March 2009 pdf by Cedar Post

SHS Lacrosse team looks forward to season page 7

Aunan’s Chess tournament a success page 5

March 2009

Sandpoint high School

Side Controversial Content Note

THE

KIEBERT REPORT

Principal explains security changes coming to dances

If controversy you would like your group, club or event featured in the Side Note, please e-mail shscedarpost@gmail.com

Dear Students of SHS: I would like to offer clarification regarding a few recent occurrences at SHS. Many of you may have heard rumors that the next dance will be cancelled. The administration team at SHS strives to ensure the safety and security of our students at every school event or activity. After learning of the alleged drug and/or alcohol use at school dances as reported in the last Cedar Post issue, the administration team has been faced with the task of exploring the viability of continuing this extracurricular event. We are legally and ethically liable to address any issues exposed that may hamper safe and sober student activities. Although the random survey conducted by the Cedar Post last month was not necessarily proven to be a factual representation of our student body, our admin team is compelled to respond to the reported statistics. We immediately met with the Student Council to discuss the new information presented, as the article’s portrayal of school dances was drastically different from our team’s perceptions; we had been confident that the dances were clean and healthy environments for our students. We discussed our concerns with Student Council

Student Council Adviser: Mike Martz Upcoming events: StuCo is planning a Blacklight Dance, to be held April 10, pending administrative approval. StuCo would like to extend a thank you to all students who participated in the Blood Drive.

AcaDeca Adviser: Mary Bird Upcoming events:

Photo illustration by isaac dunne

n Stop the preSSeS: Cedar Post staff briefly recalled last issue out of respect for administrative concerns

February issue’s content, voluntary recall inspired controversy, rumors

On April 15 AcaDeca will have a Papa Murphy’s fundraiser. On April 23 and 24 AcaDeca will be participating in medium school division Online Nationals.

chelsea KarDoKus Editor-in-chief

As copies of the last issue of the Cedar Post were recollected on Feb. 23 after distribution, a question as to why the Cedar Post was being “recalled” rang throughout the school with no answer. Rumors swirled, with some believing it was because the content was too inappropriate. Others believed the administration ordered it to be taken back because it was bad PR for the school district the day before the crucial vote for the supplemental levy. But, what really happened to the “forbidden issue” of the Cedar Post? In early February, when story ideas were being thrown around, the staff decided on writing two controversial, yet pertinent stories: one discussing the new trend of “sexting” among teenagers and the other focusing on a trend of students attending school dances under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

IDFY Adviser: Bob Carl Upcoming events: On March 26 IDFY will participate in the March Against Meth which will be hosted by LPO High School, it begins at the Community Hall where there will be speakers. The event will culminate with a march across the Long Bridge.

Friends of Rachel

Report continued page 5

Journalist explains stor y Commentar y

Isaac Dunne

Arts & Culture editor When I wrote the story “Drinking, drugs and dances,” I honestly had no inkling of the concern it would cause the administration or the trouble it would cause the Cedar Post. The editorial board chose the story because the Cedar Post staff felt there was a high number of people at Winter Ball who were under the influence, and in particular a higher number of people who took ecstasy. It is our privilege and duty as part of the Cedar Post to report on all aspects of student life here at SHS; that means including stories about winning state teams and hardworking students as well as teen pregnancy and drug abuse. Our intent with this story was neither to glamorize drug and alcohol use during dances, nor condemn it. The Cedar Post does not exist as a moral guide for the student body. The story was written in such a manner that I feel adequately reflected both viewpoints.While we had quotes from students who attended dances inebriated, we also had quotes from a student who used to attend dances inebriated but now feels “it was a waste of time,” Officer Steven Chamberlain and junior Cody Hecker, who is a designated driver

Controversy continued page 2

Teachers Respond

Adviser: Pam Webb Upcoming Events: The Friends of Rachel club will be putting inspirational quotes up around the school, if you have a favorite inspirational quote drop it by room S-4. FOR is an open club for anyone who wants to change the atmosphere of the school. Meetings are after school Thursdays in S-4.

Tom Albertson “I felt that the Cedar Post is in a position to promote so many positive stories and things that have happened that to headline with negative issues like that bothered me.”

Amy Yost

Nancy Miller “Not that I liked the topics, but I didn’t see anything wrong with them. I know darn well there are kids who come to dances under the influence.”

“I can see both sides.[The Cedar Post] are reporters reporting on an issue. But I also would be worried that a student might read an article think it is cool to go to a dance under the influence.”

Controversy Commentary continued page 3

Grad Night moved to Bonner County Fairgrounds chelsea KarDoKus

NHS is asking for donations from Sandpoint businesses. Half of the donations will go to organizations NHS benefits, such as Lions Club and Panhandle Alliance for Education, the other half will go toward NHS funds. On April 22, NHS will host a Community Cleanup Day.

Grad Night is a cherished senior tradition with endless hours full of friends, games, prizes and one last hurrah for the senior class to share together. For the past several years Grad Night has been held at the Bonner County Fairgrounds. Other years, it has been held at the Sandpoint Elks Lodge or similar locations. Parents of senior students work hard throughout the year fundraising all the money that goes into the night and then transform the venue, wherever it may be, into a night most will never forget.

46 days

Pros

n Casino area, Carnival

n Full access to all Triple

n Higher rate of at-

n Parents already put

Editor-in-chief

games and toys, D.J. tendance

n Traditional location

What’s inside?

News.....................................................................Page 2 Opinion................................................................Page 3 Arts & Culture.....................................................Page 4,5, Sports...................................................................Page 6,7

Play amenities

in work and money

n New and different

“I thought it was really fun. Even the silly little carnival games were enjoyable,” 2007 graduate Kelly Johnson said. This year, Marcia Wilson became in charge of organizing grad night when her daughter, Cristina Wilson, was elected senior class president. (Full Disclosure: Cristina Wilson is the business manager of the Cedar Post) About three months ago, Wilson, along with over 50 other parents decided to try something new for Grad Night and rent the Coeur d’Alene Triple Play Family Fun Park for June 6. Grad Night continued page 2

feature

Adviser: Wendy Auld Upcoming Events:

page 8

NHS

“I think they were fine and they were appropriate topics because they apply to what happens at school,” Assistant editor Jennifer Prandato said. Although the staff knew these stories could be considered inappropriate to some staff and community members, they agreed the stories were interesting and focused on subjects that affect students’ lives. “I thought they were appropriate and timely and newsy,” Cedar Post adviser Mike Gearlds said. On Monday, Feb. 23 the paper was distributed during fourth period like usual. “We delivered papers to the students, and then as soon as we had gotten back to the room, the administration called us down and wanted to have a meeting with us,” Assistant editor junior Jennifer Prandato said. During the meeting the Administration voiced their concerns with the timing, content and appropriateness of how the stories were written.

Seniors Destery Moore, Nathan Owens create popular YouTube channel

“

As A

VoluMe 86, iSSue 7

“

It feels so good. I beat Adam Crossingham, so I’m happy. -Cody Hecker

Read more about the Bachelor Auction on p. 4

Page 2

Cedar Post

March 2009

SHS Model United Nations attends conference in New York

Copy editor

he SHS International Relations class left Tuesday, March 17, for New York City, where they attended their Model United Nations conference, returning Sunday, March 22. The conferences, which spanned three days, simulated a meeting of the United Nations. “It’s a conference where different schools get together and their students are delegates representing different countries around the world,” senior Matt Charbonneau said. Every student prior to the trip was given two topics to study. “We wrote in to Mrs. Smith which committees we wanted to be on and she decided,” senior Haley Roberts said. These committees and the topics they included were central to study in preparation for the conference and at the conference. “At the conference we meet in committee to discuss and/or debate the topics in hopes to find a resolution to the issues,” sophomore Natalie Charbonneau said. “I am on the legal committee and our topics are TRIPS (The Agreement of Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property) and the access to medicines, and our second

topic is Building Accountability within the they would be.” After thoroughly researching their countries United Nations… Some other topics are child in class, the students represented their countries soldiers and weaponization in space.” Every student is on one committee, and at the conferences. some students share their committees with “We have to make sure we represent their another student. view points, not our own,” Charbonneau said. While most of the conference was held at the “I am part of the DISC [Disarmament and International Security Committee] Hilton hotel, where they stayed, the opening committee. My topics and closing ceremonies for the conference are were held at the United conventional weapons Nations building in Different schools get together and New York City, which and their trade,” junior their students are delegates repreBrenan Weme said. they also got to tour. senting different countries around “With these topics, we The students’ busy the world. debate the best way to schedule of conferences left little time for sight regulate weapons.” -Matt Charbonneau seeing, but they did go Each school participating in to the statue of liberty, Model United Nations took a bus tour of the represented a different country or city and some students went to a Broadway play. countries at the conference. The 27 students have been preparing for the “We [represented] Djibouti and Ethiopia,” Matt Charbonneau said. “Because we’re such conference since September. “We wrote a topic paper on both our a large group of students, we either had to choose two smaller countries or choose a major topics,” Weme said of some of their in-class country. Because we’re a new group, we chose preparation. to be smaller countries. We turned in about10 The class also studied rules for a meeting of different choices and there was a committee the General Assembly, which the conference that chose which school and which country simulated, and went through “mock class

“

Kat VarDell

simulations to prepare us for what we’re going to go through at the conference,” Matt Charbonneau said. Fundraising was also a large part of preparing for the conference. “The whole trip is $1,300,” Matt Charbonneau said. “We got a grant from Panhandle Alliance For Education for $16,000. We only had to fundraise $700 worth. We’ve been done with fundraising for four months now.” The PAFE grant to get Model United Nations started this year was for a total of $36,000, with $16,000 given the first year, then $12,000 for the year after and $8,000 for the third year with the idea that as the class gets more organized, they will not need as much support. For the rest of the school year the International Relations class will continue working, though not with the focus of the conference. “We’re just going to study international things that are going on in the world right now,” Roberts said. Students have enjoyed the class and the work put into it. “It’s a great class to learn international relations,” Matt Charbonneau said. Roberts agrees. “I would do it again,” she said. Also, “I think next year it will be more organized.”

Voters approve school levy despite recession Keegan Dunn News editor

The Lake Pend Oreille School District No. 84 supplemental levy passed on Feb. 24, 3,965 votes to 2,699. Many students are happy that the levy passed. “I’m stoked that it passed, because we get sports next year,” junior Jimmy Alyward said. Sports, along with many other extracurricular activities and close to 100 staff positions, were among the things that could have been cut had the levy failed. “One of the reasons we moved here was because the schools were so into the arts, because it’s a big thing for the community,” junior Susan Kolvalchuck said. Students believe that passing the levy every two years is key to receiving a competitive education. “In both academics and sports, we compete with people. When we go to the real world, we’ll be able to have the same amount of educational

Grad Night from pg 1 “I think it is a lot more fun for high school kids to be playing golf and bowling and video games and water slides then cards and carnival games,” Wilson said. The parents also asked the seniors in student council where they thought their class would have the most fun and it was a unanimous vote for Triple Play. After the down payment of $3,000 was paid and a contract for Triple Play was signed, parents and students started to disagree with the idea of not having a “traditional” location. “I feel that we should keep tradition, tradition,” senior Jake Semones said. “It should be at the fairgrounds like it’s always been.” Many seniors saw it as a new and exciting experience that would bring more diversity and entertainment to the night. “It doesn’t seem like the fairgrounds really offers that much,” senior Michelle Stone said. “It was kind of already decided for us and they had already been planning it and they put all that time and all that money into Triple Play so we might as well just have it there.” Monticola conducted a survey throughout the senior government classes asking: 1. If you had the choice between Triple Play

opportunities that [other students] did,” Alyward said. Besides financial support, receiving so many votes for the levy also provided a moral boost for many students. “It’s tough right now, and it shows that the voters do support us,” Alyward said. Kovalchuk agrees. “Students kind of realized the opportunities, the art programs and things like that would be gone, and now they’re just really grateful for it,” she said. It’s support that some students across the state haven’t received; several school districts in Idaho, Washington and Montana haven’t passed their levies. “Pocatello School District lost their levy for the first time in close to 50 years,” Lake Pend Oreille School District Superintendent Dick Cvitanich said. But perhaps the biggest surprise was Clark Fork supporting this year’s levy, a change from its past voting record. and the Fairgrounds (or similar venue) for Grad Night which would you prefer? 2. If Grad Night is at Triple Play, would you go? 3. If Grad Night is at the Fairgrounds (or similar venue), would you go? The outcome showed that only 20 percent of the students preferred having Grad Night at Triple Play. After parents received this information, the Grad Night committee decided to do a formal vote throughout the senior class to finally determine where the 2009 Grad Night would be held. On Wednesday, March 4, the seniors received the official ballots and voted 134 for the Fairgrounds, 86 for Triple Play and left 50 abstaining votes. “I think it’s the power of the democratic system. No one wanted it at Triple Play. So I’m glad we got that changed,” Semones said. After getting the final results of the survey, Wilson stepped down from heading the Grad Night committee and Carlyn Blacker has now assumed the position along with other senior class parents. “We have the Fairgrounds booked - you are not going to see anything less, maybe more than previous years,” senior parent Laura DeLand said. “I did it for you guys (the seniors). Grad Night is too much fun for you guys to miss out on.”

“I think they had a great group of people out there working to help pass the levy, for one,” Cvitanich said. “Two, I think the people are really proud of their school, Clark Fork and Hope. Three, they really value extracurricular activities as a hub for their community.” Many administrators across the state were looking to Sandpoint as a kind of thermometer for their voters’ attitudes toward their own supplemental levies. “All of the superintendents in Region 1, which is Coeur d’Alene, Palmer, Whorley, Post Falls, and all of our region, were looking very carefully at what was happening here, and were very surprised,” Cvitanich said. “I think they feel the mood of the voters is similar across North Idaho.” Of the $10.95 million levy, $4.6 million will be spent in the ‘09-’10 school year and the remaining $6.35 million will be spent the year after. Taxes will not increase at all this year, and will decrease significantly next year when the facilities levy comes off the books.

Carly riCKarD

n YES: Levy supporters march the Long Bridge

By the end of the meeting, the staff had decided, out of respect to the administration, to take the newly distributed papers back “Quite honestly I think that the issue and redistribute them on Wednesday, after is probably just a mistake. It was just kids the vote on the supplemental levy. learning journalism and a mistake was Soon, many students wanted to read a made and it was a teachable moment - really Cedar Post and see for themselves what was that’s how I see it. Because after all you are causing so much controversy. just kids,” Assistant “I was a little Principal Penny taken aback by the Tenuto said. “Its front page topics,” nothing that we It provoked discussion. It may have senior Mathew brought about necessary changes and can’t fix together.” Charbonneau said. it probably heightened awareness in One main issue From being called the community. You can’t ask for more addressed in the than that. “a big nasty pimple meeting was that on the whole student - Mike Gearlds the “Drinking, body” to being told drugs and dances” it was the best issue story should have of Cedar Post some showed the consequences of underaged had ever read, the Cedar Post staff took hits drinking and given the administration a from all sides but stands firm on their first chance to voice their opinion on how they amendment rights. handle dances. “I think that whatever the shortcoming “I think it would have been nice to know of that particular story (“Drinking, drugs what had been done to try to ensure - so that and dances”) might have been in the end the community, the students, the parents, it did its job. It provoked discussion. It may the patrons would know what our efforts have brought about necessary changes and have been to try to make the dances fair and it probably heightened awareness in the safe and safe and sober and clean for the community. You can’t ask for more than students,” Principal Dr. Becky Kiebert said. that,” Gearlds said.

Controversy from pg 1

“

”

Cedar Post

Let’s address the elephant in the room; there have been a lot of rumors surrounding the Cedar Post lately. We’d like to take a moment to clarify our position and present you, the reader, with the truth. The problem is, truth is a very elusive thing. You might as well try to sculpt smoke with your fingers as find a true, unbiased statement. That being said, what you will read in this column is not “the truth,” but it is our truth. Truth: The Cedar Post wrote two articles: one talking about the “sexting” phenomenon and its relevance to our school, another revealing the surreptitious drug use that occurs at school functions. The paper came out the day before the levy, and was considered to have inappropriate content for such a crucial time. The paper was withdrawn willingly and re-released with no changes after the voting on the levy.

Controversy Commentary from pg 1 and does not drink or do drugs. My only regret with this story was not including quotes from principal Becky Keibert, but even without those quotes the story was a fair and balanced depiction of the events that happen at school dances. The Cedar Post is not attempting to suggest that at every dance every student is drunk. Indeed not even the majority are under the influence. We are also not attempting to suggest that no one, or hardly anyone comes to dances drunk. That is a naive and willfully ignorant viewpoint that we cannot support. Students have gone to dances drunk every year that I have been in high school, some have been caught; many have not. There is no finger pointing in that inescapable fact. Ask any teacher here at SHS and I am sure they will tell you students went to their dances under the influence. That is in no way a reflection on the diligence of the SHS administration, who have increased security at dances. Is it a reflection on our community or society at large? I don’t know. I do know that the Cedar Post staff reported the events as they happened, and that I personally worked to ensure there was no fallacy to be found in my article, and for that I cannot apologize.

Jeremiah Prummer, Michael Richardson, Cody Finney, and Ashley Brush: I respect all of your opinions, and I was glad to receive responses to my column. The problem I have with the military coming into our schools is that they come all the time, while colleges don’t come except on designated days. The military also has seemingly unlimited funds and man-power for recruiting. The colleges do not. There is a fundamental difference between the colleges sugar-coating things and the military sweet-talking us. People don’t die just because they joined a college. And I disagree with you on the point that everyone knows you may die if you join the military. I know several people who are convinced that they will be able to stay on American shores and become a mechanic or some other industrial job, not go overseas and fight. Despite your statistics on the low numbers of people whose hearts have actually stopped, there are far more casualties than those numbers include. The people I refer to are those experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and those that are crippled physically. I agree with you that my blanket statement of the military existing “to kill and be killed” was a little simplistic, but even when you use it as

Or rather, Our Truth

Truth: After the re-release of the paper, we were approached by the administrators. We were, in short, accused of being tactless and sabotaging their efforts. To us, it seems that these allegations would not have been made had our articles not directly addressed areas where the administrators had trouble exercising control—basically, sex and drug use within the school. Truth: We are journalists. We are athletes, singers, actors, artists, and students too. But within the context of this paper, we are photographers, reporters, and cartoonists. We find newsworthy facts. We research them. We interview the people affected. We research some more. Eventually, we’re faced with the task of crafting that mass of facts, quotes, and statistics into something enjoyable and informative to read. Nowhere in that job description is it said that we need to idolize some people and

ostracize others, promote some lifestyles and condemn others. We do not sugarcoat facts or make excuses. We simply report the truth. One more truth: We don’t write articles to sell papers. That’s obvious, as our biggest audience (SHS students) receives our papers for free. We write articles because they’re relevant to students, because these are the issues we are confronted with every day of our lives. Whatever parents and teachers may believe, those relevant issues occasionally include topics involving sex, drug use, violence, etc. We are not glamorizing or condoning these activities, nor are we condemning them. We write these stories to raise awareness, because these are problems our generation faces. So, there’s our truth. We are all creative, hard-working people and we feel we use those talents in a constructive and positive way. So please, a little respect?

Letters to the Editor

• Your conduct grade is falling faster than a narcoleptic crow.

Dear Editor, In responce to the recent article in the Cedar Post, the Student Council would like to address a few issues surrounding dances at our high school. First of all, the current administration has reduced the amount of students attending dances under the influence quite tremendously. Over the years, students have found the number of administrators attending dances to increase from one or two to ALL administrators. Also, Student Council and the administration will now be implementing the following to further secure saftey at SHS school dances: 1. Breathalyzer: at the entrance of the dance that every patron must breathe into to get in. 2. Mandatory coat check: all bags, coats, and purses must be checked in. There will be no exceptions. A chaperone will be in the room to ensure security of belongings.

3. Drug-dog: To ensure the upmost safety of all students, a drug dog will search all bags in the coat/bag check room after doors close. 4. No re-entry policy: Once a student leaves the dance, they will not be allowed to re-enter. 5. Doors close: Doors will close two hours into the dance. No exceptions. These new policies are to ensure the safety of all students at dances through the high school. We would like to thank the current administration for their continued support throughout the years. We also look forward to seeing all students at the Spring Dance, which will have an awesome Rave theme. Keep it real.

defense- something the United States has not done much, and not at all in the previous yearsviolence is highly likely. As regards the mention of our founding fathers, they were actually planning on staying as far away from the rest of the world as possible. They did not wish to be part of “foreign entanglements.” I mentioned the women in the military not wanting to fight in combat positions not because I believe no woman would choose to fight; that truly would be sexist. I mentioned it because the women I have talked with stated that they would be safe in the military because women were not permitted to fight. I wished to put that myth to rest once and for all. I am sorry if I did not make that clear. I am sure there are women out there who have no objections to fighting, just as I am sure there are men out there who have great objections to fighting. Despite the military’s policy regarding sexual assault, Rep. Jane Harman, a Democrat from California, told CNN that she learned from military doctors in 2007, that only 8 percent, 181 out of 2,212, of the reports of military sexual assaults were referred to courts martial. 40 percent of those arrested in the civilian world on such charges are prosecuted. Besides, what woman, especially one who is “Army Strong” wants to admit that she was raped by a fellow soldier? On to a lighter subject: the ASVAB. I realize now as I look back at what I wrote that I did not explain myself well enough. I did not take the ASVAB for its recruitment efforts. I took it under the understanding that it had other uses: showing where in the working world you best fit regarding your knowledge and strengths. My teachers had repeatedly told me that it can be taken without

reference to the military. That motivated me to take the test. I gave every indication that I was NOT interested in the military. I left out personal information to prevent the kind of contact that I received a few months later. The military has done some good works; I will concede that point. But the wrongful endeavors outweigh that good. Too many of the lost souls in Arlington National Cemetery were wasted in the numerous wars and conflicts that the U.S. has been involved in, and had no honorable reason to be. I acknowledge that you “have and have had” relatives in the military. So have I. And, having never been in battle, I cannot with all confidence state this as fact, but I highly doubt the majority of those who die in wars are happy about it. Few people want to die; and fewer of the people who fought in the United States’ wars were 100 percent behind the reasons for fighting. Too many did not know what they were fighting for. My statistics? No, I am sorry to disappoint, but I did not find them on the Onion- that would truly have been shoddy research. Try http://www.militaryfreeschools.org/jrotc.htm, which was created by a combination of teachers, students, activists and parents. Unfortunately, there is not enough room in this column- I have passed my word limit a long time since- for all my sources, but if you come find me sometime, I will be happy to provide you with a complete list of my references, including the Web site I mentioned previously. If you do not believe my statistics from my week-long research efforts, then I would be honored if you would present me with counter research and statistics. In the meantime, I hope I have answered your numerous questions.

• Ugh! My social science is all over the bus!

SHS Student CounCil

Reaction to Cedar Post reflects immaturity of readers

People think that the Cedar Post’s stories are immature and sensational. I could say the same about those who label the stories as such. It’s as if our readers (some, not all) saw the word sex or alcohol or penis and turned away blushing. Then, due to their own discomfort, they proceeded to call us immature, unprofessional (these aren’t direct quotes), or what have you, when in reality, it was they who were acting childish. Yeah, people trying to tell you what your motives are is a tempting invitation to kick and scream like a two year old but I have refrained Unfortunately, that is more than I can say for a few people.

• There’s nothin’ like gettin’ a good sweat on before watchin’ Hercules. • So you can be liable for libel, but not libel for liable? Liah-bleh!

This is where your thoughts go. Feel passionately about something? We are your public forum. Drop a letter with your thoughts and name in room E8 or e-mail shscedarpost@gmail.com

I have heard some ask why these stories deserved to be put in the spotlight, aka the front page. Stories such as the “sexting” story are pertinent and extremely valid and, furthermore, interesting. It is completely reasonable to place stories of this caliber in our paper and on the front page as well. You can’t blame a paper for trying to keep its readers interested. Front pages are meant catch the attention of possible readers. People judge books by their covers and a newspaper is subjected to the same standard. The fact is that all of this stuff that we report is happening and it is affecting us. We are not trying to sway our readers one way or another. The purpose of a newspaper is to inform in an unbiased manner. It is an essential part of a journalists code of ethics to do so and

These are phrases Cedar Post staff members have heard from students of SHS. The views expressed in Word for Word are not necessarily shared by the Cedar Post.

”

Our View

Page 3

March 2009

although we may be teenagers we do take our journalistic values seriously. I think people have trouble grasping this concept, but its the truth. We try our utmost to keep our opinions out of our stories until we get to our designated venting area (the opinion page) and if you see something that seems slightly biased- great! You found us out; we are human, but it should never get in the way of the story. I’m not writing this in a malicious effort. Hopefully those who have accused us of doing a poor job don’t realize how seriously we take the news that we distribute and how off base their accusations really are. Regardless of specifics on the content of our stories, the general format of our stories is one of unbiased, relevant news.

• So, who’s getting NAEPd on Tuesday? • I like the color purple. Purple is hugs. • Obama needs more stimulus in his package. • If it wasn’t for the gutter, my mind wouldn’t have a home. • Why are you blowing on the Eiffel Tower? • What did you say about an amazing spooning leper? We’re in the Jesus cave? • Gag me with a spoon, you’re probably preggo.

” Chelsea KardoKus Editor-in-Chief

Jennifer Prandato Assistant Editor

isaaC dunne

Arts & Culture Editor

KeeGan dunn News Editor

Carly riCKard Photo Editor

Jesse Cobb

Graphics Editor

soPhie Miller

Advertising Manager

Cristina Wilson Office Manager

MiKe Gearlds Adviser

Editorial Policy The Cedar Post is governed by the same legal rights as the professional press. Under the First Amendment, we reserve the right to free expression and freedom of the press. The student newspaper of Sandpoint High School is an open public forum for the students of Sandpoint High School and the community of Sandpoint, Idaho, with its editorial board making all decisions concerning its contents; it is not subject to prior review by administration, faculty, or community members. Unsigned editorials express the views of the majority of the editorial board. Letters to the editor must be signed, although the staff may withhold the name upon request. The paper reserves the right to edit letters for grammar and clarity, and all letters are subject to law governing obscenity, libel, privacy and disruption of the school process, as are all contents for the paper. Opinions in letters are not necessarily those of the staff, nor should an opinion expressed in a public forum be construed as opinion or policy of the administration, unless so attributed.

The CP strongly encourages you to voice your opinion through the student paper. E-mail your letter or bring it by E8.

Sandpoint High School 410 South Division Sandpoint, ID 83864 (208) 263-3034 ext 244 shscedarpost@gmail.com

Bachelor Page 4

The

the

Here are a few ideas the Cedar Post staff thinks are just great u

SHS’s Hottest Dawgs show off what they got

Play Kick the Can- This exciting combination of hide-and-seek and tag is sure to satisfy anyone’s need for a little adventure. Get a group of friends together. One person counts, the rest hide, you know the drill. When a “hider” is found the fun part begins. This game turns into a race back to the can where the “hider” tries to kick the can over before the “counter” tags them. When that gets boring, switch over to that good ol’ game of Cops and Robbers, both of these activities are sure to build a little paranoia into your character. -Carly R.

Celebrate a new holiday-

Play Drug Dealer-A fun card game to pass the

Mikka nostdahl

n Riding in style: Juniors Leonard Fister and Daniel Anderson ride onto stage in style

Assistant editor

On March 5, the ladies of SHS Cedar Post hosted the eighth annual Bachelor Auction. Usually put on by the varsity cheerleading team, the auction was donated to the staff to fundraise for a journalism convention in Phoenix in April. While the auction has generally been a success in the past, raising over $3,000 for cheerleading trips and competition fees, this year’s turnout raised only $1,350. “There were a lot of reasons people didn’t show up,” senior Sophie Miller, who organized the event, said. “The economy, people forgot about it, sports...” Despite the relatively low number of female bidders, many didn’t hold back when bidding for a bachelor. “It was worth spending the money for a good friend,” junior Laticia Lies said. In the auction, high school girls are given bidding paddles and allowed to bid on any

of the bachelors. The girl with the highest bid gets to go on a date, donated by local restaurants, with their bachelor. The “Hottest Dawg” Prize went to the bachelor who was bought for the most amount of money. Besides receiving a shirt stating his “Hottest Dawg” title, junior Cody Hecker, and his date, junior Sam Trulock, won a $100 gift certificate donated by the restaurant 41 South. “It feels really good [to Mikka nostdahl be the ‘Hottest Dawg’],” n Raising the paddle: Juniors Laticia Lies and Kendra Barksdale bid Hecker said. “I beat Adam on their pick of the night [Crossingham], so I’m happy.” his skills on the guitar. Senior audience judged the boys Some of the bachelors chose Matt Geiger enlisted the help on their classiness, talent, to simply be auctioned off, of his fellow members of the dateability and hotness. The while others showcased their Men’s Quartet to sing with him judges chose sophomore talents for the ladies. Juniors while senior Corey Hoffman Cameron Brownell, as the Daniel Anderson and Leonard was accompanied by his two all around “most dateable” Fister, who were auctioned off year old niece to help sway the bachelor. Brownell played as a double date, rode out on women. Juniors Crossingham the guitar and performed an a tandem bike. Senior wrestler and Hecker choreographed a original song saying, “I’ll name Chris Book was introduced to dance together which ended it after whoever buys me.” However, Brownell didn’t the audience wearing a singlet in girls’ cheerleading shorts. “We just wanted to do seem surprised he was named and superman cape. Many of the bachelors were musicians, something funny that we the nights’ most dateable. “Did you just realize that? I with junior Kyle Miller thought the girls would like,” do have the voice of an angel,” playing the bass and senior Hecker said. Volunteers from the Brownell said. Aaron Lockwood showing off

AcaDeca brings home second at state

Molly Burgstahler Journalism contributer

TheSHSAcademicDecathlon team placed second overall at their state competition in Boise March 13 and 14. The team placed first in all of their competitions leading up to state, including regionals. At state they competed against all the Idaho schools in the large school division. Centennial High, who placed first, beat SHS by just 1,101 points out of 60,000. “We did very well; we do not have anything to be ashamed of, we are second in the state. But it is a little disappointing to come so close to first,” sophomore Brita Olson said. Junior Tommy Jacobs took second overall for individuals in the honors division, senior Jeremiah Prummer took third

overall for individuals in the scholastic division, while senior Isaac Dunne took first and junior Heather Green took third overall for individuals in the varsity division. These divisions are based on competitors’ Grade Point Averages.

competitions, the AcaDeca students study their three inch binders of information. This year’s topic was Latin America. They also take practice tests and quizzes and study reading packets. This competition was Idaho’s 25th annual Academic Decathlon. Centennial High will be representing Idaho April 22-25 at the National Academic Decathlon competition in Memphis, Tenn. Although the completion of the state competition symbolizes the end of AcaDeca for some students, the class will continue to study the rest of the school year, now for next year’s topic, the French Revolution. “It was a really good group,. We are losing a lot of seniors this year and we will be working even harder to win next year,” Bird said.

“doWenotdidhaveveryanything well; we to be ashamed of.

Brita Olson Sophomore

“I know they worked really, really hard and I know they are disappointed to come so close to competing at Nationals and they did really well. They were also really focused on the bus on the way down and during the competition itself,” AcaDeca adviser Mary Bird said. To prepare for their

Go Kidnapping- Surprise all your friends by “kid-

napping” them early in the morning. Go to their houses and wake them all up, giving them only five minutes to brush their teeth or get decent, but there’s one rule: everyone must stay in their pajamas. After you’ve captured everyone, go out to breakfast. It will be a fun experience that you can laugh about for years to come. -Jennifer P.

Auction

Jen Prandato

BIG idea

March, 2009

Cedar Post

”

Pick a holiday somewhere in the world. Pick the craziest one, figure out how different people celebrate it, and have a hoot! Visit http://www.holidays.net to check out all the crazy holidays, but hurry because Bunsen Burner Day is quickly approaching! -Sophie M.

time. How to play: Deal every player one card, making sure there is at least one ace and king in the mix. The rest cannot be face cards. Once dealt, each player looks only at their card. The player that is dealt with the ace is the drug dealer, and the player dealt with the king is the cop. The drug dealer then tries to sell “drugs” by signaling individuals without getting caught by the cop. The drug dealer tries to signal other players to make a “deal.” While this is happening the cop is looking for the signals from the drug dealer. But there’s a catch. The drug dealer must be careful because the cop is not a known player. One may be signaling the cop to buy drugs and not know. Once one has been “sold drugs” they exclaim “Deal’s been made!” and they sit out for the rest of the game. -Meranda C.

LENT

What would you give up for your religion?

eMily thoMPson Staff reporter

Every year, many SHS students choose to recognize the religious tradition of Lent. To each student, the holiday can be celebrated differently, but is primarily based upon the idea of fasting and prayer. “Lent lasts a period of 40 days,” senior Steven Omodt, who recognizes the tradition, said. The history of Lent dates back hundreds of years. It gained its traditional 40-day duration that leads up to Easter Sunday from the 40 days that, according to the Bible, Jesus spent in the desert

before beginning his ministry. The traditional purpose of Lent is to prepare the believer for Easter. The name Lent was established formally as a Latin term, but by the late Middle Ages, the English word “Lent” meaning spring, was adopted. Fasting and prayer were once traditionally much more rigorous, when people would go all day without food, only eating a small meal in the evening. However, times have changed and now it is more common to give up specific foods or activities rather than entire meals. “I usually give up certain foods and fast everyday,” Omodt

said. Other SHS students also find similar ways to celebrate the holiday. “I gave up TV,” senior Rashelle Klontz said. “Also, I added reading all of the daily mass readings along with my other Bible reading.” While each individual chooses what they wish to give up, there are some things nearly everyone gives up. “Everyone gives up meat on Fridays,” Klontz said. To each student the reasons behind what they choose to give up are different, but their purpose is all very similar: to honor their beliefs.

Just It’ll be OK

DANCE

Friday, April 10th 7:30-11:30 $7 SHS Commons

PROM SPECIAL

Life Choices Pregnancy Center Pregnant? Need Help?

Free Conﬁdential -Pregnancy Tests -Education on all Options -Compassionate Counseling -Support for the Whole Family -Baby Clothing & Furnishings

204 E. Superior Suite 1 (North end of Long Bridge, next to Exxon Station)

(208) 263-7621

Make your smile SHINE with ZOOM in office whitening *Receive $50 off when you* mention this ad

Cedar Post

Page 5

March 2009

With Molly Horn and Sophie Miller They’re both hot... So they’ll tell you what’s not.

College:

Joining a Sorority.

Fraternities... Seriously, they’re gross.

Relationships:

Spring Break:

Jobs:

Turning 18:

Magazines:

Prom:

Television:

Health:

In general:

Seeing your girl after a long while. Getting out and doing something active. Having one... Courtesy Jeremiah Prummer

n CheCkmate: Senior Tony Charvoz and junior Cody Morton take part in an intense game of chess in the tournament on March 7

First annual chess competition brings success eddie ogle Staff reporter

On Saturday, March 7, 57 SHS students filled the commons area to compete in a chess tournament held by SHS chemistry teacher Woody Aunan for cash prizes. Overall, $1,549 was awarded to the best players. First place won $599, second place $250, third and fourth place $150 and fifth through eighth place $100. Because of the money available to participants, the tournament had a large turnout. At the end of the tournament, sophomore Gerhart Suppiger walked away with the first place $599 award in his pocket. senior Terry Taylor placed second, junior Galen MacDonald placed third, while freshman Ben Schmid, sophomore Max Horn, senior Mike Longshore and sophomore Keith Cancel placed fifth through eighth, respectively. Suppiger played seven matches to achieve first place while most of the competitors had to play six. He tied one match, which forced a rematch in his journey for victory. “My match against Galen MacDonald was probably the

Report from pg 1 and asked the students how to best address the alleged drug use at dances. The Student Council was tasked with researching solutions and common practices at other high schools in our area. At press time, we have agreed to implement the following protocol at all school dances: Coat check for all purses, bags, backpacks, coats, hats or any other item that may be used to bring in illegal substances. All students will be required to blow into a Breathalyzer before entering the dance. Students who chose to leave will not be permitted back in to the dance.

most challenging,” Suppiger said. Although Suppiger has not been playing chess for long, he has obtained skills in the game and loves to play. He started playing in December, and has become very involved with the hobby. “When I heard Mr. Aunan was having a chess tournament, I started practicing and kind of got addicted and started playing a lot. So in the three months I’ve been playing, I’ve gotten pretty good,” Suppiger said. Aunan has a passion for the game of chess and wants to get students involved. He would like to thank all of the students for rekindling his belief in the sanctity and beauty of abstract thought. “Twenty-eight boards out there, everybody just thinking about what exists out there. It’s great to see,” Aunan said. Aunan plans to have another tournament next year because of this years ample success. He plays with students every Tuesday after school and during second lunch. He enjoys seeing kids strategize against one another and play in the commons when the chess table is set up. Students will not be allowed to enter after doors to the dance are locked (probably two hours after dance start time).

“making Thank you for your help in SHS a healthy and safe place to be a student - we appreciate all of your effort

”

Extra law enforcement will be stationed in the parking lot prior to the dance doors closing. Extra staff chaperones will be stationed throughout the

College:

Winning big in the lotto. Cosmopolitan. Paying for a limo.

The Office.

Being in shape.

Messin’ around while she’s gone. Playing video games all break long.

Workin’ Cedar and first.

Going to jail.

Playboy/ Playgirl Borrowing your mom’s minivan.

Fantasy Factory. Being a shape.

Telling the truth when you Saying you didn’t do it can’t keep your hands out with your face covered in of the cookie jar. chocolate.

dance. The drug dog will be secured for possible use at the dance. While our admin team can never guarantee the complete absence of drugs and/or alcohol at a school dance, we have and will take any measure necessary to increase the likelihood of a safe and sober event. It is extremely important to our administrators that students are provided an environment that is not detrimental to you or your peers. Our goal is to offer a healthy space for students to socialize, dance, and have fun. If you have any further suggestions or concerns, please let one of the administrators know. Thanks for your help in making SHS a healthy and safe place to be a student– we appreciate all of your effort.

Chugga Chugga Chugga Chugga Choo Choo For whatever reason, Americans hate mass transit. Maybe it’s that pioneer spirit that makes the American people so resistant to cram themselves into a vehicle with other people, our collective cultural longing for adventure and independence or something stupid and probably made up like that. Whatever it is leaves our trains and buses relatively empty while our highways and streets are bulging with cars, trucks and SUVs. But what of the train? The furious and powerful engine that connected the coasts of our great nation has certainly been neglected since the widespread use of the automobile; Amtrak only earned enough revenue to cover two-thirds of its operating costs in 2006. It seems today that the only people who travel by train today are hobos and meth addicts in boxcars.

Well, I have ridden the Amtrak train to Portland, and I can tell you that it is mostly hobos and meth addicts there, too. Funny thing about the train; there are no nice-looking people on it. I walked up and down the aisles searching for someone who looked like they might not knife me for a buck and was sorely disappointed. The coach designers at Amtrak have also puzzlingly made it nearly impossible to sleep on the train. In the middle of the double seats they have conveniently installed a raised metal bar, so on the off chance that you find a double seat all for yourself you are going to risk serious spinal damage if you attempt to lay down on that sucker. Also, people on the train for some reason don’t understand the concept of quiet time. You would think at one in the morning the woman sitting two seats behind me wouldn’t yell at her husband/boyfriend/sperm donor about God knows

what. You would be wrong. You would also be incorrect in the assumption that the guy sitting in front of me could turn his earsplitting ring tone for his texts (some awful Maroon 5 song) down to vibrate. All of this is further compounded by the fact that Amtrak serves beer and wine, with seemingly no scruples about getting people piss drunk. Still, there is something eerie and beautiful about the buckle and roll of the train, the low roar of the engine, that haunting whistle, the incredible scenery of the Northwest whizzing by at just the right speed to be beautiful and wondrous.

March 2009

Cedar Post Page 6

Spring Sports Over view JAke SemOneS And ben fiSHer Varsity Baseball

Varsity

BaseBall n Fisher and Semones

CArly riCkArd

his year, we have a great group of guys on the team. There are a lot of returning players, along with a number of new guys. We’re planning on doing really well this season and

“

hopefully making it to state. The new guys will step up and have a great season as well as the returning players. Our tournament in Lewiston was a success, and we should do well in more tournaments to come. We have a lot of talent on the team and I think it’s going to show.

There are a lot of returning players, along with a number of new guys.

”

miCHelle StOne Varsity Girls’ Golf

Girls’ Varsity Golf

n Stone

eddie Ogle

here are five main spots on the varsity golf team, and with four returning varsity players, we should do fairly well this year. Our season goes from late February to early May, and we hope to end it by going to state. We were eight strokes short from going

to state last year as a team. We’ve had a great tournament in Lewiston, and we had a lot of fun. With the No. 1 player from Moscow gone, we have a good chance of making it.

“Our season goes from

late Feburary to early May, and we hope to end it by going to the state tournament

”

COltOn StOry & dAn SOmerfield

Boys’ Varsity Golf

Varsity Boys’ Golf

n Story and Somerfield

merAndA CArter

very year, golf has had a hard time because we don’t get to play on a real course. Instead we have to practice in the Middle School gym. This year, we plan on doing well because of the amount of talent we

“We plan on doing well because of the amount of talent we have.

”

kelly AdAmS

Girls’ Varsity track

Varsity Girls’ Track

n Adams

Steffen SprAgginS

his season is going to be a challenge for the girls team to keep or spot as district champions due to the loss of many key seniors last year. There are about 30 girls this year among the various events. The season will have a slow, indoor start because

kevin pfiefer

Varsity Boys’ Track

Boys’ Varsity track

n Pfiefer

Steffen SprAgginS

he track team is looking forward to another great season this year. We had some very talented seniors graduate, but we have gained many new faces and new talent. We have many athletes returning who did very well at regionals and went to the

“There

are about 30 girls this year among the various events.

have. There are a few newcomers and a lot of returning players as well. It is a struggle with the bad weather, but I think we can overcome that with our overall skills. Also, I think we can do well in the tournaments.

of the two feet of snow still on the track. Our main goal this year is to keep our number one spot at the district meet and also qualify as many girls as possible for our state team.

”

state track meet last year. A large number of seniors bring a great A large number of deal of enthusiasm to the team. seniors bring a great This enthusiasm is matched by the large amount of deal of enthusiam to underclassmen’s energy and potential. Overall, we the team. have a solid, talented team and a great potential. As the season gets started, we look forward to another great year.

“

”

rACHel HAmmACk

Varsity softBall

n Hammack

CArly riCkArd

his softball season could prove to be our biggest success in years. Although we probably won’t have a chance to play on our fields until late in the year, we are showing huge potential in our indoor drills. We surprised other teams last year with a strong comeback in the end

Six returning “ varsity players, and

Abby HelAnder

Girls’ Varsity tennis

Varsity Girls’ Tennis ur team this year for tennis is very young but definitely has a huge amount of talent. Next year’s team is only losing two seniors, so the future is bright. It’s obviously hard for any spring sport at our school to get prepared

n Helander

CArly riCkArd

seven new talents are lookin’ fine in 2009.

”

of the season. We are working to continue with that comeback. Our seniors this year are Andrea Miner, Jarae Marienau, Sierra Rodriguez, Nicole Adams, and Jessica Tucker. Six returning varsity players, and seven new talents are lookin’ fine in 2009.

for the season because of the weather conditions, but as soon as we are able to practice on the courts, everything will start falling into place. The goal this season is to work hard, and improve every aspect to allow as many kids to make it to state as possible.

“

The goal this season is to work hard and improve every aspect...

“

Varsity Softball

duStin pierCe

Boys’ Varsity tennis

Boys’ Varsity Tennis

n Pierce

CArly riCkArd

his year, the tennis team has a very strong mens’ side. The men’s captains are: senior captain Robbie Carne, junior captains Dustin Pierce and Mikka Nostdahl. The men should do extremely well compared to last year. We have a lot of depth in our roster this year.

“Our goal this year is to take one game at a time, preparing for the worst and not the best.

”

We also have a new coach, Kent Anderson. Although we miss Jane, we are also ecstatic for new blood. this year we want a large number of people to make it to state and we will spend our entire season training for this goal. We hope to see you in attendance at our matches. We play at Traver’s Park.

Page 7

Cedar Post

March 2009

The Profile Meranda Carter

Player

Quick Facts Robby Carne Height: 5’11” Weight: 200 lbs.

Graphics

Senior Robby Carne has been playing tennis for six years. He is currently on the varsity tennis team and hopes to be a threat to opposing teams. How did you do for the seasons you were playing? [I played] freshman and sophomore years and qualified for state both years. How come you didn't play last year? I couldn't do two sports at once, so I decided to play soccer. What are your goals for this year? To make it to state.

What type of game are you hoping to play this season? Doubles- that has an equal understanding of the game. How do you think this season will go for you? The team? Hopefully pretty well, I'm a senior so it's the last year to make anything happen. The vast majority will make it to state. How did you start playing? What got you into it? My sister dragging me to go play with her. Literally, dragging me. What's your favorite part of tennis? Achieving the serve and just watching their face drop.

Lacrosse season begins Wrestlers excel at state Boys and girls’ club lacrosse teams off to a strong start

Assistant editor

On Feb. 26 and 27, nine SHS wrestlers went to state in Pocatello with high spirits and expectations. Those expectations were met, coming home with three wrestlers ranking at state. In order to qualify for state, the wrestlers had to place within the top two at the district tournament. "I think they did as good as could be expected," wrestling coach Mike Randles said. "The three Sandpoint kids that were ranked either wrestled to their ranking or above their ranking which is as much as a coach can ask for." The wrestlers are ranked according to how well they did during the season. Sophomore Garret Belgarde was ranked number one during the season and in the tournament, while senior Sid Winter and junior Leonard Fister both

eddie ogle

Assistant sports editor While many SHS students are beginning school sports this spring, other students prefer to play in the club sport lacrosse, which began in February and will continue in to May. Because the sport, first played by Native Americans hundreds of years ago, is a club sport, students must pay to play and there is much more traveling involved compared to school sports. “We go to Lake City, Coeur dAlene, Lakeland, Missoula, and here to play our games,” junior Brennen Chasse said. Many of the players hope to have a season showing improvement from the past seasons. Also, the men’s team is hoping to do well at home games and contend with other larger teams around the inland northwest. “I think we’ll have a pretty good season, at least better than last year, and maybe get closer to Lake City, and hopefully not have a blow out in every game,” junior Tim Householter said. Most lacrosse players say the hardest aspects of the game are running, getting into shape and executing plays on the field. The players have to run at every practice in their protective gear to stay in good condition and maintain a high level of endurance. The captains of the men’s team this year are Householter, and juniors Nick Guida and A.J. Smith. The captains have been playing for about three years and are leaders to the younger players. They have the most experience with the sport, and have skills to show it. “Lacrosse is pretty challenging at first, but once you get it, it isn’t too bad,” Chasse said. The girls’ lacrosse program, which began last year, is also offered at a club level and is continuing to grow. “I think we’re going to do a lot better than last year

Jennifer Prandato

Connor grieseMer

n Lacrossing Barriers: Junior Dustin Pierce practices lacrosse after school in the parking lot

because last year we had no clue how to play and we were all learning, but this year we have returning players that know how to play, and can teach the new people,” sophomore Abbie Prummer said. Although girls’ lacrosse is played with different rules and equipment than men’s, it is still very similar. “I think lacrosse is pretty complicated to learn, but it’s fun once you know how to play,” Prummer said. n Left: The boys varsity basketball team gets ready to play during the state tournament.

On March 5, 6 and 7, the boys varsity basketball team went to state and won a game for the first time since 1964. The boy’s knocked rival Bishop Kelly out of the running for a state title with a score of 6053. Sandpoint then lost to Pocatello and Jerome, leaving them fifth in state.

ranked fifth, but finished fourth in the state tournament. "[The best thing about winning state] was that I won as a sophomore and I pinned everyone in the first round," Belgarde, who wrestles a weight class of 103, said. The wrestling team went through some tough obstacles this year, such as a coaching transition and lack of wrestling experience. "Typically, in order to be successful in wrestling, you had to have started when you were a little kid," Randles said. "A lot of them had to struggle with that." The team also struggled through grueling morning practices that helped them reach their state qualifying condition. "We're always working hard and running," Belgarde said. "Running in the morning and doing stair laps at the middle school got me prepared for state."

Dance team, cheer place well at state Jennifer Prandato Assistant editor

On March 20, varsity cheerleading and dance teams from throughout Idaho joined together in Nampa to compete for a state title. Among the many competitors were Sandpoint’s own dance team and cheerleaders, who held their own in representing North Idaho. “A lot of the teams are from the south,” junior co-captain of the dance team Laticia Lies said. “They compete against each other a lot, so we can be considered a threat to them.” The dance team competed routines in three categories: Prop, Dance and Kick. They placed well, with a third place in Prop, and two second place finishes in Dance and Kick. “I’m really proud of how our team did,” Lies said. “We came within a point and a half out of 300 total

points of a state championship.” The cheerleaders, despite many difficulties this season, placed second in 4A show cheer. They also competed in sideline routine. “[I felt] excited [when we got second] because even though we didn’t win, we came a long way to get there,” junior varsity cheerleader Kendra Barksdale said. The team, which usually competes with 12 girls, only had eight girls compete, due to various reasons such as injuries and girls quitting throughout the season. This proved to give the eight remaining competitors challenges during state. “We had less to work with to make formations,” Barksdale said. “We don’t have a lot of options for pyramids.” Both teams are proud of the way their seasons ended and will hold try-outs at the end of the year for next year members.

Courtesy danielle MCneal

ALPINE SHOP

Dethbox Board Supply SKATE SNOW WAKE

525 Oak St. Sandpoint 265-5566 Your number one source for skateboards

for p u r Gea mer! sum

Winter i tems now on SALE Located in downtown Sandpoint 213 Church Street 263-5157

“The friendly board shop with the scary name”

Page 8

March 2009

Cedar Post

Seniors Destery Moore and Nathan Owens create smash hit YouTube channel

DesandNate by the numbers

YouTube ranking by number of subscribers: 87th Total number of subscribers: 26,722 Editing process time: 1-2 Hours

Filming process time: About 30 minutes Total fan mail recieved: 35 Letters

Money they have received from that mail: $390

Keegan Dunn, News editor

Youtube has long been a haven for amateur filmmakers looking to publish their work. But you won’t just find random clips of suitcase-shaped cars and St. Patrick’s Day cats, two Sandpoint High School students, Destery Smith and Nathan Owens, have collectively received over one million views of YouTube movies they’ve produced. Their YouTube channel, Des and Nate, was recently ranked the 87th most subscribed channel of all time for comedy. This is their story.

CedarPost ( 1 hour ago ) So when did you first start posting videos on YouTube?

DesteryAndNathan ( 1 hour ago ) Destery Moore: About nine months ago. Nathan Owens: It was longer than that, if you think about the very first time. DM: Well, yeah, it was probably a year ago, actually.

CedarPost ( 1 hour ago )

Cedar Post: So what was your reaction, and this is for both of you, when your videos started to gain popularity?

DesteryAndNathan( 1 hour ago ) NO: Basically, it was like ‘Right on!’. In a way, we’ve always known we were like way different than everyone else, but we’ve always wanted to be famous and stuff, so really it feels like our dreams are kind of coming true, slowly. DM: Yeah. We started noticing that our videos started getting popular when we made ‘Nate Napalm II’. We were getting all excited about 700 views; we’re just like ‘Yes! 700 views!’. Now it’s ‘Yes! 150,000 views!’. It’s gotten way different, but the excitement is still equal to what it was.

CedarPost ( 2 hours ago ) How do you come up with ideas for your videos?

DesteryAndNathan( 2 hours ago ) DM: Laughs. Really, it’s just everyday stuff. You’ll see something, and we’ll laugh about it, and be like ‘Oh that would be a really great idea’. NO: For instance; our latest one we’re gonna do, Destery has this Jewish harp at his house. We have no idea how to play it. We were just blowing on it for like 20 minutes trying to get it work, and we thought ‘Oh, this would be a great idea.’ DM: A lot of the ideas actually come when you’re in the shower, or in, you know, places you wouldn’t expect. You’ll go in the bathroom, or in the shower, or here [in Starbucks]. You’ll just be somewhere random and the new idea will just pop out of nowhere.

CedarPost ( 2 hours ago )

So what inspired you to start?

DesteryAndNathan( 3 hours ago ) DM: We just realized that we had something more to offer than a lot of the other YouTubers. NO: Well, more than that, the very first was that we just always loved making videos. We’d go out and just make little ones for no reason. That’s kinda how we started just making them. And then eventually, people started saying “Oh, you guys are funny and stuff,” so that’s how we got to the whole Des and Nate thing. DM: Yeah. I’ve always wanted to be a filmmaker; it’s been like a passion of mine since I was really little.