those left standing in the wake of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting.

Last Wednesday, in Parkland, Florida, former student of Marjory Stoneman high school, Nikolas Cruz, took the lives Since the beginning of of 17 people after arriving at 2018, there have been a the high school with a loaded total of 18 shootings on AR-15.

This tragedy stands as a poischool grounds gnant reminder of gun violence in the United States. According to the New York Times, there have been 239 school shootings since 2012, when a months gunman took the lives of twenty stuafter the dents and six adults at the Sandy Hook Florida Department of Children’s Elementary Shooting. home visit, Cruz was recommended for The Women’s March Youth EMPOW“threat assessment” by the administraER has organized a national school walktion at his school. out day slated for March 14 at 10:00 a.m.

According to the New York Times, on The organization is encouraging stuJan. 5 this year, the F.B.I received a tip dents to walk out for seventeen minutes that “Cruz had a desire to kill people.” in recognition of the seventeen lives lost The Florida Department of Children in Parkland and gun safety awareness. did their “due diligence,” but had more I used to think that allowing the serious precautions been taken into ingovernment to put restrictions on the vestigating Cruz, who had been expelled rights of the American people was a vast six months prior and had been known overstep on their part. But how many

to make disturbing comments such as “wanting to become a professional school shooter” on social media, then the Parkland Shooting may have been entirely preventable.

Rather, the F.B.I admitted failing to report these tips through proper channels.

Right now, the U.S. is so concerned with the debate on gun control that we’re becoming careless when it comes to covering our bases in the present situation.

If we wish to see an end to this brutality plaguing America, it’s absolutely essential that federal agencies follow through when there are clear warning signs that our own citizens are a threat to public safety.

There were countless indications of Cruz’s violent tendencies reported by his peers and classmates that were blatantly dismissed by our government bureaus.

The nation has been divided on the issue of gun control for decades, and the debate will likely continue.

However, until a definitive resolution is made, the federal government needs to be ensuring the safety of its people by taking potential threats seriously.

It’s important that we don’t forget the lives lost in this senseless tragedy. The shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shouldn’t become another statistic about the perils of gun violence, but rather the cataclysm of this incident should reverberate through the nation and become known as the last time that a federal agency failed to heed the warning signs of the very “see something, say something” system that it encourages.

LIFESTYLES EDITORS Sarah Donnelly Erin Meek

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Self-deprecation is utilized as a social tool but comes at a high cost

OPINION EDITORS Corinne Capodagli Emerson Kanning

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LOVING TO HATE OURSELVES

lmost everyone has something that they want to change about themselves.

However, there is a clear-cut difference between wanting to improve, and simply wasting time insulting oneself.

Lately, it seems that it has been incredibly common for teens to use negative slander to put themselves down, rather than confronting their insecurities headon.

Instead of attempting to make goals, many teenagers waste time talking down their abilities. It’s simply fact that nobody is born the best at anything.

Olympians have worked their whole lives to become the best athlete in their sport, artists build up a technique throughout the years: all professionals put time and energy into excelling.

What’s upsetting is that our culture has reached a point where it’s become

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF McCalee Cain

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Senior Keziah White has formed a relationship with god and used her faith as a vessel to help her through the tough times that life throws at her. | Photo illustration by Saydee Brass, Photo Editor

FINDING THEIR FAITH

Students explore religion and apply the principals to everyday life Sarah Donnelly Lifestyles Editor

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igh school is a time where many people learn who they truly are and create beliefs centered around what they want in their lives.

Religion is a large part of some student’s lives, and, in this formative time, can shape who they become. Senior Keziah White follows the religion of Christianity, and she has her whole life.

“What Christianity is, is how Jesus died on the cross for our sins to give us eternal life, if we believe in Him,” White said.

While White’s parents also follow the same religion, she feels that she has taken what she was raised with and used it to shape a relationship with God and create her own unique feelings towards the religion.

After some hardships in life, White felt that she truly knew God’s love and He helped her through the tough times.

While his family was slightly religious Experiencing the loss of a loved one and depression caused White to question when he was younger, Garcia stemmed her beliefs, but these doubts were soon off of that and stopped believing in all asresolved in the midst of her sophomore pects of religion.

“I kind of realized like towards the year.

“I can now say that I learned how much age of eight that Santa wasn’t real and He loves me and everyone else,” White God didn’t make a whole lot of sense,” said. Junior Kelso Garcia views reli- Garcia said.

While beliefs gion very can transform differently and help people than White “I can now say that I learned through their and many how much He loves me and lives, they also o t h e r s . everyone else,” open criticism Garcia is an from those with atheist and KEZIAH WHITE, SENIOR opposing views. does not believe in White believes that reGod or any ligion is not a factor in judgement, as other higher power.

Garcia was raised with religion in his people are judged no matter what they family but strayed away at a young age. believe. Along with this, the Bible teaches He and his family attended church but to not judge, therefore causing judgment began to stop going early in his life. to be unrelated to her faith in Christian“We were agnostic, so it’s like we didn’t ity.

“I think about it and say that the Binecessarily not believe but we didn’t beble is saying you can’t judge someone of lieve at the same time,” Garcia said.

whether or not they go to heaven,” White said.

On the other hand, Garcia does feel judgement in school and in family life for what he believes, or doesn’t believe in. Most of his family does affiliate with a religion and therefore his atheism is a good topic to discuss around those not in his immediate family.

In arguments and things I definitely feel that people hold me in a lower opinion,” Garcia said. “But I don’t really let it bother me.”

Both White and Garcia feel that their beliefs have defined them as a person and helped them become better people in life. Christianity and a relationship with God has helped white through struggles in her life and helped her realize love for herself and others. Not believing in God has helped Garcia in being more accountable for himself and taking his actions into his own hands.

“I don’t put my future in God’s hands because I know that I’m the one that has to change it,” Garcia said.

KICKING OFF 4H MAKING A MARK Students prepare for the upcoming 4H season

THROUGH MUSIC

Opportunities arise from Max Reed’s musical talent

Chandler Kees walks and directs his pig to show it in a 4H competition. | Courtesy photo

Grace Hicks, Web Staff The 4H season is right around the corner and there is a lot of preparation goes into raising and training an animal.

For many at Sandpoint High School, they must build pens, clean the pens, create a surplus of food and other actions involving to the animal being raised. However for many participants it means making new bonds with the animals and learning valuable life lessons.

Senior Liam Parnell has been a part the 4H for 10 years, and he is the current vice president of the Golden Grouse district in Bonner County. He has raised animals, such as goats, meat rabbits and market hogs. This year will be his second year raising market steer. There is many requirements when raising an animal, especially market animals.

“When you are raising a market animal, you are constantly monitoring their feed,” Parnell said. “You have to know what you are putting into them.”

Parnell believes that being in 4H and raising an animal is very fun and teaches him a lot of life lessons along with good time and money management.

Sophomore Emily Rainey has specifically focused on raising market beef and beef breeding. In the nine years that she has been doing it she has de-

veloped a keen eye for picking out the healthiest animal of the litter.

There are many specific things one must look for when picking out a cow to raise.

“You have to look for a straight back, you want all their feet to be facing the same way,” Rainey said. “You don’t want them to be pigeon toed or bow legged, when their knees are in.”

These are key factors when picking an animal because participants and buyers don’t want to have altercations with their health. They want to receive a high grade in quality and meat from the judges to make the most profit from the animal.

“It’s a good way to make money college,” Rainey said.

As for Freshman Chandler Kees, this will be his fourth year raising pigs. He explained that when you picking a pig you want to make sure they are healthy, meaning they walk fine and don’t have any hernias. The pen also has to be sanitized and make sure there is plenty of food.

“It’s a fun experience and hasn’t been bad for me. It’s also another way for me to hang out with my friends,” Kees said.

Despite if you are a student or mentor the main purpose of 4H is to be able to complete multiple hands on experiences while learning the basic necessities when caring for an animal as it is a living thing too.

Max Reed poses along side his violin and bow. | Photo by Claire Keener, Multimedia Editor

Claire Keener, Multimedia Editor A typical weekend for freshman violinist Max Reed involves performing live in downtown Sandpoint at the Cedar Street Bridge.

Reed has been playing the violin for over eight years. He began to take lessons at the age of six.

He was inspired to play by his sister, Nicole, who also plays the violin.

The Sandpoint freshman began performing in public about a year after he started playing. Reed performs downtown and in the Cedar Street Bridge on the weekends.

Reed enjoys playing the violin for many reasons.

“Mainly playing the music, understanding the music, and seeing the background behind it and everything that there is to it, there’s a lot more to it than just playing the instrument,” Reed said.

Along with taking private violin lessons, Reed is also part of Jazz II and Concert Band. He has performed with

many professional orchestras throughout his experience playing violin.

“I’ve been given the opportunity to play at the Festival, to play at the Fox, to be in an exchange in Germany and Mexico, to play in a lot of professional orchestras, and to meet a lot of very good musicians,” Reed said.

Reed had the opportunity to play in an orchestra abroad due the fact that his family lived there part time. His family began an exchange with Mexico.

“That orchestra decided to mingle with us and we had a thing with the music conservatory here so during the summer Mexican students come here and sometimes during the winter teachers from Sandpoint go to Mexico,” Reed said.

As for a career, Reed plans on majoring in music when he gets to college and going into the entertainment industry after he graduates.

Along with the violin, Reed also plays the clarinet but plans on expanding his talent by learning how to play the piano and learning to sing.

STUDENT LIFE

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UNLIKING SOCIAL MEDIA Many students have started to moderate social media as the negative affects of technology become apparent. | Photo Illustration by Freddy Libby, Assistant Photo Editor

Students address the negative drawbacks of having a presence on social media Riley Walkington Lifestyles Editor

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ften times breakups happen between two people when there’s a miscommunication, or something along the way gets lost in translation.

This breakup trend is happening with more than just people: many young people are starting to break up with social media, as it can become an unhealthy addiction that can lead to antisocial tendencies.

Over the last decade, society’s affection for social media has grown at an astonishing rate.

According to a survey conducted by Statista, 81 percent of the U.S. population had one single social media profile.

This means that over 1.96 billion peo-

ple are consumed and entertained by ductive things,” senior Kyle Almeida said public networks almost everyday. of social media.

The leading social network is FaceIn fact, according to The Telegraph, book, and shortly behind it, includes the average person spends an average of YouTube, Inone hour and forty minutes stagram, and browsing on Twitter.

“I took a break from social these networks It is provmedia and I noticed that I am each day. en that public networkIf one were more positive.” ing leads to to calculate amount anxiety, de- HOPE EMERSON, SOPHOMORE this pression, and of time spent in one year, other mental issues, as it would be well as, decreasing productivity and de- around eighty seven hours each year stroying the social interactions between spent scrolling on a never ending feed. individuals.

Therefore, some individuals feel the “It affects me negatively, since some- need to detach from the unlimited nettimes I overuse it over long periods of work of media that they are consumed time when I should be doing other pro- within everyday.

“I took a break from social media when I did online school, and I noticed that I am more positive, and it actually helped me with a lot of things,” sophomore Hope Emerson said.

There are different stages and levels to breaking off the relationship between an individual and their media.

To begin, one may simply restrict the amount of time that they spend on their phone, especially when surrounded by other people.

This may include logging out of a certain profile for an undetermined amount of time, or completely deleting the app to resist any temptation. For many, going cold-turkey can be a challenge.

“A small break won’t change anything, I think that it needs to be personally moderated over time,” Junior Nick Peitz said.

GIVING IT A PAWS UP Freshman Joseph Walker brings a furry trend to SHS A male student aggressively grabs the wrist of a female student. | Photo Illustration by Erin Meek, Lifestyles Editor

ACKNOWLEDGING THE ABUSE Students share the toxic effects of abuse in high school relationships Evelyn Webster Web Staff In freshman health class, teacher Chase Tigert leads a unit on dating abuse and healthy relationships.

“My main point was to teach the things that love shouldn’t be, and to help students learn the true definition of a healthy relationship,” Tigert said.

Dating abuse, by definition, is “a pattern of behavior that includes physical, emotional, verbal or sexual abuse used by one person in an relationship to exert power over another.”

Most students are familiar with the term, but some have personally encoun-

tered the effects of dating abuse Dating abuse in high school can be as the majority of the violence is verbal.

“I was convinced I was someone that I wasn’t and that I was better when I was with them,” an anonymous senior girl said.

Dating abuse in high school can be a burden on victims, as the majority of the violence is verbal, which can damage one’s self image and confidence.

“I was in an abusive relationship for two months, I was constantly called names, but never physically harmed, although words were enough to tear me down,” an anonymous senior girl said.

Abusive relationships can result in

consequences, such as eating disorders, depression and alcoholism.

“The relationship I was in was mentally abusive on the basis of manipulation, although it took a toll on my body as I developed an eating disorder,” said an anonymous senior girl.

Tigert’s classes show the potential red flags in relationships and help create a positive environment for teen relationships.

“If something feels off, it is, never risk your growth to be with someone who only brings you down,” an anonymous senior girl said.

READ THE REST OF THE STORY AT SHSCEDARPOST.COM.

TAKING A LEAVE OF ABSENCE Extended vacations bring problems to SHS staff and students Erin Meek Lifestyles Editor Taking a month long trip during the spring semester of sophomore year sounds like a stressful recipe that can only end in stacks of overdue papers, but for sophomore Laurel Larson, she is on top of it.

Larson will be going to Europe for the month of April and will be visiting Germany, Italy, France, Switzerland and Greece. Due to her love for ancient history, she is excited to visit Athens and see the historic architecture the country offers.

“I am really excited for Greece because I get to go to Rome, and that is going to be really cool,” she said.

Her cousin is hosting her and her grandmother for the month of April so they can see the historical landmarks that ancient Europe has to offer. While this trip will provide opportunities for Larson, she is slightly apprehensive about missing weeks of school.

FAST FACTS - Taking time off for an extended trips involves writing an essay to administration proving the trip is educational -On average, SHS loses $23.50 every hour a student isn’t at school

“I am scared that when I come back I won’t know anything,” she said.

Larson’s fears about leaving Sandpoint High for a month, are shared by administration and teachers who have concerns about students leaving for ex-

tended periods of time.

“For me [and my class] it’s brutal, because I do a lot of things to help kids get things when they miss,” teacher Leticia Mullen said. “But any time of long-term missing classes is not good for anyone.”

Although it can be stressful for many students to take extended time off, Larson has communicated with all her teachers and is on her way to filling out excused absent forms. She will then need to get her extended absence essay approved.

While Larson is feeling more prepared for this upcoming April, extended vacations could potentially harm the school funding.

Sandpoint High is funded by ADA (Average Daily Attendance) and when students miss a day, the school loses an average of $23.50 of funding per hour, which can potentially result in fewer funds for activities. However, SHS may switch to enrollment-based funding, which can eradicate the problems of attendance based funding for the school.

Walker poses with his cat ears. | Photo

by Claire Keener, Multimedia Editor Sarah Brown, Web Staff

Sandpoint High students walk the halls wearing clothing of their choice, some are wacky and out there and some are simple and safe. One fashion in particular stands out in the halls and in the classrooms is students wearing ears and tails as an everyday style.

This particular style is most commonly known as “furry” and although it is no very common at SHS, the Furry Fandom has quite a following.

Freshman Joseph Warner is one of these students that likes to wear this style. You probably have seen him walking in the halls wearing cat ears and a tail, and to him this is a fairly new look.

“I mean I guess I’ve always been that way, but recently I’ve been able to obtain the items I could to dress the way I wanted to.” Warner said.

A big part about the furry fandom is being able to be accepted and express yourself freely, which is one reason why people are so intrigued by it. For the people participating in dressing in this particular way, it is a way to physically show and express who they are.

Just like how people choose to wear unique socks to fit their personality, Warner’s style is an extension of who he is.

“Since we live in America we have the freedom to express ourselves. I don’t care what other people think and I’m gonna dress the way that I want to dress,” he concluded.

READ THE REST OF THE STORY AT SHSCEDARPOST.COM.

SPORTS

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Left, Annaby Kanning nordic skis in a race. Middle, Addison McNamara skis a slalom race. Right, Aiden Hazan flips through the air during a slopestyle competition. | Courtesy Photos

SEIZE THE SUMMIT

Addison McNamara, Annaby Kanning, and Aiden Hazan take skiing and snowboarding to a competitive level Jezza Hutto Sports Editor

F

or Addison McNamara, Annaby Kanning and Aiden Hazan, adventure begins in the mountains. These three SHS students dedicate a large portion of their lives to seeking adrenaline on the racecourse, speed on the trails or perfection in the terrain park.

Sophomore Addison McNamara has been ski racing since second grade, following in the footsteps of his dad and uncle.

He now competes at various mountains in the Western Region of the country through a program called Schweitzer Mountain Racing School (SARS).

From November to April the SARS teams train every week and compete almost every weekend.. For McNamara, missing school is the most challenging part of his commitment to racing.

“I have multiple week-long race series per year and it’s really difficult to stay on top of homework and focus on competing at the same time,” McNamara said.

The masses of makeup work are inconvenient, but the reward that ski racing has to offer trumps everything. Ski racing has been an easy way for McNamara to make friends, and become a much better ski racer, not to mention the thrill that racing provides.

“The adrenaline rush that you have after a run is a really great feeling,” McNamara said. “I love racing Downhill, it’s just pure speed and big air, and nothing can beat that.”

In the next few months, McNamara plans to attend Mt. Bachelor to race Super-G and Downhill, and depending on his results there, possibly Alpine Mead-

JERRY KRAMER: HALL OF FAMER SHS Alumnus receives one of football's greatest honors Sam Hendricks Sports Editor At the NFL Honors show on February 3, Sandpoint High School alum and legendary Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Jerry Kramer was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Kramer had been named a finalist ten times before, but had never received enough votes to be elected.

He was the only offensive guard selected on the NFL’s 50th anniversary team, meaning that he was rated as the best player at his position in the first 50 years of NFL history, Kramer was also the only player on that team to not have been elected to the Hall of Fame, leading many to criticize the Hall of Fame voters for his disclusion. Prior to being elected, NFL Network rated him as the best player who was not in the Hall of Fame.

Now that he is elected, Kramer will partake in several Hall of Fame experiences, such as having his bust created to be displayed in the Hall of Fame, before being enshrined in August at the Hall in Canton, Ohio.

He will then give a speech and receive his gold jacket, officially becoming a member of football’s most elite class and further cementing his status as one of Sandpoint High School’s greatest legends.

ows in California for Western Region Junior Championships.

Last year, McNamara and another teammate of his were ranked top two in the nation for their age group.

Freshman Annaby Kanning also ski races competitively but she finds her thrill on the cross country trails rather than the downhill race course. Kanning started nordic skiing competitively at 11 years old when her parents saw a flyer and had her try it.

“I love be able to have experiences like meeting Olympians, going to cool places, and getting faster,” Kanning said.

She is now a part Sandpoint Nordic

ing, and having no faults in your equipment.”

Her commitment and dedication to nordic skiing has earned her a spot at Nationals this year. This accomplishment is rare and very eminent for a nordic skier from a small town.

The Pacific Northwest Ski Association (PNSA) region takes the top 34 skiers to Nationals each year, so Kanning has proven to be among the top nordic skiers in the region.

“I am super excited and nervous about going to Nationals,” Kanning said. “It’s hard to believe.”

Kanning will compete for Nationals

“I am super excited and nervous about going to nationals, it’s hard to believe.”

ANNABY KANNING, FRESHMAN Club’s junior program where she trains and helps out with younger nordic skiers. For the competitive aspect of her career, Kanning trains and races with the Mt. Spokane team.

Kanning works hard to perfect her technique, training six days a week and either racing or training almost all weekends of winter. She also races a Junior National Qualifier (JNQ) every other weekend.

“The most challenging part is having a good race,” Kanning said. “This means not only going fast, but having the right wax on your skis, feeling good, not fall-

March 3-11, and will continue training vigorously to prepare for it until then.

With her success thus far, Kanning will continue to nordic ski competitively as long as she can.

“I would encourage other people to get involved in this sport because it really tough, but super rewarding and fun,” Kanning said.

Sophomore Aiden Hazan took his snowboarding to a competitive level in sixth grade when he discovered his love for skateboarding, which he considers to be the gateway to his snowboarding career.

When Hazan placed third at his first ever snowboarding competition here in Sandpoint, he knew that he wanted to pursue it and it has been his main passion ever since. “[My favorite part is] being able to be free and not have anyone tell me how or what I’m supposed to do,” Hazan said.

In order for him to snowboard more, Hazan is dually enrolled at SHS, meaning he has some classes at the school and does others online. This system allows him to leave school everyday at 11:10 and head straight to Schweitzer to train.

“Whether I’m by myself or with other people, I [snowboard] every chance I can get,” Hazan said.

Hazan primarily participates in slopestyle competition, which consists of rails, jumps and other terrain park features and is judged by originality and quality of tricks.

He usually competes from February through the rest of the winter, attending weekend competitions at nearby ski resorts.

“It can be challenging,” Hazan said.

“Being out there competing for yourself is way different than on a team.”

If Hazan places well at upcoming regional events, he can qualify for Nationals in April, giving him the chance to compete with some of the highest ranking snowboarders around the U.S. Being his main passion and something Hazan devotes much of his time to, he plans to continue his snowboarding career after he graduates.

“Snowboarding has given me an opportunity to make a lot of friends, meet new people, travel the Northwest, and just something to be dedicated to,” Hazan said. “Without it, life would not be as great as it is now.”

SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW BASEBALL Coach: Chase Tigert Key Returning Players: Trey Flint, Tyler Shaffer, Billy Bracket, Preston Petitt Goals for the Season: Win state

TRACK & FIELD TRACK & FIELD

A look into the key players and goals for each spring sport Compiled by Sam Hendricks, Sports Editor Photos by Cedar Post staff

SOFTBALL

GOLF Coach: Tom Tharp Key Returning Players: Nick Crowley, Lake Wilks, Joel Johnson, Caelan Darling, Hannah Hurst, Morgan Hogue Goals for the Season: “Play the game one shot at a time”, win Districts, and qualify for State

TENNIS TENNIS

Coach: Matt Brass

Coach: Elizabeth Hawkins-Williams

Coach: Kent Anderson

Key Returning Players: Hannah Davidson, Katherine Kaul, Maddie Morgan, Paige Davidson, Jazmin Stockton, Ephriam Weisz, Ammon Ollerton, TJ Davis, Tyren Witthaus, Kyle Almeida

Key Returning Players: Kaitlan Ward, Bri Baldree, Brianna Barlow, Tanis Davis, Audrey Mattila, Zoe Speelmon

Key Returning Players: Allura Livingston, Amy Clark, April Clark, Jenny Slaveck, Alana Seifert, Declan Plummer, Noah Hastings, Shane Curtis

Goals: Regional Title for both teams, over ten State medalists

Goals for the Season: Become a more cohesive team, have a winning season, win the league, win Districts, and win a State Championship

Goals for the Season: Win District Competition, qualify for State Compeition, and have “strongest-ever” Girls team

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SPORTS

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The Cedar Post staff gives their March Madness predictions.

Baseball player Kade McDonald participates in an open gym to prepare for the upcoming season. | Photo by Freddy Libby, Asst. Photo Editor

EARNING THE SPOT

Bruin Jones Web Staff Jaylin Hands from UCLA is going to average 20 points a game in the tournament, and I believe that the Bruins will make it to the Sweet Sixteen.

Competition among teammates for starting spots fosters growth ing to match up the best against a certain team or a certain pitcher,” Tigert said.

For senior and likely starter Preston Pettit, vying for that coveted starting job brings about many benefits, such as an improvement in work ethic.

“You’re going to work harder and you’re going to be really paranoid, and you might come to extra practices, more than you would normally, because you’re worried that if you miss any then they are going to take your spot be-

Even for athletes such as Pettit who safely have a starting role on their team when the season begins, there is no guarantee that they will espite being teammates, basehold the position for the entire season. ball players find themselves “We’re playing together as one unit, pitted against each other bebut at the same time, everyone is still fore their season starts, competing for fighting for their spots throughout the the honor of taking the field as a starter. entire season, so just because someone There are plenty of ways to gauge begins the season as a starter does not who is more qualified for the job, but mean that they are going to finish the according to baseball coach Chase Tiseason as a starter,” Tigert said. “Vice gert, the most important factor is comversa, the guys petitive edge. who would not “I look for be the player “We’re playing together as one unit, but at the same time, necessarily in the startwho is going ing lineup at to compete, everyone is still fighting for their spots,” first can easthe person ily work their who is going way into the to be reliable, starting lineand someone up as the seawho is goprogresses.” ing to have the confidence to get the cause you’re not showing up, you’re son Whether the players are likely to job done in any situation,” Tigert said. not putting in the work,” Pettit said.

While Pettit does not expect to start or not, everyone will get the Though an obvious advantage can arise when one looks past the athletic be in a position where he will have same chance to claim their position.

“It starts in practice, and everyskills of the players, there can be times to compete against teammates for a where both ability and attitude are too spot, he still sees the stress that goes one has the same opportunity in pracclose to pick one over the other, and in into competing for a starting role. tice to be on time, put forth effort, “If there are two people com- show their dedication and their comthese situations, the coach must find other ways to determine the starter. peting for a spot and both have mitment, work hard, and make the “In those types of situations it’s just a about the same skill level, it’s defi- most of every swing and throw, every matter of trying to figure out who is go- nitely pretty stressful,” Pettit said. batted ball, everything,” Tigert said.

Sam Hendricks Sports Editor

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CHASE TIGERT, BASEBALL COACH

Senior Taylor Hill waves to an audience after winning Rodeo Queen. | Courtesy Photo

TAYLOR HILL:

RODEO QUEEN Senior Taylor Hill becomes Rodeo Queen after a lifetime of horsemanship and dedication Mya Darling Web Staff Senior Taylor Hill saw her lifelong goals come to fruition when she was awarded the grand prize of Rodeo Queen in 2017.

Hill grew up learning to ride horses since she was two years old, and has been working toward this achievement

since she was ten years old.

“When I won, I felt a sense of relief because I realized that my hard work had paid off and that I had accomplished one of my larger goals in life,” she said.

Hill began riding competitively when she was about eight years old. Her riding career consists of mostly ranch style competitions, such as break away roping, and barrel racing.

Break away roping is when the rider attempts to rope a calf and then stop their horse, breaking a ribbon that ends their time.

Barrel racing is a rodeo event that consists of a horse and rider attempting to run around barrels in the quickest time.

Hill has four horses but she says that one stands out in particular, and that’s her 11 year old horse named Lucy. “[Lucy] is the best for my competition. She’s a quarter horse that’s just super athletic and competing is what she’s bread for,” Hill said.

Despite the challenges of lassoing a calf or speeding around barrels, for Hill the hardest part of this experience is the traveling and having to pay for all the rodeos and events.

“The farthest I’ve been is Yakama, a lot of people generally go to Texas from here, but as of now that’s the farthest,” Hill said.

Earning the title of Rodeo Queen takes a lot of preparation.

Before she won the award, Hill studied rodeo terminology, athletics, and extemporaneous speeches, making sure her animal science knowledge was supreme.

A major requirement for Hill was being able to have good horsemanship skills.

At pageants, the riders compete with horses that they have never ridden or met before.

Hill was very excited when she won Rodeo Queen, but she's not satisfied yet. She plans to try out for either Miss Pro-West Rodeo Association, or Miss Spokane Interstate Rodeo for next year.

Being so involved in horseback riding and rodeo competitions, Hill has made many connections with the people and horses she works with.

She is thankful to share this passion with many people and hopes to continue her riding career after high school.

“I was really excited because me winning meant I had the opportunity to be a representative for the lifestyle I have been raised in,” Hill said. "I have the opportunity to inspire other little kids to be kind, helpful, and hardworking.”

Sam Hendricks Sports Editor Despite a down year from college basketball's most powerful teams, the powers will reassert their dominance in March, leading to a tournament with less upsets than usual.

A Gonzaga team that has improved greatly over the course of the season could again contend for the title.

If they are on opposite sides of the bracket, a Zags-North Carolina title rematch is not out of the question. not out of the question.

Evelyn Webster Web Staff Arizona State will make a Final Four appearance fueled by Tra Holder.

They have never won the championship, but I have hope for them this year. Go Sun Devils, baby!

Jezza Hutto Sports Editor North Carolina and Duke in the final. It's a super close game and there have already been a few technical fouls so the crowd is fired up. The score is Duke-72, North Carolina-70.

Joel Berry will make a half-court buzzer beater to win the game and everyone will be super mad because NC will be back-to-back national champs.

Sam Diercks Multmedia Editor I think that Virginia's suffocating defense won't last past the second round, and they'll have to start winning games with their offense. Also look for Syracuse to make another deep run. My final prediction is that my bracket will be in shambles by the end of the second day. Go Orange!

POST SCRIPT

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C HEAP EAT

As teenagers, most high school students have to operate on a tight budget when lunch time arrives each day. This guide provides a few of the tastiest options for frugal food.

Cienna Roget, Managing Editor | Saydee Brass, Photo Editor

Babs’ Pizzeria 3-9 For those looking for an economical eat that is in close proximity to SHS, Bab’s Pizzeria is only a three minute walk from the high school. Student favorites include the cheese pizza slice, pepperoni pizza slice, and garlic knots.

1-8

Joe’s

Joe’s Philly Cheesesteak is often overlooked for its quaint presence, but it is known for their satisfying sandwiches. Aside from the popular philly cheesesteak sandwich, Joe’s offers fries, pulled pork sandwiches, and sub sandwiches.

Super One .25 - 10 The Super One Foods Deli is the perfect spot for anyone tight on time and money and looking for a variety of quick bites. Some of the most highly rated items include the freshly rolled sushi, soups, and 25 cent soft-serve ice cream.

Joel’s 2-8 An SHS favorite, Joel’s Mexican Restaurant is the quintessential place for affordable and flavorful food. The most inexpensive and delicious options at Joel’s include the tacos, breakfast burritos, and quesadillas.

Hungry For Healthy?

703 W Lake Street at Boyer 208-265-8135