May 2008 pdf

Stomp Games are a success

Guys’ Club Lacrosse forges through season

page 8

page 7

VoluMe 85, iSSue 7

Sandpoint HigH ScHool

May 1, 2008

Academic Decathlon team excels at State, attends online nationals CaSey dunn Staff reporter

The Sandpoint High School Academic Decathlon team returned from state with a second-place overall finish and a score of 43500, the highest score the team has received to date.

“It felt really good,” freshman Brita Olson said. “Our team did amazing.

Everyone had their personal best score and did really, really well.”

AcaDeca teacher Mary Bird said that the team exceeded even its own

expectations.

“We had a lot of goals before we went to state,” Bird said, “one of which was to break 40,000, which we’ve never done before, and we did that. Another goal was to have at least 5 people win overall awards. There’s nine overall awards given and we won six out of the nine. We also wanted to win the super quiz trophy, and we did. Between regionals and state we went up almost 6000 points, so it was a huge jump.”

Both Bird and team members cite

hard work and dedication as reasons for their success.

The team has even been coming to class early to get some extra studying time.

“We’ve been coming to school at 7 p.m. on B days since the fall,” Olson said.

“We study for an hour, then we have class for an hour and a half,” sophomore Kyenna Jensen said.

The team also put in extra study time at the hotel in Boise.

“People studied basically the whole time, with maybe an hour break here and there,” Bird said. “Everybody worked hard. They got it together.”

Although the team will not be going to nationals in person, the team is planning to attend online nationals instead.

“We’ll just take all the tests online,” Jensen said.

Even with the loss of star senior team member Jill Jacobs, hopes are high for next year.

“We think we’ll win state next year,” Bird said. “I know they’re motivated.

We’re only losing two people.”

“What we need to do is remember that if we try hard enough, we can do it,” junior Jesse Cobb said. “We need to keep our morale up. We’re all really pumped right now that we were really close to Centennial (High School) and we’re thinking, ‘we could beat them next year.’ We have to make sure that we keep that confidence up and remember we were only 1000 points away.”

Mr. Aunan gets nominated for the Phebe & Zephaniah Swift Moore Award raChel Kennedy

recommended Aunan as the most influential of his secondary teachers.

“Aunan is a tough – though welloody Aunan, the chemistry respected-instructor and grader, said teacher at Sandpoint High School, was nominated Lockwood, in a media report from as one of the recipients of the Phebe Caroline Jenkins Hanna, Director of and Zephaniah Swift Moore Award Media Relations at Amherst, “but enjoys challenging for Excellence students with in Secondary ideas that create School Teaching.

Those crinkles were the a ‘crinkle,’ a The award, reason Mr. Aunan taught; the furrowed brow which is put on by Amherst uncrinkles were the reasons and scrunched up nose that College in we loved him. appears when a Amherst, -Ben Lockwood student grapples Massachussetts, Former student with a tough new includes a check concept.” for $500 and a During his time in Aunan’s classroom, trip for the nominated teacher, paid in full, to see the student they nominated Lockwood remembered that his teacher was equally pleased by ‘uncrinkles:’ graduate from Amherst.

“When we finally ‘got it’ – when “I’m honored by it. It wasn’t just a token thing. I mean, I have lots of we were struck by a blinding flash of awards, but this one’s a little bit different understanding that for a moment, the because they actually want me to come thrill of learning overcame . . . cool back. They’re paying for it,” said Aunan. disinterest. Those crinkles were the Aunan received the award because reason Mr. Aunan taught; the uncrinkles Ben Lockwood, who graduated from were the reason we loved him,” said SHS four years ago as valedictorian, Lockwood in the same report.

Staff reporter

W

“

”

leiGh liVinGStone

n Teaching Titration: Senior Jacob Krueger works on the Drops Lab while Mr. Aunan asks him if the liquid will return to clear.

The goal of the lab was for students to determine the molarity and pH of each solution.

School district gears for Redheads face unique challenges special plants facilities levy Studies show that having red hair caused by mutation in MCR1 gene alex GedroSe

Kat Vardell Staff reporter

V

oting for the most recent school district levy will be on May 20.

“It’s what’s called a special plants facilities levy,” school board member Vicki Pfeifer said.

The levy will total $14.1 million, parts of which will address different new facilities of maintenance for all the schools in the district.

“The issues in the levy are as follows,” school superintendent Dick Cvitanich said, “attend to health and safety issues in every school in the district for a cost of $5.1 million, add 11 classrooms, gymnasium, office area and kitchen area at Kootenai Elementary for a cost of $6.8 million, add four classrooms and bathrooms at Sagle Elementary for a cost of $1.2 million, [and] have a contingency fund of $1 million.”

This levy is not a supplemental levy like the one from a year ago that addressed teachers.

“It doesn’t replace that levy; it’s an additional levy,” Pfeifer said.

But what will this mean for tax payers?

“It will raise taxes for citizens district wide, if successful,” Cvitanich said. “But, our taxes to support our schools will still be much lower than those in Lakeland, Coeur d’Alene, and Post Falls school districts.”

This is the main opposition of the levy.

“There’s always a group of people who don’t want to raise taxes,” school board member Wendy Dunn said.

A common criticism of this levy

is that facilities is not what should be addressed when six teachers are to be removed from the district this upcoming year, but these two issues are unrelated.

“It’s a very separate issue from the teacher funding,” Dunn said.

“Facilities and teacher funding come from two different sources.”

In fact, not passing this levy could further harm the number of teachers.

“If it is not successful,” Cvitanich said, “more money from the budget we use to hire teachers, purchase materials, books, etc. will be directed to make necessary repairs.”

Those who support the levy quote it as necessary because the district has not had one in a long time.

“The main issue is that this district has not passed a plant and facility levy since the late 1980s,” Cvitanich said. “It is time to do more comprehensive repair for our schools. It is time to address safety concerns. Kootenai Elementary is full, and the area surrounding it is being developed for housing. Farmin Stidwell and Washington Elementary are full”.

Most of the school board members are optomistic that the levy will pass.

“It needs a 55 percent yes vote to win,” Pfeifer, who is positive about the outcome of the levy, said. “I think there are a lot of people in the community who are willing to help us get this passed”.

“I am hopeful about this levy. We are looking for the support of our community,” Cvitanich said.

Staff reporter

In August 2007, many news organizations began to claim that the gene for red hair is on a decline, and that red-heads may become extinct as early as the year 2060.

So far, not many have heard the news.

“Is it [redhead extinction] really happening?” ginger-haired senior Jill Jacobs asked. “I guess I’m going to have to marry a redhead so we can procreate and make a bunch of red-headed babies.”

Red hair is caused by a mutation in the melanocortin 1 receptor (MCR1) gene.

“Having red hair is due to a mutated gene, and can have some detrimental consequences,” biology teacher Jim Barton said. “It’s somewhat like albinism.”

This mutated trait must be passed by both parents in order for a child to obtain red hair. However, it’s recessive, which means that red hair can skip a generation.

“Neither of my parents have red hair,” Jacobs said. “My grandpa did, though. His nickname was even Red.” Only four percent of the world’s population contain the mutated MCR1 gene responsible for red hair.

Even less actually have red hair. because of this, redheads have a tendency to stand out.

“It would get annoying,” Jacobs said. “Like when my face got red from the heat, or if I was embarrassed, people would say, ‘Your hair matches

Samantha may

n LAUGHTER IN THE HALLWAY: Senior Erin Braderitch laughs at her locker with friend Fallon Shaw. Braderitch’s red hair pops out in a crowd of SHS Seniors.

Fast Facts: Redheads 1. Ancient Egyptians found redheads unlucky and buried many of them alive as sacrifices to their god Osiris.

2. Researches at Louisville University in Kentucky have discovered that redheads are more sensitive to pain.

3. Aging redheads don’t turn gray. Their hair will change blonde and then eventually white with age.

your face!’”

The decline in the gene most likely comes from the gene being diluted when carriers of the mutated MCR1 gene crossbreed with those that don’t.

“It’s definitely possible,” Barton said, when asked if redhead extinction was credible.

Many geneticists are still skeptical about the redhead extinction claim.

These unconvinced scientists say that these allegations are not only incorrect, but common.

In 2002, studies claimed that blondes were becoming extinct.

These studies were later found inaccurate.

Page 2 May 1, 2008

Never Too Old To play the Game Senior citizens engage in popular Wii game

Keegan Dunn

Staff writer

Photo Courtesy of Maggie Miller

n GettinG in the Game: Senior citizens pass the time while getitng involved in the popular Wii game system.

Fourteen members of the Video Game Club assisted with the installation of a new big screen television and a Nintendo Wii at the Sandpoint Senior Center Wednesday, March 12.

“We just went and hung out with the seniors.

It was really fun,” video game club member Jack Fremont said.

The Video Game Club agreed to help with the project after David Miles, the advisor, received a call from of longtime Senior Center volunteer John Elsa.

“About three weeks, a month ago, [the initial call] was just kinda ‘Hey this is my idea, do you think it would work?’ and then I said ‘Yeah, I think we can make it work,’” David Miles said.

Elsa thought a Wii would not only be entertaining for the visitors, but would also provide an opportunity for students to interact

with senior citizens in the community. Elsa donated the Wii and Sandpoint Satellite provided the big screen tv.

“After watching news reports about [Wiis] being brought into retirement homes, I just thought that one needed to be brought in to the senior center here,” Elsa said.

The students found the experience enjoyable.

“It made everyone laugh, seeing the seniors try out this new technology,” Fremont said.

The Wii has several features that make it the console of choice for retirement centers.

“The Wii has more games suitable for older people, such as Wii sports: bowling, tennis, baseball. It keeps them more active than just sitting there holding a controller. The Wii controller has a motion sensor, and it actually has to have them move around a little bit,” junior and Video Game Club member David Dishong said.

The senior citizens visiting the center agreed.

“I’ve never played a [video] game before. Very enjoyable. I think this is something,” Tom Peters said.

“I think it’s wonderful!” Dottie Bartrand said.

Recently elected student council officers present their new ideas

Karina olson

JaCob Craner asb PresiDent

tina Wilson senior Class PresiDent

“I want to be there for my student body when needed by organizing events like dances and drives efficiently.”

John briggs Junior Class PresiDent

“I want this year to be the best year so far. I want everyone involved, especially the people who haven’t been, there should be lots of school events.”

-JaCob Craner

-tina Wilson

DaKota blaese soPhoMore Class PresiDent

“I want more opinions from the student body and more organization, this year I didn’t really know what was going on, now I have the knowledge for things to run more smoothly.”

-John briggs

Courtney WinDJu freshMen Class PresiDent

“I want to make my class more fun and involved. I would like to see more comps throughout the grades with prizes awarded to the winners.”

-DaKota blaese

Newly proposed Stomp class draws student interest eMily thoMPson

School.

To many students, STOMP is entirely new. Some are unsure what it includes, It’s that time of year again when and what lies in store for those who take Sandpoint High School students begin to the class. plan classes for next year, and many are “Basically, it turns anything that can finding it difficult to decide what classes make noise from the environment around they should take. One music class that is you into music” SHS Band director Aaron increasingly gaining popularity is STOMP, Gordon, who created the new class, said. a class that will be different then anything “It could be a chair, a kitchen pot or even a previously offered at Sandpoint High trash can; anything is possible if it makes Journalism I contributor

a cool sound.”

Some SHS students have already expressed interest in the class and are looking forward to its creation.

“It’s sweet. We will do percussion and cool beats while also moving around,” junior Robby Carne said.

Although the class is considered a music class, it is not mandatory for students to have a previous understanding of music.

“I’m not very musical, but I’m definitely

willing to try something new like this; it sounds really neat,” sophomore Bridger Paul said.

Students will create most of the music, and many of the instruments will be items that they can supply from their homes and activities.

“I hoping to take some trips to the junk yard,” Gordon said, “we should be able to find so awesome ‘instruments’ there.”

Salvia divinorum becomes increasingly popular in United States liz stone

Staff writer

Salvia divinorum, a psychoactive herb originally used by the Mazatec Indians for spiritual purposes, is becoming increasingly popular in the United States.

Salvia is commonly bought from head shops where it is sold as incense and ordered over the internet.

Salvia, which can be obtained in a leaf form or as an extract, is most commonly smoked but can also be chewed, drank or taken through a tincture.

Word of this new substance has reached some students at Sandpoint High School.

“I heard that it’s kind of like acid, but it’s legal,”

Steffen Spraggins, a student at SHS who had learned of the drug through talk at school, said.

Its effects include uncontrollable laughter, vivid hallucinations, dysphoria, and sweating.

Salvia has been banned in Illinois, Missouri, Delaware, and North Dakota, and many other states have made moves towards the regulation or ban of the drug.

In many states the only restriction to purchasing salvia is that one must be 18 or older . The easy accessibility of salvia has lead to an increase in usage over the years, and in Sandpoint the number of users seems to be increasing.

“It (salvia) is getting more popular,” Gunnar Paulson, a senior at Sandpoint High School, said.

Paulson speculates that the increase in salvia usage is

Come by and see Dana, Michelle, Chelsea, and Justin for your after school treats!

Deirde Hill Liz Evans 710 Pine Street Sandpoint 208-263-9012

due to the fact that it presents a legal alternative to other banned drugs.

“A lot of people try it because it’s legal,” Paulson said.

Although the number of salvia users has risen, Spraggins doesn’t believe that salvia usage is very common.

“I’d say not very many people know about it,” Spraggins said.

While the criminalization of salvia in Idaho doesn’t seem to be first on the state’s agenda, the increasing number of states pushing for the outlaw of this drug signifies that it might not be far off in Idaho’s future.

“I really think it should be illegal if pot is illegal,” Paulson said.

Cedar Post

Page 3

May 1. 2008

Our View

Levy would bring better learning enviornment to SHS

T

he enviroment that children are raised in is said to greatly influence their perception and attitude toward the world. As children ease into an age where schooling is appropriate, it is important to note that their enviroment is widened from just home to home and school. In other words, school, (being one of two environments where a child and later adolescent spends a great deal of time), can significantly affect a young person’s perception and attitude toward things. A less than satisfactory aspect of a students’ learning enviroment, such

as facilities, can affect how and if students learn.

With this argument, anyone who has taken a good look around Sandpoint High School recently could logically come to the conclusion that the students here are not reaching their complete learning potential. The fact cannot be denied that the facilities of SHS alone are less than adequate, and are contributing to a less effective learning environment. Students and teachers have made do with the current conditions thus far, and certainly could continue to make do. But why settle for less?

Should the majority of voters choose to pass the plant facilities levy on May 20, this better option will become a reality. Of course, opposition to the levy coming from taxpayers who find the idea of an additional levy overwhelming is legitimate. However, the levy itself would only last two years, whereas the effects that would be had should the levy go into effect, (namely, better facilities which would make for an improved learning and teaching enviroment), would last considerably longer. It seems the choice to make here is obvious.

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.

• I saw a kid wearing low-rider jammies.

Tailgating at 1 m.ph.

With Cameron Hay

Free Tibet?

Free egg rolls!

Well, I’m all out of ideas. The political race is taking a break, Republican weirdos aren’t instituting any new interesting anti-civil liberty bills, and frankly, all I want to do is sit around and play video games... like, for a long time.

Ok, I got it. China, Olympics, Free Tibet, surely these things must mean something, besides egg roll races... Well they do, and unfortunately this column will feature no tales of delicious food.

In case you’ve been living in a cave for the past four years, the 2008 Olympics are to be hosted in Beijing. However, these games created a bit more publicity than the Chinese authorities would have liked. Realizing that the press might notice them for once, the people of Tibet -- I mean Occupied Tibet, decided to stage a series of protests and riots against the Chinese authorities. The Chinese, in turn, have decided to take punitive action against the Tibetan people, killing over a dozen in police actions, and threatening the Dalai Lama, the exiled leader of the Tibetans. The Chinese have also began to discuss blocking news reporters not only from Tibetan areas experiencing riots, but also from the Beijing Olympics!

Personally, I was fully weirded out when I learned that China wanted to close Mount Everest (Tibet is one way to get there), but the motion to block news crews from “areas of interest” is a tell-tale sign that the Chinese have something to hide. But I’m not going to advocate that American news crews charge their way through to uncover the truth etc...

My solution is much more simple: boycott the Olympics.

That’s right. Let’s do the same thing we did in 1980, when we boycotted to protest the Soviet invasion ofAfghanistan. Since we haven’t done anything to help the people of Tibet, we might as well show that we aren’t going to take any more secrecy. If we don’t at least say something, we’re practically endorsing the Chinese occupation.

I know it’s hard to imagine the Olympics without us there. America is the greatest country on Earth, after all, and I don’t like the idea of Russia or China or, God forbid, Venezuela, taking home all the Golds any more than you do. But still, we must ask ourselves if a little athletic pride worth more than human dignity. If it is, we should boycott Chinese egg rolls.

• My fingers smell like human cheese.

•You’re just a dirty old orange grower • It feels like my ears are getting molested

I

n the midst of early spring, dear-godwhy-is-it-still-snowing malaise, it seems many students have been struck with an unknown ambulatory disease. I cannot count the number of times I have been trying to get to class only to have been held up by someone who seems intent on immersing himself in the experience of the majestic glaciers as they inched their way across North America.

As in: they are slow.

Really. Really. Slow.

Surely I can’t be the only one who experiences this frustration? My legs are no longer than the average Tom, Dick or Sally.

I have no supernatural gait that let’s me bound the halls in a single step. I do not, in

fact, have Go-Go-Gadget Legs.

There are myriad types of slow walkers who threaten the promise of promptness.

There are the stoppers.: people who arbitrarily stop on their way to class seemingly just to halt the progress of those behind them. There are the wayward lovers: couples so violently devoted to each other that the process of ambulation is thwarted by their entangled limbs. Then there are those who have not yet learned the rules of the road. Hint: If you are ever on the left side, you are doing it wrong.

Come on people: left, right, left, right.

It’s not that hard. I’m not suggesting we all become Olympic sprinters, but a little more speed wouldn’t kill any of us.

Letters to the Editor 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@hotmail.com

• How do you blow a box?

• Have you ever tried it with crackers in your mouth?

• I didn’t have panties on and my ice cream is melting.

• How do you take the log of insanity?

• There’s a little grass action on my shishkabob • I want to go to the LPO for hot guys.

• Don’t punch me, just eat the cheese.

• My legs are so hairy Amazons are living in them!

• I like little girls but I like money more.

• This would be a lot easier if I wasn’t using my finger.

•Satan’s never fair. It’s better if you learn that earlier in life.

” Morgan Wills

Dear Editor, I am writing because I was dismayed by a comment recently made in Isaac Dunne’s column “No one for President”. It is undeniable that sexism is far more prevalent in this country than racism. To ignore that would be to distort the historical record. Regarding the upcoming elections, I have heard countless times “I just don’t think our country is ready for a woman president”. However, I have not once heard the same about electing a black male president. From a cultural standpoint, the majority of our country has finally come to look upon racist remarks as depraved and intolerable. Yet sexist comments seem to be regarded as acceptable, even funny or witty. “…and Hillary, let’s just say that unless the world’s problems can be solved by cooking,

Editor in Chief

cleaning and child bearing, I doubt she will do much good,” was the comment that was made.

Whether the intent was cynical or serious, it was an inappropriate remark. I realize the underlying tone of the column was humor, but the comment is still unacceptable. Women have tried for years to escape the stigma that their place is in the private sphere cooking and looking after children.

Even the political pundits on the other side have not stooped so low as to poke fun at the oppression of her gender. The majority have taken the high road and tried to evaluate the candidates as politicians based on their records and abilities and have set archaic issues of gender and race aside. Such comments are immature and we cannot progress as a culture until there is no place for them.

Doug Dishong

ForMer sTudenT

Chelsea KardoKus Assistant Editor

laura loCKWood Arts & Culture Editor

MiChael Tiberi News Editor

Will hughes & niCole Van dyK Sports Editors

leigh liVingsTone Photo Editor

grahaM PayTon Graphics Editor

KaTie MeeK

Advertising Manager

anna Thorell Office Manager

riCK rhodes Adviser

Looking back on the roller coaster of life causes whiplash On certain days, I would rather be in any stage of my life other than the present one. Those are the days when I’ve been so overwhelmed with school work that I thought I would puke, (the fault of my own procrastination), and then after finishing up half of it by midnight, (the majority being of pretty sucky quality), realized I completely spaced a crucial committment that might very well affect the direction my future. Then, when my head does hit the pillow (after my mother has severely lectured me for being up so late), I realize I still have to take a shower.

It is at times like these I consider how liberating it would be to be back in elementary school. . . . . . where college was light-years away, where the monotony of school was constantly broken up with parties and recess, and where I had virtually no responsibilities, at least not academically. Or I contemplate what life will

most likely be like in the future, which is to say me living away from home at college, meeting new people, and being able to do whatever pleases me without parental intervention. But then, as always, I think retrospectively and wonder if I really would be content in another life stage.

For all its carefree-ness, elementary school for me was not idealized in terms of relationships, particulary when deciding whether or not to befriend a girl who my own friends had blacklisted due to “social incompetance.”

As for the future, I am not the most motivated of individuals, so if left to my own devices without parental intervention, I may very well back myself, academically, into a corner from whence it would be difficult to return. Of course, none of this has any bearing, because having misplaced my power to shift the timespace continuem at will, I would not be able to place myself in either my past or future.

With that thought, I am brought back to where I began, wishing to be out of the present, but unable to do a thing. Soon, however, I think of what makes being this age so ideal: being old enough to be taken seriously in some situations, but still young enough to be immature in others and get away with it; participating in events specifically associated with high school, (or in some cases, taking amusement in the participation of others); spending a night with friends and then being able to come home and later recount (if I choose) the details to a genuinely interested audience.

The big, poignant, point? The bad times will pass. The good times will pass. As a friend once told me, life is like a rollercoaster. You can’t stop the ride, so you just have to endure through the valleys and take joy in the hills. And most likely, you won’t have to worry about anyone remembering a cheesy opinion column you once wrote in high school.

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@hotmail.com

Printed by the Daily Bee

May 1, 2008

Cedar Post

Page 4

Torin Ozbun Freshman Ozbun takes big step by moving in with sister KaRina OlSOn Staff reporter

Freshman Torin Ozbun has chosen to live the life of a person more mature than his 16 years of age. Ozbun made the step to stay with his sister in town two months ago, instead of with one of his parents out in Elmira.

“I just really like living in town a lot, I can do a lot more things,” Ozbun said. “I really like to longboard and I can do that in town. Living with my sister is a lot easier.”

Taking on this responsibility of supporting himself for the most part, Ozbun is employed 30 to 40 hours a week at Kentucky Fried Chicken.

“I got to mooch a lot off of them, now I’ve got to make it on my own.” Ozbun said. “I work every day except Wednesday and Thursday, four to nine p.m. [Working so much] isn’t bad, I just have to buy lots of energy drinks.”

Ozbun and his sister live a few blocks from the school on Boyer, and he contributes to maintain the household on top of going to school and participating in off-season wrestling.

“I give my sister Alissa 100 dollars a month, she doesn’t ask for it but I want to give it to her,” Ozbun said.

Previously Ozbun lived with his father for six years after his parents separated.

“I remember being six years old and hiding behind the couch because my parents were fighting; my mom moved out

after that,” Ozbun said.

Then later moved in with his mom for the next two years.

He still sees both his parents and describes his relationship with each of them as “good”.

“I see my parents weekly, and I stay with my mom every now and then,” Ozbun said.

Ozbun dealt with the split of his parents at a young age, but believes it was not a massively traumatic force in his life.

“I don’t really remember much. I didn’t really think about it; I just went with it,” Ozbun said. “I don’t think I have that many problems, even if I did live back with my parents, it wouldn’t be that big a deal; I just wouldn’t have as much freedom.”

The benefits of living in town include not having to make the trek from Elmira every day and the more options that living in the Sandpoint area offers.

“I get to hang out a lot more, I’m not trapped in one spot, I don’t have as much limitation as I did living out in Elmira,” Ozbun said.

However, living apart from his parents is not easy, Ozbun obviously works hard for his independence and that independence does not come without difficulties.

“Whenever I need stuff that requires guardians, that’s the biggest problem,” Ozbun said. “If I need to get excused from school for being sick, the school says that you have to have a parent come in. That’s kind of tough.”

Samantha may

n up close and personal: Ozbun focuses on his schoolwork.

Handwriting styles portray personality Rachel Kennedy Staff reporter

B

y the time that high school rolls around, most students have come to recognize their handwriting as their own, whether it be tiny and scrawled, large and loopy, a combination of print and cursive, or something else altogether. However, what students may not know is that their handwriting can be a reflection of their personality.

The study that deals with interpreting a person’s personality based on their handwriting is known as graphology.

According to professional graphologist William Pang, “Graphology is a science based on psychiatry and psychology in the analytical sense of the word. It is a scientific method of analyzing and understanding a person’s personality traits through the strokes and patterns revealed in his handwriting. “ Because each person has different style of handwriting, specific traits possessed by that person can be found in their handwriting.

“From analyzing the person’s handwriting, a graphologist can uncover tendencies...Such tendencies include levels of honesty, dependability and loyalty. Other personality traits such as impatience, persistence and creativity can also be established with up to 70 to 80 percent accuracy,” Pang said.

Toong-Jye Low, an individual also interested in graphology,

explained how accurate personality traits can be found even in individuals whose handwriting is subject to change.

“Our handwriting, like our face or body language, changes with our mood, and some people are really too temperamental to be predictable. But everyone has got some part of him or her that is hard to change, even if he is temperamental.”

Those thinking that they can beat the system of graphology by faking their handwriting are mistaken.

“Someone who tries to forge a handwriting has to fight against his own stamina,” Low said. “If he gets too tensed up or too tired, he quickly reveals his true self.”

However, it is not unusual for a person to change one’s handwriting depending on the context of the writing.

“It is common place for us to change the style of our handwriting when expecting to please a certain reader. Such is a kind of pseudo forgery,” Low said. “In a more positive interpretation, it is a necessary act of continuous character growth. For example, someone may be by nature an introvert but really like to be more extrovert[ed]. He may try to appear extrovert[ed]. If he succeed[s], he can then be [an] extrovert effortlessly. If he gets tired of the strain [of] be[ing] someone else, he will fail and revert back to his old self. Similarly, someone who wishes to be identified as [an] extrovert by his handwriting forces himself to writ[e] with a right slant. It’s like telling himself constantly of his desire to change. Once again, he may or may not succeed.”

Choir takes first at competition in Hawaii azumi Smith

Journalism I contributor

T

he Performing Choir, combined with the Men’s Quartet, recently returned from Oahu, Hawaii where they took first in their division at the Heritage Music Festival.

The group prepared numerous pieces for the trip.

“We sang a variety of songs,” senior Alexa Mortenson said.

At the festival, the choir sang “Jabberwocky”, “Wade in the Water”, and “A Red, Red, Rose.”

For the U.S.S. Missouri performance they sang a number of songs, some of which they had sung throughout the year.

These songs included “Fly Me to the Moon” and “Bridge Over Troubled Waters.”

The group embarked for Hawaii on the 10th of April, beginning a week-long trip. In their leisure time the group particpated in countless activities such as soaking up the rays on Waikiki Beach, snorkeling, attending a Luau, and visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center.

But these fun activites had a price tag attached. Since September, the group has been caroling in restaurants and

organizing other fundraisers to help reach their goal of $47,000.

“It was a lot of hard work fundrasing, but it was worth it to engage in such a prestigous competition,” senior Nina D’Orazi said.

The group very much enjoyed the trip after all their efforts and were pleased to receive a tikii trophy for their high placement in the competition.

“It was amazing, we had come so far and placing first made it all worthwhile,” sophomore Samantha Trulock said.

Order your photos and photo gifts and photo gifts online and SAVE 25% through May 15, sue promo code: shs04 www.imagemakerandvideo.com

Page 5 May 1, 2008

Cedar Pos

Heels and HigH voices Pretty Kitty competition allows boys to mock Miss America

KaT Vardell

Journalism I contributor

O

n Saturday April 26 the Drama Department held their Pretty Kitty fund raiser show.

Junior Mason Carlin won first place, senior Justin Knowles was first runner up and senior Jesse Javana was second runner up. Kyle Miller won Miss Congeniality.

“I was pretty excited,” Knowles said of his success. “I felt like it was a Miss America pageant almost”.

This was, to some extent, the goal of the parity performance.

“It’s basically just like the Miss America pageant but 100 times worse,” participant, Junior Jade Donigan said. “It’s supposed to be as obnoxious as possible”.

This was the alluring factor for those who came to watch.

“I think it would be hilarious to see a bunch of different guys walking around in slinky dresses and tall heels,” junior Kayla Haigh (ch sp!) who attended said.

“If people have a sense of humor, they should come see it,” Donigan said.

Eighteen diverse guys turned out for the audition.

“There’s a lot of different guys who you would not expect to be involved,” Donigan said. “It just goes to show that anyone can be ridiculous”.

The nature of the performance thats drew people to come watch was also the reason for the participants to want to perform.

“I decided to do it,” freshman participation Davey Mullen said, “because it was differentabstract, and sounded fun”.

Sixteen of these guys were in the performance where all of them performed a talent, did a workout routine and did a walk, as in the real Miss America pageant and the finalists had to answer a question in three minutes.

“I didn’t really hear my question . . .” Knowles said. “It was how come 1/5 of America doesn’t where America is located on a map”.

“It’s just shorter,” Warren said.

For their talents, every guy got to choose what they wanted to perform. Most of the performances, though, were intended to be more funny than real exhibits of talent, the performances ranging from guitar, the harmonica, and the singing glasses from Miss Congeniality. Donigan sang and danced to the song ‘Diamonds are a Girls Best Friends’ from Moulin Rouge, Knowles tried a kind of yo-yo dance, Mullen sang a song by Brittany Spears and Senior participant Brian Wolcott did diablo sticks.

Another part of Pretty Kitty is the mandatory attire.

“I’m in a dress, makeup, and a whig,” Donigan said, for the performance.

“And when we do our talent,” Wolcott said, “we have to wear heels.”

Wearing heels is one of the hardest parts of the most of the participants.

“Whoever invented heels is a satist,” Donigan added.

Nevertheless, Pretty Kitty has been an enjoyable Drama event for everyone involved.

“It was fun meeting new people and seeing old friends in a new way,” Knowles said. “I would definitely do it again”.

“Pretty Kitty is one of our favorite Drama fund raisers,” Donigan said.

This is the first time in several years, though, that the fund raiser has been held.

“We did it before- probably five or six years ago because some of the kids graduating last year gave us the idea,” Warren said. “We were going to do it last year but we just never got around to it. We ran out of time”.

Some involved with the production originally anticipated some opposition to Pretty Kitty, but not much worse than skepticism has been encountered.

“I thought some people would be uncomfortable with it because its guys cross-dressing, but it should be funny,” Warren said.

“I think [skeptics] need to open their eyes and get a bigger picture of the world,” Wolcott said.

HeaTHer allen

HeaTHer allen

n Miss congeniality: Miss Aaron Dutson wows the audience with his talent, playing crystal glasses.

n she’s going to cry: Miss Mason Carlin flashes the audience a smile after having won Pretty Kitty.

HOSA members work hard, excel

Tala Wood

Journalism I contributor Health Occupations Students of America, otherwise known as HOSA, was founded in 1976 and has nearly 90,000 members.

Sandpoint High School’s small percentage of that is worth mentioning.

April 9 through 11, members of the high school’s HOSA branch placed in the top three at the state level and therefore will be proceeding to Nationals, held in Dallas, Texas mid-June.

Junior Mason Carlin and senior Kymberly Gilbert earned bronze medals in Pathophysiology and Nutrition, respectively.

Other students excelling in the Nutrition category included senior and HOSA vice president Jen Rainey who received a silver medal, and senior Karina Olson who went home with a gold.

Competition consists of a written test and a hands-on demonstration of skills.

However, students involved in the program attest to enjoying the challenge.

“You have so much fun, you don’t realize it’s a competition. It feels more like a vacation,” junior Mason Carlin said.

The information students are drilled on varies from CPR and First Aid to Sports Medicine and Dental Assisting.

Members of HOSA define it as being “a student organization whose mission is to promote career opportunities in health care and to enhance the delivery of quality health care to all people.”

The branch of HOSA in Sandpoint is run

by Kathy Holm, a health teacher at SHS. “It’s a really good way to meet people from all over the state, and the country,” Rainey said.

Let’s go fly a kite up to the highest height

Costco is seriously the happiest place on earth. I’m totally honest when I say that if my family had the choice between going to Disney World or Costco, we would all immediately settle for the latter.

This is simply because Costco probably has the coolest toys. I don’t know if you’ve been there recently, but last week I came across gold: a brand called X Kites that sells the flying contraptions. Kites are cool. But since this is Costco, it steps it up one notch with kites that get as large as a 72-inch wingspan.

I’m not going to lie when I say that I nearly peed my pants at just the thought of a 6-foot kite. Could it possibly get any better?

The answer is yes.

Oh yes.

It can get a whole lot better.

X Kites doesn’t manufacture those lame diamond-shaped strips of cloth that will tear when exposed to the slightest

breeze. No, these kites are intricately designed in the shape of some of the most brightly colored animals that you would never see flying in the sky, let alone grow to be SIX FEET LONG. Such designs include toucans, dragons, or just a giant head.

It shouldn’t be a shock that the giant head kites didn’t seem to be as hot of an item as the rest.

It’s been years since I’ve flown a kite, and since they only cost ten bucks (thank you, Costco), I chose a seahorse shaped X Kite.

When I got home and opened the package, I was nearly stunned. This plastic seahorse was absolutely gorgeous. Almost too beautiful, actually. Just looking at the neon colors almost gave me an epileptic seizure.

I also didn’t expect the challenge that would come with actually assembling the kite. For me and my handiwork skills, putting this sucker together was about the equivalent of building an atomic bomb. It’s not tricky as there are only about five steps, but placing the kite spreaders into the connectors was an extremely tight squeeze. It’s build-able, but slightly difficult.

So it looks great, it didn’t fall apart when I put it together; it’s cheap, but how does it fly?

Well…I guess that’s where it gets tricky.

Like I said, I haven’t flown a kite for years. My first attempt to lift-off my X Kite ended in disaster. The second shot ended in me crying for a short while.

This failure to launch may have been due to my rusty kiteflying skills--or it may have had something to do with the fact that there was absolutely no wind for a kite.

You know, since kites usually…need wind to…yeah.

I thought I could get over that. I care about you, my readers (yeah, all three of you), and I know how you are just dying to know how well the X Kite can fly.

So I ran around with this stupid kite for the next three hours. It was cold. It was pouring rain. All of the neighbors were watching me and are now convinced that I’ve hit rock bottom.

The kite never flew. But you know what? I still love my seahorse X Kite, and it is now currently hanging proudly in my room since there it can fly without wind. I can just thumbtack the wings to the blinkin’ ceiling.

X Kites feel sturdy, they look cool, and I’d be willing to bet that mine would be able to fly if I weren’t inept. I’m still willing to give it a thumbs up. I’d like to give the weather, however, about seven thumbs down for being such a jerk.

The Alpine b Boating Equipment b Life Jackets b Water Toys b Wetsuits b Kayaks

b 263-5157 b 213 Church Street b Located in downtown Sandpoint

400 Schweitzer Plaza Drive Suite 4 Ponderay, ID 83852 (208)254-9633 APQS Arm Quilting Machine Rental ...Instructional Classes Quilting Crocheting Knitting

Page 6

May 1, 2008

Cedar Post

Cheer, dance finish season strong SHS performances place high for both teams at state competition in Nampa Paulina Gralow

Assistant sports editor

T

hroughout the regular season in the NBA the Eastern Conference had quite a disparity from the first place team to last place.

Now that the post season has rolled around teams that were in the basement during the regular season are making bids for huge upsets.

The Atlanta Hawks were the last team to make it into the Eastern Conference playoffs, and now have the opening round series tied with the best team in the East, the Boston Celtics. The Celtics, who won 66 games this year, are now finding their first round foe to be better than anticipated.

On the other hand, the Western Conference had ten teams within 5 games of each other during the entire regular season.

In the playoffs, these teams that were so close all season are having blowout series.

The San Antonio Spurs are up three games to one on the Phoenix Suns, and the New Orleans Hornets have the same record against the Dallas Mavericks.

The New Orleans Hornets could be considered the feel good story of the year, and are on the verge of the second round berth. This only one year after having to play the majority of their games in Oklahoma City after being displaced by hurricane Katrina. Lead by second year point guard Chris Paul, who is one of the top candidates for player of the year, and a host of veteran players like Peja Stojakovic and Tyson Chandler.

This might be a little past due, but you have to admit that March Madness this year was one for the ages. Kansas, even though I’m not a fan, played the best basketball I’ve seen all season.

All tournament long, the experts were focusing on Memphis’ lack of focus at the free throw line. Some were disregarding it, but others said it would be the end of them.

Unfortunately for John Calipari, CDR(Chris DouglasRoberts) and Joey Dorsery, it was the end of them. If they only would have made one or two free throws they would have hoisted the national title, but that’s the reason why we always look forward to watching the madness next year.

After months of training in the mornings before school and during the first few periods, the dance and cheer teams have ended their competition seasons, with state on March 22 for both groups. “[Our goal is] to work as hard as we can as a team and make sure we do our best at state,” sophomore dance team member Laticia Lies said.

The dance team received three second places Marissa Holt and a third place at the Pacific Northwest n ACUTE FORMATION: SHS dance team performs their kick routine at the Pacific Northwest (PNW) Competition held on March 7.

Competition in Boise where they placed third. They placed third in the small dance, prop dance, and “I think we did really well, but there were jazz dance. individual things that could have been fixed so After state is over, tryouts begin for next year’s pretty much be starting all over again and it will we’ll be able to do better [at state],” Lies said. teams to replace this year’s seniors. be a struggle,” Fessenden said.

The cheerleaders placed second in their last “We’re losing five really good dancers,” Lies The dance team placed second in dance, competition also. said, “so it will be hard.” third in prop, and third in kick at the state “We are used to getting first and we got Cheerleading will be losing eight seniors next championships. The cheerleaders were grand second,” junior Tabby Fessenden said. “It taught year. champions, placing second in stunt, second in us what we needed to work on.”

“I think it will really affect cheer because we’ll performing cheer, and first in show cheer.

Longboarding offers cost effective transportation, enjoyable ride liz stone

share of crash stories.

“Coming down Ravenwood I was going like 35 and ate it going down the For students at SHS, Long boarding serves as a fun activity when the hill and broke my elbow,” recalled Matt Geiger, a junior at SHS. weather is good as well as a practical form of transportation.

Cook can also remember a recent notable crash.

Eric Czirr, a senior at Sandpoint High School, long boards for entertain“I was going down Pine Street on the sidewalk towards the skate park and ment and as well as to cut down the money spent at the gas station.

I saw a crack that I thought I could make it over,” said Cook. “It was only like “It’s really fun and also paying for gas sucks,” said Czirr a half inch deep but it was like three inches wide and so I was going pretty fast Long boarding is often Czirr’s transportation of choice when and I thought I could make it and my wheel just got weather permits. stuck right there and I came to a dead halt and I flew “Pretty much everyday that it’s sunny and I don’t work, I off and just skidded across on my knees, stomach, long board instead of drive,” said Czirr and hands.”

Sophomore Lindsey Cook also long boards regularly, Bad crashes, while causing injury, can also disseeing it as quick and easy way to travel. courage long boarders from recreating the circum“It’s such an easy way to get around town, its so fast and stances. convenient, and its exercise,” said Cook “My brothers friend got in a coma for three months and When students want to simply enjoy the ride they have he was going down a hill,” said Czirr. “It kind of weirds me their own favorite places to go. out a little bit so I try to avoid hills for the most part.”

“Usually the beach or wherever there is a good bike path Matt Geiger shares Czirr’s sentiment. because some of the roads are kind of crappy around “I used to go down hills all the time but I broke my arm last here,” said Czirr year, so now its kind of premeditative to not go down the hills Cook also enjoys finding a smooth stretch of so now its just across town,” said Geiger. dillon Cower pavement Long boarders are ready to take to the pavement although “I like the sidewalks pretty much on Pine Street the weather presents occasional problems. and Boyer because they’re long and smooth and straight,” s a i d “It’s starting to get better, there are still puddles around that suck to go over Cook. because of grip tape and all that,” said Cook.

While at times long boarding can be a relatively mellow activity riders Although the roads are not in optimum condition Geiger is satisfied with know that the pavement is pretty unforgiving. Students at SHS have their fair the terrain.

Staff reporter

Water bottles containing polycarbonates pose risk to health liz stone

Staff reporter Scientists have discovered that polycarbonate plastics leech a chemical that may increase the risk of cancer, infertility, and the development of other health problems if ingested.

Nalgene brand bottles and many other hard plastic water bottles are made with polycarbonate plastic which contains the chemical Bisphenol-A (BPA) that is believed to be harmful. These types of bottles are popular in Sandpoint and Sandpoint High School where students are often seen with them.

“You just walk around school and even the non athletes have them in their hands,” said Sandy Whalen, a junior at SHS, “ Sandpoint in itself is a town of people who like to get out and actually exercise and do outdoor activities. You go into

like every store and see a Nalgene bottle any great consequence.

Riley Millar, a junior at Sandpoint being sold, so they’re definitely very popular.”

High School, was slightly worried Whalen and her family have taken when he heard of the possible risk steps towards disposing of their water that drinking from polycarbonate bottles containing BPA although they water bottles presented but decided are wary of acting on what could be that he would still use them. rumor or fact.

“I thought oh that sucks hope I “ Currently they (the bottles) are in don’t get cancer and I drink from a huge pile on my dining room table them anyway,” said Riley Millar but we haven’t thrown them away yet This type of reaction is not void because we don’t really know what’s of reason. So far scientists are not ivan reddinG going on. We’re not really sure if it’s real positive that BPA is harmful in amounts such as what we ingest from or if it’s just a scam or a huge rumor going around.” these water bottles many members While some have taken these new findings as of the plastics industry assure that BPA is not a reason to stop drinking from these potentially dangerous. Despite the uncertainties, Canada has harmful bottles others don’t see the risk as being of recalled plastic products containing BPA. Very

“Come get a special gift for Mother’s Day”

small dosages are currently considered to be safe for humans, in other words scientists don’t believe that one sip from a water bottle will give you a tumor. “ I don’t think that I drink from enough Nalgene bottles to really harm my safety,” said Millar Whether BPA is harmful or not, some choosing to dispose of their polycarbonate water bottles are finding them hard to replace. “ Whenever I want to drink water that is what I drink out of and that’s what I take to soccer and all of my other sports, lacrosse, golf,” said Whalen.

Means of telling if a water bottle has BPA, bottles containing BPA are hard plastic and will most likely have a PC on the bottom and or a number 7. The PC for polycarbonate means that the plastic contains BPA although not all type 7 plastics contain polycarbonate and BPA.

Page 7

Cedar Post

May 1, 2008

DaviD DisHong

Journalism Contributer

Cody Reichart

Position: Catcher Height: 5’9” Weight: 190

Q: What is your favorite part about catching?

A: Probably the excitement of being able to throw people out at second.

Q: How is the team looking this year?

A: Pretty good, I think we have a really good shot at winning state.

Q: Whom do you work best with pitching wise?

A: Cory Hawkins, he normally hits his spots, throws well and accurate.

Q: Do you think you will continue playing in college?

A: I would like to, but I think i’m going to go to trade school.

Q: How long have you been playing baseball?

A: Since I was five years old.

Q: Do you have any favorite memories about catching?

A: Probably last year at state when I watched Ricky Stewart make a diving catch in center field.

Q: What was it like playing for the state championship and then winning it?

A: It was pretty exciting; I have never felt anything like it before.

Q: Do you have a “hero” or idol that plays or has played for the major leagues?

A: Not really, I try not to follow the major leagues since it is all about money nowadays.

Q: Traditionally, catchers are good hitters but not so good runners, is that the same case with you?

A: Yeah, i’m pretty slow on the bases, they usually bring in a pinch runner for me.

Q:How do you usually prepare for games?

A: Throw a lot, get extra warm. grapHiC by graHam payton

pHoto by leigH livingston

Combat sports trip the trigger for shs students Laser tag and airsoft provide hobbies and competition in an action-packed environment Will HugHes Co-sports editor

H

ave you ever sat down one night, I mean a cold dark night, and wondered to yourself, "What is the coolest thing in the world?"

Well, I have an answer for you.

Laser tag...and airsoft!

There are a few major differences between airsoft and laser tag, but anyone with a functioning brain could tell that. Some things are better with laser tag, like the fact that you don't feel the pain of little plastic BBs. But, then again you don't get to use a cool little gun.

"I like air soft more so than laser tag," Senior Brian Hilland said.

which ain the morning. The person with the highest score walks out with a free membership. With the objective to get the highest score at the end of the game, players run amok amidst the lasers and rooms.

"I don't remember what my highest score was, but I think is was like 2,500," Knowles said.

Nothing is more fun than running through a smoke filled room thinking you’re Master Chief with a plasma rifle racking up points on some elementary school kids.

Well, with an assortment of activities to choose from, why not choose one with a strategic element to it as well as a physical one. Go play some laser tag, or airsoft.

When it comes to equipment, it's all a matter of preference. With laser tag you get to wear a cool vest thing that glows in the dark and has little lights and your gun looks like somethinig out of Robo Cop. With airsoft, you get to use a large array of guns.

Anything from semi-auto to fully automatic, using either C2 or spring power. Some guns easily breaking the hundred dollar range while some can be picked up at a department store for under twenty.

"I have two airsoft guns, one is a C2 and the other is a spring single-shot," Hilland said.

Senior Justin Knowles is a die-hard laser tag fan. His stomping ground is Laser Quest in Spokane. Twice a month they have what is called a "lock in,"

SHS lacrosse team rallies new participants

Practices and drilling help prepare SHS lacrosse athletes for the hard-hitting reality on the field.

Casey Dunn Staff Reporter

I

t's game time for the Sandpoint boys lacrosse team. After nearly two months of practicing, the match season is now in full swing.

“We started playing games at the beginning of April,” freshman Graham Cole said.

The team plays opponents from all over the area, including Courd’Alene, Bonners Ferry, Post Falls, Lake City, and Spokane.

“It’s really fun,” junior Tony Charvoz said.

The team is a mix of returning players and players new to the sport.

“We’re about half and half,” Charvoz said.

Practices have been two hours a day, 5 days a week since the start of the season in order to help the new players get acquainted with the game.

“We usually start out with around a 2 mile run,” freshman Hayden Shuster said.

“Then we do s-drills, which is everything from throwing to picking up ground balls.

Then we split off into attack, midfield, and defense, and work on different skills like long passes with the defense and shooting with the attack.”

One aspect of the game that has needed particular attention with the new players is the game’s rough, aggressive nature.

“It’s pretty violent,” sophomore Timmy Householter said.

“Some kids get hurt, but mostly its a way to vent your anger,” Charvoz said.

The lack of a grass field to play on has made learning this part of the game difficult.

“We don’t get a lot of practice hitting each other because on the concrete you can get hurt way more,” Charvoz said. “I think if we actually did that more we’d be a little more prepared for the hits in the game.”

The team recently traveled to Tri-Cities for a tournament that hosted teams from across the region.

“We didn’t win any games, but it was still really fun,” Charvoz said. “It was kind of a social, fun time with the team.”

“We were doing well on Saturday, but then all our Mormons, which is like half our team, had to leave on Sunday,” Cole said.

“I think we could have won the last two games [if everyone was there],” Shuster said.

Although the team is losing 7 seniors this year, things are looking good for next season.

“We’ve definitely improved a lot,” Cole said. “All the new people are getting the feel for the game. We’re also gaining a bunch of other people [next year].”

The lacrosse club also plans to get the younger age groups involved next year, in hopes of producing more players in years to come.

“This summer we’ll start brining fourth and fifth graders out to practice so that we’ll have better high school players.”

samantHa may

nAbove: Sophomore A.J. Smith defends the net against a shot from a Bonners Ferry attacker.

nLeft: Jacob Vaniman, home schooled senior, sprints down the field during a recent game against the Bonners Ferry Badgers.

samantHa may

The Travel Connection, Ltd. Suzanne Wakefield

Tired of the snow? Call to plan your next vacation!

219 Church St., Suite A (208) 263-2927 Sandpoint, ID 83864 (800) 338-2927 suzanne@sandpoint.net Fax (208) 263-6967 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon-Fri

nBelow: The SHS lacrosse team prepare to start their most recent game at Traver’s Park.

samantHa may

Page 8

May 1, 2008

Cedar Post

The Stomp Games HeatHer allen

n Setting exampleS: Professional snowboarders and skiers came from states as far as Maine to Schweitzer March 14-16. They came in order to compete in three different events, Slopestyle, Rider Cross, and Railjam.

ZacH Baker

Journalism Contributor

HeatHer allen

n Scraping the Sky: Junior Josh Gagnon competes in Amateur Slopestyle.

Having taken place on Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort March 14-16, The Stomp Games, an annual winter sports event, attracted talent and spectators not only from Sandpoint, but from the entire Inland Northwest.

Three SHS students placed in the Games: Tucker Rickard placed first in the Skier Cross, Daniel Moss earned second place in Amateur Slopestyle, and Nathan Moss third in the latter event.

Not many students knew much about the Stomp Games prior to the competition. Most people just said it was some event up on the mountain, but a precious few responded very enthusiastically.

“I think that they’re pretty much the raddest things to happen on Schweitzer,” junior Aaron Lockwood said, “at least during the regular season.”

The Games are certainly a favorite among Mountain-frequenting students.

“I really wish I’d gotten on the ball a bit earlier and signed up, since this is my last year here,” senior Brian Wolcott lamented. “But even so, [the competition] is a lot of fun, even if you aren’t competing. It’s cool to just go up there, hang out, and watch the riders.”

Even teachers had good things to say about the events.

“They’re pretty cool,” Band Teacher Aaron Gordon said.

“A lot of locals compete, from kids to resort employees. It brings in a lot of outside talent as well.”

In the three days of the Stomp Games, there were five events: on Friday, a nighttime Rail Jam; on Saturday, the Pro

Slopestyle and Amateur Rider X(Cross); and on Sunday were the Pro Rider X and the Amateur Slopestyle.

In the Rail Jam, a small slope for gaining speed and several rails were set up in the Village. In this event, the competitors were judged on the difficulty and smoothness of the approach, the mount, the grind, and the overall style used in the multiple maneuvers.

In the Slopestyle, contestants are judged on the performance of various tricks, again for difficulty and fluidity, while going over jumps and rails on a downhill slope. Each rider gets two runs, the points of which are added for their combined score.

The Rider X is a fantastic combo of speed and agility as competitors race in fours and also perform tricks along the way. Points are awarded for winning the race as well as the individual riders’ performances.

The prizes included a $10,000 cash purse to be distributed among the winners of the events, and, for the winner of the Pro Men’s Skier Slopestyle, a chance to be involved in a Poor Boyz Feature being shot on Schweitzer, a winter sports film coming out this spring.

“It is such a cool opportunity for one of our region’s great skiers to break into the national scene,” said Patrick Sande, Schweitzer’s marketing manager.

“We are really excited to have Poor Boyz coming back this year and that they have agreed to incorporate a Stomp Games athlete into their next production.”

The Stomp Games were sponsored in part by Red Bull, Smith, and DaKine.

HeatHer allen

HeatHer allen

HeatHer allen

n top right: People interact at the Stomp Wall, which was painted by an artist from Red Bull. n above: Snowfall created hardship during the rail jam as it built up on the rails; hurt visibility. n left: Sophomore Mark Ramsay snowboards in the Amateur Rider Cross on Saturday.