March 2010 pdf

Senior Mural: VoluMe 87, iSSue 7

Top Ten Go to Schweitzer You can work on your goggle tan or pretend you’re a tourist.

Bread Fight Get long pieces of bread and go around town sword fighting with them.

See how many stares you get.

Dance in the Rain It will rain, it is Spring Break.

Be a Spy Compile a list of activities, complete with pictures, of what your teachers do over break to creep them into giving you an ‘A.’

Go to Costco Have a free lunch by eating samples.

Make a Music Video Channel some Lady Gaga.

Go on a Picnic

Buy a food you’ve never tried and have a new experience!

Creatively Date Think of something out of the box to do with your date.

Go Into Training Train to be a ninja or pirate. Really.

Be Happy School is almost over and summertime is coming!

March 2010

Will the class of 2010 unify in time to leave their legacy?

Jennifer PrAndAto Editor-in-chief

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s the school year comes to a close, seniors have started planning for their days after Sandpoint High, looking forward to their future plans and goals. But the seniors of SHS don’t plan on leaving the school without a reminder they were there. This is acheived through the senior mural project.

Traditionally, the senior murals have been painted on the physical walls of SHS, decorating the halls with events and memorable moments sprinkled throughout the graduating seniors’ high school years. This year, however, marks a new tradition due to the new tile and floor installed in the school last summer. The mural will now be displayed on a removable 8x8 canvas in the senior hallway, making it transportable so it can be moved to the Commons when the next graduating classes mural is complete.

In order to save the existing murals and make room for the new tiling, artist Whitney Palmer transferred the 2002 senior class’ artwork during the summer of 2009.

While Sandpoint High’s current building has been the schools location for 18 years, only a handful of murals are displayed on the walls. This is due for many reasons, including “lack of planning, commitment and effective communication,” ASB Rep. and senior John Briggs said.

Will the class of 2010 be able to pull together for the mural in time?

“As soon as we have the materials we’re

going to start,” senior class Secretary/Treasurer Meranda Carter said. “It’s just hard getting a whole group of people together for a meeting.”

Meetings for the mural have been scheduled and cancelled countless times, though there has been one to date, where Carter was named the mural coordinator. The lack of senior participation, however, rest of student council nervous.

“The deadline is right after spring break,” she said. “We have to start soon.”

Still, Carter and Briggs are optimistic the mural will start soon.

“This is actually going to get done this year,” she said.

The theme for the mural is “unity,” playing on the fact that many of the seniors have known each other since a young age.

“We will definitely complete it,” Briggs said. “I believe in our class and I know we can finish it within our time limit.”

Any senior is welcome to work on the mural, though an art background is preferred. If you’re interested, talk to Carter as soon as possible.

SydNey MorriS

n Empty SpacE: The spot in the senior hallway designated for the mural stands blank. Student Council hopes to fill the space by the end of the year.

Heavy budget cuts call for changes Lake Pend Oreille School District to be ‘open to different ideas’

Kiebert said the Family Consumer Science program “will be put on hold for a year” with Booth’s retirement. It is likely the program will be replaced the Staff reporter following year, but it depends upon student enrollment, which has diminished drastically the last couple of years.

McNulty’s likely won’t be replaced, according to Kiebert, but the classes he Amidst a whirlwind of budget cuts and retirements, Sandpoint High School teaches, such as junior AP English, will still be offered. faces the adjustment of a variety of its programs for the The LPOSD School board has also agreed to eliminate two more teaching 2010-11 school year.

Principal Dr. Beck Kiebert said several options are being considered, including positions at SHS, including the school’s certified librarian.

The district’s budget, as allotted by the state, is a result of the drop in student reducing the class load for most student from eight periods to seven. enrollment and an 8.5 percent cut in the education budget by the state.

“It’s an option, but everything is on the table,” Kiebert said “The budget cuts for the state are really severe this year, and we have a drop about the class reduction. “Because of budget cuts, we need to of enrollment from last year to this year of 100 be open to different ideas.” students,” Kiebert said.

Kiebert admitted the option “would require a lot of She attributes the decreased enrollment to Nothing is for sure. This is all involvement.” students leaving the Sandpoint area, transferring Lake Pend Oreille School District needs to reduce more than still in the works. to the new charter school, or registering for online $1 million in fiscal year 2011 to balance its budget. As a result, classes.

-Dr. Becky Kiebert SHS faces staff cuts and a decrease in funding for extracurricular “This is a pretty expensive place to live so activities.

SHS Principal families have been moving to bigger cities where Although unofficial, administrators will likely not replace the housing costs less,” Kiebert said. She also the positions of both Mike McNulty and Esther Booth, who are contributes a large portion of the decline to a lack expected to retire at the end of the year. of academic motivation.

“Nothing is for sure. This is all still in the works,” Kiebert “They think it’s going to be easier to be at home, online,” she said. “It’s as said. Although she has heard rumors of their plans, she added, “I don’t have an though they can’t just sit through class and takes notes; they’re technologically official retirement from anyone in the building.”

McNulty, an English teacher, confirmed to the Cedar Post he plans on and addicted.”

The budget cuts will also impact extracurricular activities at the high school. looks forward to retiring.

The school board will reduce the budget by 5 percent, or $35,000, with SHS “It’s been a good run here,” McNulty said. “I’ve really enjoyed it, but it’s time taking the brunt of the cuts, according to athletics and activities director Tom for me to go do something else.”

Albertson.

Booth also confirmed her retirement, saying the transition is bittersweet for Albertson said travel and coach’s budgets will be reduced, but programs will her. not be cut.

“I’ll miss the kids,” Booth said, “but there are things I want to pursue.”

AmAndA HAyes

seven

days until Spring Break

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What’s inside?

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

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PetPeeves “ with Sandpoint High

page 2

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things to do during spring break

Sandpoint high School

I’m excited to go play against kids my age from around the world.

Tanner Williams, junior Read more about Tanner’s plans on page 8

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Cedar Post

March 2010

Prepping for college

A guide to where you should be in planning life after high school Molly burGhstahler Assistant copy editor

With the school year winding down, college information is circulating throughout the halls of Sandpoint High School.

For most juniors the end of the school year means planning starts for life after high school.

If that plan involves more school, students should spend the summer and fall looking at colleges. By the winter break students should have selected any where from three to eight schools and have applied to some, or all, of them, depending on that college’s application deadline.

Colleges’ applications fees can vary quite a bit. Stanford, a very selective school in California, has a $90 application fee, but most college application fees vary from $25 to $75, with the average being around $40 to $50.

“The application fee should not keep students from applying to any school,” said Jeralyn Mire, SHS’ Post Secondary Transition Counselor.

Depending on the college, there are a few ways to avoid paying the application fee.

• Some schools waive the fee if students apply online.

• Some colleges give students a fee waiver if they visit the campus for a tour.

• Sometimes colleges send out fee waivers to their alumni.

• Students who qualify for free and reduced lunch can be exempt from paying application fees at certain schools.

• Finally, if the student has extenuating family circumstances that prevent the student from paying a college’s application fee, the counselors can write a letter to that college explaining the situation.

The application fees are used to show a student’s interest in the school, offset the college’s recruitment budget, and to pay for the time it takes to process the applications.

Test time

While the application process is important, students need to keep in mind the importance of tests in the planning process.

For students at SHS, the standardized test process begins as soon as they step on campus.

This year, all the freshmen took the EXPLORE test. The test is composed of four sections: reading, math, science, and English, all taking half an hour to complete.

Sophomores took the PLAN test in October. This test is the pre-ACT test. The PLAN lets students know what to expect when they take the ACT in their junior or senior year, and also gives the students a projected ACT score.

Juniors took the PSAT, which is the preSAT test. The difference in formatting between this test and the PLAN shows students what to expect when they take the SAT, and the results give the students their projected SAT score as well.

This test is also the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. If a student places in the top 1 percent of their fellow test takers from across the country, and score well on the SAT, that student will receive a National Merit Scholarship.

Money matters

Juniors and seniors should also keep an eye on scholarship deadlines. While there is a wide range of deadlines, all of the local scholarships’ deadlines are during the spring of a student’s senior year.

For more information on college scholarships, talk to Mire in the counseling office.

The displeasures of SHS

Feeling down? The Cedar Post delves into some possibilities of why

Garrett Dunn News editor

S

pring has begun. The winter season is coming to an end, and with summer just around the corner, students can’t help but be excited for the school year to be finished. Unfortunately, with March also comes the largest stretch of straight school for the entire year.

Usually this time of year comes and goes without too much trouble. Maybe there is a day or two where students want a break, but it is usually nothing that SHS students can’t handle. However, this year doesn’t seem to follow the familiar pattern that we are all used to. Walk down the halls and you can almost feel the negativity. Although it’s not everyone, the number of students that are “bummed” with school seems to be higher than usual.

Noticing this, the Cedar Post investigated why. We came up with a few reasons why this might be happening, and then asked students and principal Dr. Becky Kiebert for their views on the topics.

StudentS “I despise it with a passion,” Sophomore Spencer Marks said. “If they got rid of it, then we might actually learn something.”

“Busy work sucks,” Junior Mason Foster added. “I think that if you can teach something with less work, it’s better than teaching a concept with a lot of work.”

“It’s nice that we have snow up on the mountain at least,” junior Peik Wahl said.

“I’ve been a little depressed during the mornings because of the weather.”

“During springtime it’s the worst,” freshman Tim Redford said. “If the classrooms had windows, it’d be really nice.”

“I can’t see outside in half the classrooms.

It sucks,” sophomore Matt Pfiefer added.

“So depressing. This is the time of the year when school drags on and kids begin to realize why school sucks,” senior Sam Trulock said.

“Especially as a senior, four day weeks keep us alive!”

Kiebert Busy Work Work that feels exceedingly useless, and is extremely time consuming. Word searches, repetitive worksheets, or reading the same information more than once are examples of this heavily hated form of school work.

The Weather With spring comes the clouds and rain. This sort of weather makes for very few pretty days in Sandpoint.

The SHS Building Some of the classrooms are cold in the winter, and a good portion of them have no windows. This makes some days hard to deal with during certain times of year. Without windows, some classrooms give students a sort of cabin fever.

The Dreaded Six-Week Stretch The six weeks before Spring Break are solid five-day school weeks. No breaks, no nothing.

“I don’t agree at all with busy work, so if people are getting busy work they need to talk to the teacher first of all and then talk to me if it doesn’t make a difference,” Kiebert said. “All of the homework at the high school is supposed to be to reinforce learning, and try out skills you’ve learned during the day.”

“March kind of drags on,” Kiebert admits.

“If the snow isn’t very good for playing in, and it’s just rainy and dreary, it just kind of makes people bummed overall.”

When asked if she thought the school was built to be beneficial for learning, Dr. Kiebert had this to say: “No, but I wasn’t around.

From a psychological point of view, it’s not good at all. All the administrative offices and counseling offices, and inner two classrooms are all inside with no external ventilation and natural light at all.”

“I think that this time of year it kind of gets a little dreary for everybody, and they just have to make it past the final stretch until Spring Break,” Kiebert said.

Kiebert’s final words to keep students motivated “Look at the fact that the world is so competitive nowadays, and we all have to have something that we do after we graduate. If you’re looking at scholarships or training programs you have to be pretty competitive, because there are so many more people going to college. Think that ‘What I’m doing today is going to make a difference on what opportunities are there for me in the future.’”

MUN travels to United Nations Students experience New York City and engage in lengthy discussions tala WooD Copy editor

For the second year in a row, SHS has sent its Model United Nations/International Relations (MUN) class to the national conference at the United Nations in New York City.

The actual conference was held in the hotel they stayed at instead of the actual UN building because of roof problems due to the high amount of snow New York received this year.

Last year, 27 students went, and this year, the load was lessened with only 17 pupils joining SHS teachers Debbie Smith, David Miles and Derek Dickinson.

At the conference, high schools from all over the nation represent real-life members of the United Nations, and Sandpoint High represented the Dominican Republic. On top of that, they also attend committee sessions.

Committees for the students are decided

according to which committees their country is a member of. There are a couple of specialized committees, the members of which represent different countries than the rest of the class.

At the conference, the students participated in hours of discussion. They prepared for months, learning everything they could about the Dominican Republic and their respective committees.

The MUN class was gone a total of seven days, from March 15 to March 21, and since the conference was only about four days long they had a chance to explore New York City.

“You can’t be in New York without wanting to sight-see,” Debbie Smith said.

Some went to see the Statue of Liberty and the Museum on Ellis Island. All of them saw the Museum of Natural History. A few students went to Cafe Wha?, which is located in Greenwich Village. The others saw the Rockefeller Center.

After the conference, there were still a couple

of days for sight-seeing. Those who did not attend the UN Delegates’ Dance chose to go to either the New York Knicks basketball game or to “The Blue Man Group,” which describes itself as a “unique theatrical performance of music, comedy and multimedia.”

Most of them went on a tour through the NBC Studio. Those who chose not to do that went to the Museum of Modern Art. The last activity the group attended was a Broadway play. They got to choose between “Mamma Mia,” “Wicked” or the “Phantom of the Opera.”

If you are interested for next year, be warned: “Just a trip to New York is not a reason to take this class,” Smith said. It is an Honors course, and according to Smith, students need to be academically oriented, and they need to like current events, politics, and discussion.

“I’m excited for next year for the students I know who are doing it a second time, and the new ones who have come in,” Smith said.

Scott Dunn, MD Jeremy Waters, MD Brad Schwartz, MD Kara Waters, DO Dan Meulenberg, MD Terry Lane, NP

G

olf, n, the most under-appreciated, understated, and misunderstood sport in the high school.

Beginning my third season on the girls’ varsity golf team, I’ve made a not-so-astonishing discovery — no one knows how hard golf is, or how well Sandpoint does at this challenging sport.

Normally, I would not find the school’s lack of interest in golf to be alarming. I’m quite aware of how boring teenagers would find 4.5 hours of anything excluding technology, violence, or the opposite gender. But since the school is on a mission to raise awareness of activities other than football or basketball, I thought it would

O

n Dec. 18, 2009, the movie Avatar, directed by James Cameron, was released to theaters. So far it has grossed about $2,650,000,000, and has prompted sycophantic praise for its breathtaking 3D visuals, sound, and revolutionary new concepts.

Imagine everyone’s consternation, then, when the more obscure film Hurt Locker came out of nowhere and blitzkrieged the Academy Awards.

Not surprisingly, I was not surprised — I was shocked. Confused, I decided to take a second look at Avatar’s script and what I found out startled me even more. I wouldn’t characterize the unoriginal plot as outright “plagiarism,” instead I would say it would be better categorized as “trite”, mildly “disturbing,” and more than just a little bit “preachy.”

The character Eywa is based on a cross between Gaia, Nirvana, and the Force. She’s an impersonal laissez-faire deity semi-powerless to defend herself, relying instead on the

C

onstance McMillan, an openly lesbian student in Itawamba County in Jackson, Miss., knew that her divergent lifestyle would probably cause some of the more pronounced scandals in her life.

However, I’m willing to bet that one thing she didn’t see coming was that the Itawamba County School Board would simply cancel one of the biggest student events of the year just because McMillan wanted to attend the event with her girlfriend in a tux.

The district announced earlier this month that the school’s prom, which was supposed to have taken place on April 2, was no longer

D

ear Shea McCormick: I respect your opinions, and I was pleased to receive a response to my column.

However, I feel that there are a few things in your letter that I wish to address.

In reference to your application of Hitler as a reason to be cautious of authority, I agree with you completely. One should never give blind trust to anyone in power. Too many people will abuse their power. However, being distrustful of authority figures does not have to sit hand in hand with a fear of change.

As for Sarah Palin: I am afraid you and I are in separate camps. From what I understand, she was not a good governor for Alaska. They have the third worst children’s health insurance in the nation, and while she was in charge, she refused to put her support behind costeffective measures that would have extended insurance to the approximately 10,000 children of working parents who are not able to afford it. If she cannot help her own state as governor, then she is certainly not qualified for a national position. As for the public speaking, I think

March 2010

Page 3

be worthwhile to give “the greatest game ever played” some much-needed exposure.

Last year, we had members of both the boys’ and the girls’ teams go to state in Rigby. Colton Story qualified as an individual, while the entire girls’ varsity made the trip as well. When we qualified, no one we knew — whom we had not told, anyway — had any idea of the team’s success.

Not only did we go to state, we all did very well given the conditions. We played in 50 mph winds: Balls were rolling off the greens without the aid of an inconsistent putter. The girls’ team also won the Chewelah tournament last year, something that doesn’t usually happen in Sandpoint golf, especially since we spent half the season hitting off mats in the middle school gym.

Now that I have addressed the golf teams’ successes, let me move on to the physical and mental stresses of golf. We trudge up and down 8-mile courses, in the rain, in the cold, in the sun, in the wind, in the hail, through bad shots,

through good shots, at seven in the morning, after a three hour bus ride which began at 4:30 in the morning, hit more bad shots, recover, love the game for 5 minutes, hate it for an hour, get nervous off the tee, twist ankles in gopher holes, have disputes over rules, hit another bad shot, have it start snowing, walk up a huge hill, slip in the mud, get sore backs and tired legs, carry a heavy bag, have it fall down, lose a head cover, hit a great shot again, miss the putt, pick between clubs, try and make friends, pick the wrong club, hit a ball out of bounds, drive the green, make a joke, no one laughs, get to hole 18, hit it in the water, hit it in the bunker, hate the sport, make a 20-foot putt, love the sport, get in to the club house, see your score, see everyone else’s scores, feel like crying, see something funny, feel better, get on the bus, stress about homework, fall asleep, forget homework, get back late, still have homework, carry clubs to our cars, and call it a day.

No other sport can give you quite the same feeling, so lets give it some TLC.

denizens of Pandora to watch over her and keep her informed on the latest news from the “Sky People”, or “Aliens”, as we humans are affectionately referred to. Despite the fact that the Na’vi were being totally screwed over by superior weaponry, Eywa didn’t help them at first because, “Eywa does not take sides.” It isn’t until Sully tells her that, “They killed their mother,” and that the balance hangs in the balance that she decides to step in and sends a host of wild critters into the near-rescue.

In the film, all life energy is borrowed from Eywa and after death your soul’s energy joins an impersonal soup-like cesspool of spiritual soul synergy. This is a lot like nirvana except with the addition of the life forces of trees and plants added to the celestial group implying that Na’vi and humans alike have no greater intrinsic worth than a forest fern. How lovely.

This radical theme permeated the entire movie culminating with the scene where hundreds of Navi were being slaughtered, but instead of focusing on them, the camera spent most of its time lamenting the “death” of a giant tree. You read that right. A tree. I blanched, offended that a tree’s worth was trumping that of the native peoples’. It will be cold day in Hell, Norway, when large sects of the our society put the non-living lives of non-sentient flora and fauna above that of human beings.

Avatar’s progressive creed runs counter to

older Judeo-Christian doctrines which state that the Earth is only provident of the raw materials that make up our physical bodies (ashes to ashes and dust to dust), but not our individual souls. It is a radical contrast of two beliefs; One being that our spirits live on eternally after death, whereas according to the other, your soul, being locked in time, has only a universal entropic “Heat Death” to look forward to after death.

Overall, most elements of the picture’s theme and allegory touted as new and innovative were merely reminiscent of existing ideas resurrected with another face slapped on them, such as eastern mystic teachings of Yin and Yang, among others, but for the purposes of this article, I will keep it short and not delve into that.

So, without even discussing the 2D stock characters, poorly executed battle scenes, the overtly political slant of the film, and the blatant parallels that Avatar stole from Dances With Wolves, Pocahontas, and even the Halo video-game series; it is easy for me to see by Avatar’s trite and fallacious messages alone how it lost to Hurt Locker at the Academy Awards ceremony.

My condolences to Cameron and fans, but it takes more than pretty glib graphics to make true art. It takes truth, and Avatar was in short supply.

going to be hosted. This decision was made after the American Civil Liberties Union demanded policies banning same-sex prom dates be changed because they violated the students’ rights. The ACLU also stated that simply not letting McMillen wear what she wanted was a violation of her rights of free expression.

McMillen returned to school the day after these events unfolded to harsh treatment by her schoolmates, enduring comments like “thanks for ruining my senior year.” She says she “never expected the district to respond the way it did.”

In a town where the only hot spot is a bowling alley, the measures taken to prevent any display of homosexuality seem a bit extreme.

This event rendered me speechless. Not only did the school board single out McMillan to be the top candidate for Most Hated Student of the Year, they also put a quick damper on the festivities for the rest of the graduating class!

Canceling the prom because of this reason, for

me, seems to be the equivalent of blowing up a house because someone didn’t like the curtains one of the bathrooms.

After pumping up the word intolerance with some serious steroids, the district sends one of its students off to college with the best gift it seems they can muster — a slap in the face. Under all her outward bravado, I’m sure this must be a very painful experience for McMillan.

I understand this event must have shaken up many of the citizens of this little conservative town, but even as a pretty conservative individual myself, I absolutely do not agree with the way in which this situation was handled.

The Itawamba School Board dropped the ball and sent this poor teenager through the high school gauntlet to be torn to pieces as a result.

Despite my own beliefs, I sincerely hope McMillen’s efforts are rewarded, and she gets to attend her high school prom, fully decked out in whatever she desires.

I prefer the eloquence of Obama’s speeches, which are always comprehensive and easy to follow, over Palin’s notes on her hands, since she stutters, contradicts herself, and cannot form a strong position on anything.

Media slamming may have contributed to her mishaps, but that only serves to make her even less qualified for a position of leadership.

The press is supposed to point out shortcomings of public figures. If she is unable to handle that, then perhaps the center stage is not the best place for her. As for Obama’s birth certificate, I will reiterate: it is authentic. It has been looked over by experts too many times to count.

Debate on this subject really has no application any longer (if it ever did).

Besides, according to Article II, Section I Clause V, “no person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States” can become the president. Our government has not absolutely decided what qualifies a citizen enough for the office of President: Does it mean anyone whose parents are citizens and has lived in the country for the appropriate number of years? Or does it only mean those who have been born on U.S. soil? Any of these qualifications allows a citizen to vote and to enjoy the other rights provided by this nation, so why not the ability to run for the greatest office in the land?

At the time of the creation of the Constitution (the “back then” that so many are fond of) none of the framers were natural-born citizens of the

United States. Our nation hadn’t existed at their time of birth. That means that they BECAME citizens, not that they were born citizens. In order for our first presidents to be eligible for their office, the requirements would have to be slightly different.

As for the high ideals that existed in that time, absolutely — they are to be commended.

Of course, many of those ideas used in our nation’s creation were taken from previous thinkers, but the fact that our founders accepted such beliefs is proof of their intelligence. It is the state of their society that I cannot support, which included slaves of both the black and female variety.

The problem I have with people who want to return to that “simpler” time “back then” is that they do not want to progress. Without progressing forward, we would still be touting rat poison as a cure for the common cold or having children lose their fingers in the machinery they work at for longer hours than most adults work today.

The wisdom of the time of our nation’s birth is to be admired. However, there have been many minds of the same caliber since then, and they have contributed to the government and society we are still perfecting today. These minds produced the 13th, 14th, 19th and 26th Amendments, along with many other changes.

These minds, I would argue, are even greater: they envisioned an equal society, not just a free society.

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.

”

Cedar Post

• Oh, my heel just took my virginity

• And that’s the great thing about living in the nature, you can go wherever you want • My top lip smells like bacon • What can you do with your legs?

• It’s just a sneeze, it doesn’t need a blessing

• I hate it when you walk around the school and see girls crying — it’s high school, not the military • Your case is raping my leg, so I’m just going to shut it • Be submissive so we can get doughnuts • I need to buy a lightsaber so I can beat my dad with it • So there I am with hand sanitizer on my eyeballs, going blind • I’m sure I voted for you for valedictorian • — My pee smells like gasoline, like straight up throw a match in the toilet — Do you eat a lot of asparagus?

• I’m probably a tiny bit pregnant after that • You and your mom both had a crush on him • At least the world will be destroyed in 2012, like before the health care bill kicks in • Why are there so many animals that are also fruit?

”

Jennifer Prandato Editor-in-Chief

Jessie Webster Assistant Editor

Graham Cole hannah meek

Arts & Culture Editors

Garrett dunn News Editor

eddie oGle Sports Editor

Connor Griesemer Photo Editor

meranda Carter Graphics Editor

tala Wood Copy Editor

brooke Williams Advertising Manager

mikka nostdahl Office Manager

William love Adviser

Editorial Policy The Cedar Post is governed by the same legal rights as the professional press. Under the First Amendment, we reserve the right to free expression and freedom of the press. The student newspaper of Sandpoint High School is an open public forum for the students of Sandpoint High School and the community of Sandpoint, Idaho, with its editorial board making all decisions concerning its contents; it is not subject to prior review by administration, faculty, or community members.

Unsigned editorials express the views of the majority of the editorial board.

Letters to the editor must be signed, although the staff may withhold the name upon request. The paper reserves the right to edit letters for grammar and clarity, and all letters are subject to law governing obscenity, libel, privacy and disruption of the school process, as are all contents for the paper.

Opinions in letters are not necessarily those of the staff, nor should an opinion expressed in a public forum be construed as opinion or policy of the administration, unless so attributed.

Sandpoint High School 410 South Division Sandpoint, ID 83864 (208) 263-3034

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Cedar Post

March 2010

What would you change about Sandpoint High?

Kayla Lawrence FreShman “I wish that lunch was longer.”

Kristi Mire Sophomore “Open campus for us underclassmen would Sophomore be really nice.”

Our View

Dear Senior Boys, Let’s act our age, shall we? While a large portion of the senior class is ready for graduation and plans thereafter, a few select senior boys are obviously rivaling the same maturity level as kindergartners, as shown by the senior assembly that occurred earlier this month. The behavior shown at the assembly makes the prospect of these boys, considered legal adults, going into the ‘real world’ a terrifying prospect. For those of you that didn’t attend the senior assembly, let us refresh you.

The counselors, who are trying to make the transition from high school to college go as smoothly as possible for Sandpoint High’s graduating seniors, called in various people in the community to come talk about the scholarships they are offering. These people, ranging from representatives of Angels of Sandpoint and Rotary to The Festival and the Community Assistance League, kindly volunteered their time and effort to present to the senior class opportunities to earn free money.

(Let’s say that again: FREE money). Obviously, it was expected that the senior class would enthusiastically and appreciatively listen to the generous presenters.

Some boys (although 18 years old, they will be referred to as ‘boys’ because of their low maturity level), however, acted in the most disrespectful ways possible, to the point that some had to be removed from the assembly. While the rest of the senior class was polite and attentive, these handful of students ruined the experience for every one else.

So, to the boys who were so rude — playing Mickey Avalon songs and making lewd sexual comments during a presenter’s speech doesn’t make you look cool.

Throwing paper airplanes and talking loudly also doesn’t make you look cool. Your behavior made you look extremely immature and completely embarrassed the rest of the senior class in front of the people who will decide whether or not they want to help fund our secondary education. Because of your immature behavior, it’s possible that those presenters will NOT want to support SHS students.

Now, maybe you don’t need scholarships. It’s possible you already have college paid for. Maybe you received a sports scholarship that’s giving you a full ride. Maybe you aren’t going to college; you’re working or traveling the world or joining the Army. Regardless, if you keep up the disrespectful and wrongly entitled attitudes,

Matt Durfee Junior

Mariah Williams Senior “There are so many things I want to change that I can’t narrow it down to just one.”

Dana Stockman Teacher “I would change what time we start in the morning to around 8:30.”

evan metz

none of you will get far in life.

So, as senior year comes to a close, remember: While life after high school seems far away right now, it’s really in the near, near future. And without a serious attitude adjustment, you WILL be left behind by your more mature peers.

Please, boys, grow up.

Letters to the Editor

The risks outweigh the benefits of releasing Tilly the killer whale

“If we had Junior longer passing periods, I would be really happy.”

High school students shouldn’t act like kindergartners

In all seriousness, they need to ‘Free Tilly!’ hannah meek

elaina arriando

Arts & Culture editor

Staff reporter

S

ea World in Orlando last month experienced the tragic death of one of its trainers, Dawn Brancheau, when one of its largest killer whales, Tilikum (Tilly), pulled her into the water by her ponytail and drowned her. Since the occurrence, Sea World has faced an overwhelming barrage of complaints about animal captivity. Many animal rights activists are pushing for Tilikum’s release back into his natural habitat.

Although the event that took place was clearly tragic, it was also a freak occurrence. Tilly has been blamed for two other human deaths, but they were both nearly 11 years prior to the latest incident when the whale was much younger. Also, it is speculated that one of the deaths was a result of human error.

Either way, Sea World trainers all know there is a level of risk that accompanies their profession, just like many other careers people can choose to follow.

Security measures had been taken with Tilly: For example, trainers were not allowed in the water with him. However, accidents happen.

As for releasing Tilikum, the idea may not be a good one. Sea World experts claim “putting Tilikum in the wild is something that has never been done successfully long-term with a whale who has been held in such captivity.” And it hasn’t been for lack of trying.

Keiko, star of the movie Free Willy, was released back into the wild after there were complaints similar to the ones being experienced lately. But Keiko didn’t bond with orca pods like handlers hoped. He swam to Norway and sought out the company of humans, then died of pneumonia soon afterward.

Despite the failure with Keiko, finding Tilikum’s original family would still increase the chances of his survival in the wild, because the social connections would be easier to recultivate. However, Naomi Rose, marine mammal scientist for the Humane Society of the U.S. said, “it would be very difficult to identify Tilikum’s pod.”

Not only that, but Tilikum would have to partake in an aggressive exercise routine to improve his muscle tone and cardiovascular strength to prepare him for the vigorous strain of his new habitat, where some whales have been known to swim hundreds of miles a day.

For this particular case, the risks are high. Even if Tilly were released, there is no guarantee he would survive being reintroduced to his natural habitat. He has been in captivity for nearly 28 years, which means that he would have to relearn everything he needed to survive in the ocean.

Perhaps, in this case, the risks outweigh the benefits for the release of Tilikum the killer whale.

The Cedar Post encourages you to voice your opinion. 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

A

t Seaworld in Orlando last month, there was yet another human killed by Tilikum (Tilly) the Whale. It is a tragety that another life was lost due to the unnatural captivity of this dangerous whale, who has killed three humans now.

The trainer, Dawn Brancheau, obviously knew she was risking her life training with Tilly; but this was no freak occurence that happened this past February.

Tilly has killed three people to date. If this was the first tradgety, I would feel different about it. However, it’s not. So there is no excuse for them to prepare Tilly to be freed into the ocean.

I do not understand why Seaworld still has this animal in captivity. They have received thousands of complaints begging for Tilly’s release, yet they are still hesitant to even think about it. Why are they so selfish to still use this whale for people’s entertainment even though the trainers clearly know they are risking their lives?

First of all, I am not a fan of zoos.

Sure, they may be informative and a good way to get children and adults interested in animals, learn some facts and see something they might never have the opportunity to. But it sickens me how many animals are held in unnatural habitats merely for entertainment.

I do not necessarily want zoos to shut down, but for them to take an animal that is a baby and tear it away from its natural habitat and raise it in a zoo for its whole live is sickening.

I would be perfectly fine with zoos if it was only for a short period of the animal’s life and then they could eventually return to their natural habitat after. I hate it when I hear people say, “They were going to die, we saved them from dying.”

Don’t get me wrong, I love animals, but it is a fact of life that every one has their time to die. Why make an animal suffer behind a cage for the rest of its life instead of dying peacefully when its time has come.

It seriously makes me angry that they have not released this Whale into the wild where it really belongs.

Clearly, it is not meant for human entertainment and I don’t know how many more people it has to kill for the owners of Seaworld to realize this.

It is a crime and selfish to risk trainer’s lives to make a small child smile and forget about it a day later.

In all seriousness, they need to Free Tilly! You can get your voice heard by writing a complaint to Seaworld or simply becoming a fan or group member of the “Free Tilly” movement on Facebook. PETA (People For the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has multiple causes you can become a part of, also!

D

eath is an interesting thing: It is one of life’s true mysteries. I’d like to say there is something more after life, but we will never know until we get there.

Suicide is a frustrating way to see someone go, and it brings up countless questions that are left unanswered.

I was very confused and angry by the death of Brad Goodyear. He was a good friend of mine and was probably the smartest kid I know. I knew he had been depressed for a few years, but I didn’t know to what extent.

Brad had an outrageous sense of humor that could make anyone laugh. He was always playing a joke on someone or yelling obscene statements at people around him.

Brad didn’t put his intelligence to use in school as much as he used it to better other people’s lives.

He always brought out the best in everyone even if it was to his own detriment, and even if you didn’t know who he was. There was never a dull moment with him.

The kid never seemed to run out of energy even though he might have been viewed as a dark, maybe angry, person for people who didn’t know him, I never once saw him in an angry mood. He was always chipper and ready to do something crazy.

Another death that has affected many students in the school was the unexpected loss of sophomore Will Johnson. He passed away last December while skiing at Schweitzer Mountain.

Will was another fun-loving, funny kid who was always ready for a good time.

Death seems to bring the people that it affects together in most cases. I can safely say that I am closer with my friends and the friends of Brad after we lost him.

I like being closer with them because it reminds me of Brad and all the good memories we had together. I can see a little bit of Brad in every one of them. He rubbed off on everyone and it shows — he just had that sort of personality. It really is sad that it takes something as drastic as a death to make us value life and friendship that much more.

Cedar Post

Page 5 March 2010

Signs of spring Photographer Jasper Gibson captures spring’s early arrival

Above: The moon shines down on Lake Pend Oreille in early March. Snow is fading from the mountains as fast as it arrived Far Left: Skateboarder Alex Martin skies over a trash can at the concrete Lake at Traver’s Park. The early spring gave skaters a jump on skating this year Middle: Molly Rickard enjoys a warm March day by walking her dog. Snow in town was gone by the end of December.

Right: A stack of rocks get demolished with a backdrop of Baldy Mountain. Unlike the last two winters with snow everywhere, Sandpoint had winter in the mountains, spring in town and some beautiful days.

Cedar Post

Page 6 February 2010

Sandpoint 40,905, Centennial 40,729

SHS AcaDeca team claims state title for just the second time in school’s history Tommy Jacobs

Overall Honors Champion 8 Medals: 3 gold, 2 silver, 3 bronze

Brita Olsen

Second Place in Honors Division 8 Medals: 2 gold, 4 silver, 2 bronze

Sophie Meulenberg

Honors Division 3 Medals: 2 gold, 1 silver

Kyenna Jensen

Second Place in Scholastic Division 7 Medals: 3 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze

Graham Cole

Arts & Culture editor

On March 13, the Sandpoint High School Academic Decathlon team won the state championship.

The title marks only the second time the SHS team has won. Members of the team won more than 50 medals, and took both the overall gold and silver awards in the honors division (grade point average of 3.5 or above.)

The team was led by senior captain Tommy Jacobs

who was awarded seven medals, as well as the overall gold award in the honors division. Brita Olsen finished second in the honors division, while Caleb Giard grabbed nine medals in the varsity division.

On April 21, the team will compete in the national AcaDeca competition in Omaha, Neb. The team needs some help getting there, however.

The AcaDeca will hold a car wash fundraiser in the Payless Shoes parking lot on March 27 and March 29.

Azumi Smith

Scholastic Division 4 Medals: 2 gold, 2 bronze

Caleb Giard

Second Place in Varsity Division 9 Medals: 3 gold, 3 silver, 3 bronze

Abbie Prummer

Third Place in Varsity Division 5 Medals: 2 gold, 3 silver

Aubrey Jones

Varsity Division 4 Medals: 1 gold, 3 bronze

Natalie Charbonneau

Scholastic Division 2 Medals: 1 silver, 1 bronze

Goodwill sweeps SHS students Thespians take More students rely on thrift store to fill their wardrobe GeorGe Wood Jr

Sydney MorriS

n Bargain Buyers: Junior Katie Chambers shops for clothes at the local Goodwill store

Staff reporter A growing trend of thrifty students at SHS are beginning to realize that stylish, respectable clothing no longer has to burn out the week’s pay check. These crafty students participate in what is commonly referred to as “Goodwill Raiding,” or going to Goodwill to buy something that is artfully unique, inexpensive and leaves you feeling that you truly scored.

Word-of-mouth spread awareness on the benefits of Goodwill shopping, but many students claim to have been doing it before the act got so popular. But they all

agree on why shopping there is so great.

“I go there because they have a good variety of cool and novelty clothing, at really cheap prices,”sophomore Adam Couch explained.

Going there myself, I found a wealth of treasures for the man who is looking for an awesome deal, like unique jewelry, stylish sunglasses, one of a kind t-shirts that make you smile and even nifty $12 art pieces. Of course, with any used clothing store, there existed grungy, cringeworthy merchandise that many people would avert their eyes from, but as the saying goes, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”

For the most part, it is

an awesome store where every day a new shipment of donated treasures gets in, and every trip there is sure to guarantee a score. Even more fun, go with friends for a memorable outing. Even if it’s only once, a Goodwill Raid should be experienced by every high school student.

Whether it is to inspire laughs, or save some dough on your wardrobe, you are sure to find something to catch your eye and the eyes of your peers, and the money you put down is going to one of the most charitable organizations in the U.S. Even if you don’t notice it at first, your buy came with the free of purchase smell of good Karma.

Acting students give back Elementary school students enjoy in-character performances Jule Paul

Staff reporter Reading is one of the most important concepts students learn in school. That’s why on Feb 25, in order to advocate reading, several SHS Advanced Acting students read their favorite children’s book in character to elementary students in the Lake Pend Oreille School District.

The actors said elementary students — Kindergarten to

sixth grade — were interested and their teachers grateful.

Advocating the drama department “was not our initial intention,” drama teacher Jeannie Hunter said, “but it turned into a great PR opportunity.”

The students prepared for about a week and a half prior to the day, making their costumes and choosing the books. The books included “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss, “Who Wants a Cheap

Rhinoceros?” by Shel Silverstein, “Yertle the Turtle” by Dr. Seuss, and “Are You My Mother?” by P.D. Eastman.

The students had to adapt and change their “performances” for the age groups they were reading to.

“With the older kids, I could discuss the moral or meaning of my book,” junior Maggie Miller said.

The students even ate lunch with some students,

Co-op

staying in character the entire time. They recall students approaching them, excited about the costumes. Some didn’t even say anything, but simply hugged the SHS students and walked away.

The acting students said they had a great time and enjoyed reading to the kids in character.

Hunter would like to make the trip an annual event, if possible.

turn at writing

Students’ original one-act plays make way to stage Tala Wood

Copy editor For about seven years, the Advanced Acting class at Sandpoint High School has put on the original oneact plays.

The students write, direct and perform the pieces, and do all the technical theater.

The technical aspects involve areas such as lighting and set design.

This year, the one acts are entitled “’Till Death Do Us Part,” “Cookies, Horses and Missing Limbs,” “Erroneous Rationality” and “The Fate of a Witch.” They will be performed at 6:30 p.m. on March 30 in the SHS auditorium.

“I’m really excited they got their scripts in on time and their preparation [is on time],” said Jeannie Hunter, the drama teacher and organizer of the event. “That has not been so in the past.”

The plays touch on various subjects. n “’Till Death Do Us Part” is performed by senior Raven Quaring, junior Maggie Miller, junior Adam Leas and junior Frances Collins. It is about a woman who falls in love, and goes to great extremes to get his

attention. n “Cookies, Horses and Missing Limbs” is performed by junior Winter Bennett, junior Nichele Blanchard, senior Karlee Hergenreder and senior Jeni Jansen. It is described as a “politically correct version of the ‘Wizard of Oz.’” n “Erroneous Rationality” will be performed by junior Davey Mullen, junior Rachel Owen, junior Amanda Comstock, and senior Tala Wood, and is about a murder that takes place in the Vulcan-like world of the Krypticians. n “The Fate of a Witch” is about a traveller who goes from town to town, causing mayhem and accusing innocent people of witchcraft. It is performed by junior Joey Eich, senior Amanda Barnett, senior Cody Hecker, junior Darian Brown and senior Kristina Ricci. When asked about her play, Barnett said, “Some people just want to see the world burn.”

The original one act plays will be considered for several SHS Oscars in May. People who attend can vote for their favorite actors, plays and sets.

DETHBOXSupply Team rider, Dethbox Board

Ashlynn Parker taking it to SKATE SNOW WAKE the podium at Copper MT.’s REV Tour Boardercross ~ Feb.’10

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525 Oak St. in Sandpoint (208)-265-5566 “The friendly board shop with the scary name!”

Cedar Post

Page 7

May 2010

Accomplished coach retires After leading boys’ soccer team to 7 state titles, Thoreson calls it a career EddiE OglE Sports editor

Sydney MorriS

n DecaDe of Dominance: Randy Thoreson is one of the most decorated coaches in school history. He won seven state championships at SHS.

After 12 successful years as the boys head soccer coach, Randy Thoreson has decided to step down from his position.

Thoreson left a legacy by winning seven state championships and having a strong impact on many students’ lives. Because of this, he is considered one of the greatest coaches in SHS history.

“I was blessed with outstanding athletes throughout my career,” Thoreson said. “I also had an excellent coaching staff and total support from the school administration and community.”

He has been known for motivating his players along their road to excellence.

Thoreson helped them develop talent, as well as teamwork.

“He is the best coach I’ve ever had,” junior Jansen Rinck said. “He’s just really dedicated and always made the team feel like a family.

He was an emotional coach who obviously just loves the game.”

Rinck has played on Thoreson’s varsity team for all three years of his high school career.

Rinck, along with others from Thoreson’s program, believe their coach helped them by demanding commitment from the team.

Respect was always a key trait between Thoreson and his players. Without it, Thoreson said the team wouldn’t be able to form together.

“A mutual respect level between the athletes and the coach must be established before any teaching and learning can take place,” he said.

“The next step is setting goals and demanding a commitment level from everyone to meet those goals.”

Thoreson believes his consistent success was due to finding what personally motivated his players on the field. By doing this, along with putting in countless hours towards his work with players, he always had strong connections with his team.

“Every athlete has a personal button that needs to be identified to motivate and accelerate their development,” Thoreson said.

“This is critical to get athletes to believe in

themselves and overachieve.”

Not only was it those directly involved with Thoreson’s work who appreciated it, but Sandpoint’s athletic community observed what he could do with a group of high school athletes.

“Randy Thoreson is a coach who has the ability to motivate athletes to achieve great things not only as an individual but also collectively as a team,” athletic director Tom Albertson said.

With so many accomplishments throughout his career, Thoreson has many memorable coaching experiences. From a man who truly loves the game, he couldn’t begin narrowing down his favorite memories of coaching.

Although he has heard the sound many times, Thoreson said, “That final whistle in a state final when your team is on top is a feeling that’s impossible to put into words.”

Thoreson’s replacement is no stranger to Sandpoint soccer. Adam Tajan, who guided the girls team to four state titles over the last eight years, was named the boys coach earlier this month.

Boys state titles: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009

Ewing bowls over competition Junior hopes to take talent on lanes to college level EddiE OglE Sports editor

When junior Sherman Ewing placed first in the 2010 Pepsi Idaho State USBC Youth Championship Tournament in April, most students were unaware of this accomplishment.

But when the 17 year old turned his bowling hobby into a competitive interest, success came along quickly.

And now Ewing is making a name for himself.

“I do it because it’s a lot of fun, and I

want to go to college for it,” he said.

Like a lot of high school students, Ewing bowled with family and friends when he was younger because it was a fun and entertaining hobby. Since then, he started to raise his competitive level by joining local bowling leagues and entering small tournaments.

After gaining confidence and gathering top finishes, Ewing decided to pursue bowling at an even higher level.

He now travels around the country to compete against other aspiring athletes.

“This year I’ve gone down to Boise, Arizona, Washington, Oregon and

California,” Ewing said.

Because of the excellence he brings to every tournament, Ewing is now competing on a national level.

“I’m going to Indianapolis for the national tournament in July,” Ewing said.

After completing high school in 2011, he plans to attend college on an athletic scholarship for bowling. Ewing hopes college level bowling won’t be the maximum level he reaches.

“I’d like to bowl at Fresno State College, and then hopefully go pro afterwords,” he said.

Superman’s Blogging

I

n a time where the NBA is cracking down on hard fouls with an immediate technical, the fining for criticizing comments off of the court continues.

It didn’t get much publicity in November, but during the long stretch of the NBA season, Dwight Howard was fined $15,000 for criticizing officials on his blog. He’s repeated this going into the second round of the playoffs after sweeping the Charlotte Bobcats series 4-0.

“I mean, it was almost comical at times how I was getting fouls called on me,” he wrote. “There was nothing I could do out there and I felt like I couldn’t move without getting that whistle blown on me ... I just don’t see other star players getting called for fouls the way I get them. No star player in the league is outta games the way I am.”

These comments have put Howard down another $35,000.

Breakout from IUPUI

A

s the NBA Playoffs continue, players are exceeding regular season expectations and bringing endless talent to the court.

Although George Hill wasn’t expected to be star material, coming out of Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), the second year San Antonio Spur guard has produced on the offensive and

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JaSper GibSon

n eyes on the prize: Sherman Ewing is focusing on his bowling to take the sport to the next level. He bowls as much as possible, traveling around the country for tournaments to compete against other teens.

defensive end.

With Tim Duncan being effective in the regular season, Los Spurs were successful. With defenses focusing on Duncan during the postseason, however, Hill has made a heavy contribution to the Spurs offense, delivering five three-pointers in game 4 of the opening round series with the Dallas Mavericks alone.

U

Coach Cal’s Reform

niversity of Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari has silenced the critics. With the loss of last season’s starting lineup to the NBA draft, many questioned his program’s future.

On the same day, Kentucky signed No. 1 recruits Brandon Knight from the class of 2010, the Wildcats also received a commitment from Michael Gilchrist as part of 2011 class of 2011.

Knight, a combo guard out of Florida, is expected to lead the Wildcats to another successful season and head to the NBA like John Wall and Demarcus Cousins did this year.

Gilchrist is a skinny 6-foot-7 forward, with a body type like Kevin Durant, who will look to score in bunches for Calipari following his senior year of high school.

Page 8

Cedar Post

March 2010

Women fighting? Eddie and Blaine break it down

E

vents such as the fight that took place during a NCAA women’s basketball earlier this month can be settled as quickly as they begin, Although in today’s world, these events can cause a large amount of controversy and shape the way we look at someone.

During a game against Texas Tech on March 4, Baylor’s Brittney Griner threw a haymaker to the face of Tech’s Jordan Barncastle. The 6foot-8 freshman star for Baylor was ejected and suspended for two games following the uproar that took place in the media.

Griner’s ability to dunk as a woman has made her more popular than for her overall performance. But now, she is even more recognized for her act of frustration than her ability to dunk.

Some thought the suspension was perfectly in line with what is laid out in NCAA rules and regulations. But others think the incident

can’t go unnoticed and the penalty needed to be much stiffer.

These analysts believe the NCAA must send a serious message to a young player, especially considering the fact that a fight in women’s basketball is a rare occurrence and, therefore, could draw more negative attention.

This was seen last fall when New Mexico University soccer player Elizabeth Lambert was caught on tape violently pulling the opposition’s hair, throwing elbows and sucker-punching members of the BYU girls’ soccer team. Viewers of the tape were shocked and disgusted by her rough play.

This reaction was repeated when nearly 60 percent of ESPN’s SportsNation voters thought that Griner should have been suspended through the NCAA tournament, if not longer, for the right hook.

“It was ugly for women’s basketball,” admitted Baylor head coach Kim Mulkey after the win

against Texas Tech.

Similar events haven’t caused nearly as much shock when it comes to men’s sports, maybe because of the frequency of the occurrence. But for some, this could lead to a slightly prejudiced view of women.

If a man was to punch an opponent during a game, as Griner did, there would probably be less publicity. Many think that women should not be as aggressive as men in these physical sports, as shown through the hundreds of Internet responses to Griner’s ejection. Almost all of these reactions came directly after the shock set in that Griner had broken Barncastle’s nose.

It took some time, but analysts have settled down and allowed room for apologies.

“She snapped; she’s not proud of it,” Mulkey said. “One incident is not going to identify or define Brittney Griner.”

Tell that to the SportsNation voters.

Spring Sports Overview: Softball Head Coach: Derek Dickinson Key Players: Rachel Hammock, Maggie Kirsher, Molly Givens Upcoming Games: Boise Tournament 2010 synopsis The softball team hasn’t always had the best luck, but this year both coach Dickinson and the girls are ready to come back and improve with a better season.

Coach Dickinson’s main expectations for the girls this year is to continue to improve everyday. All the girls are hoping for a better season than last year.

Catcher Meghan Hamilton, stated that she hopes for the season is to take it game by game. She wants the girls to improve with each game and have fun with their season.

“We have a great group of girls this season, and I know this year with be better,” Hamilton said.

n EuropE Bound: Junior Tanner Williams takes on an opposing athlete during a 2009 season game. As a key returner, he was a valuable player on the state winning team and will be showing off his skill in Germany this spring.

Jasper Gibson

Baseball

Golf

Tennis

Track

Head Coach: Jim Alsager

Head Coach: Chris Young

Head Coach: Kent Anderson

Head Coach: Dave DeMers

Key Players: Conner Currie, Mike Lewis, Jessie Webster

Key Players: Ben Fisher, Joel Cramer, Daniel Charvoz

Key Players: Piper Wahlin, Mikka Nostdahl, Kevin Kirby

Upcoming Matches: @ Post Falls: Prairie Falls- 4/8.

Sandpoint Invite: The Links GC4/26.

Upcoming games: 3/30 vs Moscow 4/8 vs CDA 4/22 vs CDA

Upcoming Matches: @Moscow: 4/10.

CDA: 4/13.

Lewiston: 4/17.

Girls Key Athletes: Christina Johnson, Melinda Van Dyk, Molly Burgstahler; Cody Hecker, Walker Watson, Anthony Gold

2010 Synopsis Although the girls boast eight new athletes, Coach Alsager says “The nice thing is they’re not all seniors and new players. They’re sophomores, freshmen, and juniors that are gonna be back, gonna be around for a while. I’m looking at it for the future.”

The boys have a lot of good competition within their team this season.

“We got other people who are ready to step in and are working at it, so that’s good for us,” Alsager said. The consistent improvement is something that the team is working at, as shown in the team’s first match, where multiple athletes dropped double-digit strokes.

2010 Synopsis The SHS baseball program has a strong staff for the 2010 season, including six returning players on the varsity team. This year, the team will face many challenging teams from surrounding areas. The wellprepared team has many additions to the loaded team, and has been competing with teams since midMarch.

Although SHS baseball did not make an appearance at the state tournament last year, the team strongly believes the state championship is in reach.

Both JV and varsity teams will be hosting games at War Memorial Field throughout the spring season.

2010 Synopsis The boys team has a load of talent, with seniors Mikka Nostdahl, Ben Hardy, and sophomore Kevin Kirby competing for the number 1 spot. Coach Kent Anderson said “The top of the boys team is far superior to last year.”

The girls are no exception, with senior Piper Wahlin leading the way. When districts roll around, Wahlin and Nostdahl are expected to bring home a strong finish in mixed doubles. With the good weather out and the courts open, the teams are ahead and eager to start strong.

Key Meets: Regionals at Lewiston Regionals at Post Falls West Valley Meet 2010 Synopsis The goal of the Bulldog track team this year is to win the regional championship and again to send some athletes to state. “I think both the boys’ and girls’ teams will be extremely competitive this year,” said head coach Dave DeMers. Their biggest competition will probably be defending regional champions Lakeland High School. Although Sandpoint didn’t place in the top ten at state last season, Coach DeMers thinks the chances are better this season.

Junior to play soccer in Germany Tanner Williams honored to play on ODP team EddiE OglE Sports editor

Sandpoint High School is known statewide as a soccer powerhouse.

The varsity program for both boys and girls finishes well year after year. This past season both teams won the 4A state championship, with the boys collecting their third title in four years.

The formula for these title-winning teams is found in talented players. Tanner Williams is one of these players. He was recently selected to participate on the Region IV Olympic Development Program.

Williams traveled with the team to Argentina in 2009. He is expecting another exciting opportunity

The Cedar Post wants to thank Niemans, Starbucks, Family Health Center and the Red Zone for their donations for the staff to travel to Portland.

Niemanns

when the team travels to Munich, Germany, in May. Williams expects the competition to be much better than Sandpoint and other teams in Idaho.

“I’m the only kid from Idaho on the team,” Williams said. Consequently, he is honored to be on the team of 18 players.

The players on the team were picked from a pool of 280 athletes, and Williams is thought to be one of the best 20 players in his age group in the western United States. The athletes he will play with are between 16-17 years old and from around the West.

Williams has also worked hard to fund raise the travel costs for his trip.

“I’m excited to go play against kids my age from around the world,” Williams said.

Scott Dunn, MD Jeremy Waters, MD Brad Schwartz, MD Kara Waters, DO Dan Meulenberg, MD Terry Lane, NP

Cedar Post Page 9

March 2010

New year, new policies

SHS athletic teams are partnering with physical education departments to implement new regulations Sophie Meulenberg Staff reporter

As the counselors at Sandpoint High School talk to students about the registration process for next year, one new SHS Athletic Department policy has many students confused and skeptical.

Beginning next school year, all freshmen, sophomore, and junior students who are participating in school-affiliated sports are required to take a P.E. class concurrently.

“The coaches of Sandpoint High School athletic teams are partnering with the P.E. Department to provide a comprehensive strength and conditioning program for all SHS

athletes,” Athletic Director Tom Albertson wrote in an e-mail.

The main purpose of the new policy is to better prepare athletes for the rigors of their sports. Because the athletes will condition and train in P.E., coaches will be able to focus on the skills of the specific game, instead of fitness, at practices.

“Physical education and what you do in a sport are not always the same thing,” head football coach Mike Mitchell. “In football, you might not always get great cardiovascular training. So, in that way, I am for [the policy].”

The new philosophy will hopefully reduce sports-related injuries as well. The new, consolidated P.E. classes that will be

implemented next year will focus on strength, conditioning and flexibility. By maintaining emphasis on remaining fit and healthy, the Athletic Department hopes to drastically cut the number of injuries incurred while playing sports.

“Being strong and more flexible decreases chances of getting hurt,” SHS Athletic Trainer Brittany Meek said. “Hopefully their P.E. coaches will recognize [the athletes] are tired at the end of the season,” she said in response to a question about the possibility of overuse injuries. Ultimately she feels that the policy will be “more beneficial than hurtful.”

A few students and parents have voiced concern, however. Some still feel that the

Spring sports start early Mild winter helps early start for spring athletics eddie ogle Sports editor

Coaches and players around northern Idaho realize the struggle of spring sports in our region — especially at the start of the season. Snow is usually piled up around the area, making it difficult for athletes to practice on the court, diamond, track or golf course.

“The last couple years have been a hassle with so much snow,” senior tennis captain Piper Wahlin said. “We had to play inside and travel for our earlier matches.”

Because of higher temperatures this winter, snow hasn’t been an issue for most of the month, allowing productive practice time for all of SHS’s spring teams.

Athletes have really appreciated the opportunity.

“It’s so nice,” Wahlin said. “We’re getting to play outside already on our courts in town.”

With the heavy snow in recent years, teams have typically had to travel south to open the season.

But with the exceptional weather, teams no longer have to change their schedules in order to get more playing time.

This puts SHS teams in a better position for 2010 considering in the past years many athletes from track, baseball, and softball have shoveled snow to make their fields and track usable. This year, however, the teams have had the opportunity to focus on practice.

“We’re much more prepared for our opening games,” Athletic director Tom Albertson said.

“Usually it’s about halfway through the season when we become competitive with the teams from the south. ... I think it will really even out the playing field.”

Bulldog Bench Supporting SHS athletics

Good job Bulldogs!

additional physical exertion will cause more overuse injuries, while others feel that the P.E. requirement will prevent them from taking the elective and academic classes that they would like to. In response, the counselors have made it clear that any student enrolled in a full eight academic classes each year will not have to take P.E. beyond the two credits required for graduation.

“We want students choosing courses that will help them grow and improve in all their interest areas,” Albertson said. “Any student who cannot fit a strength/conditioning course into his/her schedule because of other courses may fill out an exemption form explaining why they cannot take advantage of this program.”

New to N.A.T.S! Hip hop classes are now being offered exclusively at N.A.T.S. The classes are taught by local professional artist Kelly Peters. Peters has performed throughout the United States on national tours and even places as exotic as Dubai.

She has trained and performed hip hop in both L.A. and New York. Join her each Tuesday for a fun night of dancing, exercise, music and fun.

All ages, levels welcome, and membership is not required. The class is $7 per session from 6:30-7:30.

Page 10

March 2010

Cedar Post

Head of the class

Sandpoint High School students weigh in on their favorite teachers, courses

Spanish

Courses: Spanish I, Spanish II (H), Spanish II, Spanish IV (H) “She’s strict, but still fun.”

—Abby Sowers

Woody Aunan

2.

3.

Chemistry

Courses: Chemistry, Chemistry (H), Physical Science, Exploratory Studies “He is very eccentric and he really gets to know his students.” —Shantelle Beasley

Dan Shook Art

Courses: Basic Art, Pottery I, Pottery II, Drawing “He’s hilarious and encourages us to work hard while creating.” —Katie Chambers

Biology: “It’s a subject that is totally new to most people.” —Dakota Blaese

Chemistry Biology

Chemistry: “Mr. Aunan is a very good teacher and he makes you think and understand concepts.”

—Anders Nostdahl

English

English: “It was the only time I’ve learned real grammar.” —Jane McGukin

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Favorite Class Favorites, we all have them.

Everyone at the school is different, but when a class is really enjoyable, everyone takes notice. You can play with mud in pottery, treat real patients in health occupations, and work out to your hearts content in PE. These are the classes that make the worst days worth while for many students, so enroll and enjoy!

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Pottery: “We get to play in mud!” —Amanda Arriando English: “My teacher is very hands on and enjoys getting into the lessons.” —Adam Leas P.E.: “I like that we get to have physical exercise in school.” — Mike Lewis Health Occupations II: “I like helping patients and they are really grateful.”

—Kiah Knoles

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P.E. Health Oc.

1.

Mary Imaz

U.S. History: “My teacher gave a new aspect to history and incorporated new ways of learning besides memorization.” —Andrew Pearlstein

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English

It’s Monday, you walk into school, head hanging low, sleepily. That is until you arrive at that class. oh yes, that class. Standing in the doorway is your favorite teacher and your whole day is a little bit better because of it. They are funny, quirky, and a little bit out there, but we all love them. These are your choices for favorite teacher.

The whole reason we come to school is to learn, right?

Some classes we find to hard to understand, others are so easy they can be boring, some classes are just right. These are the courses you feel are the most educational. Your school experience thrives in these classes maybe because the class applies to real life, its an awesome teacher, or its just an interesting course.

U.S. History

Favorite Teacher

Most Educational Class

Pottery

B

eginning in the second week of March, SHS students have started to choose the course they will take for their remaining years in high school. For some students this is an easy process; however, for many students this can be extremely stressful.

To help the student body, Cedar Post surveyed all sophomore, junior and senior English classes to find out which courses students find the most enjoyable and invigorating.

524 students of all academic abilities and social groups responded to which class they have the most fun, which class they learn the most, and who their favorite teacher is.

We hope this helps you have a great next year full of stimulating classes and teachers who make them fun.

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