October 2008 pdf

Election Edition Sandpoint High School football

page 9

Election ‘08 pages 4 & 5

VOLUME 86, ISSUE 2

SANDPOINT HIGH SCHOOL

OCTOBER 21, 2008

Overcrowding inspires bike rack improvements throughout city STEFFEN SPRAGGINS Staff reporter

Several problems have been identified with the biking situation at SHS, which two local groups have a goal of fixing.

“It [the bike rack] isn’t very safe and convenient,” teacher Mike Martz said.

“It would be nice if it was closer to the building.”

With only two bike racks and over 1,200 students, finding a place to park a bike can sometimes be almost impossible.

“If they make more easy spots for people to utilize, I think they would get

used,” junior Galen McDonald said.

North Idaho Pathways and North Idaho Bikeways have teamed up with a goal of not only improving the bike rack situation at several schools, but promoting more citizens to bike. They intend to accomplish this goal by installing new and larger bike racks in front of Sandpoint High School, Sandpoint Middle School, in downtown Sandpoint and at all the elementary schools in town.

“I really want kids to think it’s more cool to ride than to drive,” member of NIP and NIB, Julie Meyer said.

As of now, this project is still in

progress with no completion date set in stone. NIP and NIB plan to bring an architect to Sandpoint High School for a few classes on how to design bike racks and such related objects. Once they have a group of students who know how and want to design the new bike racks, the shop class will do the actual construction.

“We hope that if the kids design and build it, they will be more inspired to use it.” Meyer said.

The funding for this project will all come directly from NIB. NIB Hopes to create “hubs” of safe Bikes continued page 2

PHOTO BY CARLY RICKARD

■CHAOS: Bike racks have quickly become overcrowded at SHS

School security measures tighten

Homecoming pep assembly causes controversy EMILY THOMPSON Staff reporter

PHOTO ILLSTRATION BY CARLY RICKARD

■ AVOIDING TRAGEDY: With increasing concern for school violence, the administration has begun to make policy changes in an attempt to strengthen security

Administrators attend training to help ensure school safety

CHELSEA KARDOKUS Editor-in-chief

On Sept. 23, the administrators along with the department chairs, attended a training on the prevention of school violence hosted by Lt. Col. Grossman. “[It was] basically a training on some of the key things we can do to not have school violence in our district,” administrator Tom Albertson said.

Lt. Col. Grossman is a highly regarded school violence expert and had many ideas on how to start making our schools safer.

Right now, the administration is considering the new safety precautions they will bring to Sandpoint High School.

“The safest place in a school is a locked classroom,” Albertson said.

One precaution is to lock all classroom

doors during class, and another is to only have a single point of entry into the school so it’s more difficult for an intruder to get inside the building.

The administration was taught to move to safety if there is an intruder in the school, move again if needed and in a worse case scenario, move toward the intruder.

“Don’t just sit there. If you need to move - move again!” Albertson said.

A time has not yet been set for when the other precautions will take place, but some are happening right now.

“We’re kind of ahead of the curve of a lot of schools,” Albertson said.

All visitors must check in at the front office before preceding through the school to ensure

that there aren’t people in the school who shouldn’t be.

“No one likes it; it’s a hassle and sometimes people get upset, but we need to know who’s in the building,” Albertson said.

Another fact Lt. Col. Grossman explained that could lead to more future changes is that in all shootings and school violence: none of the participants were involved in any school activities and were mostly categorized as the “loner” type.

Although the main school building is very secured, the portables pose a problem with our school security.

“Realistically, you want to make it as safe as possible, but you’re never going to make it 100 percent safe,” Albertson said.

The recent homecoming pep assembly caused commotion among the Sandpoint High School student body and administration.

Events took place that could potentially alter the planning of future pep assemblies.

“The captains of the football team were given the microphone to say some words for that night’s game,” Student Council advisor Mike Martz said, “and soon profanity was tossed around.”

Trouble with the football team was shortly followed by mishaps in the junior section of the bleachers.

“One freshman sat in the junior section,” Martz said, “he probably didn’t realize that we separate sections.”

Problems didn’t begin there until the juniors took physical action against the supposedly ‘out of place’ freshman.

“One of the juniors pushed the freshman out of his seat and down the bleachers,” Martz said. “It could have been really serious, since that particular student had recently had back surgery.”

Two students ended up in a fight regarding the pushed freshman, and they were suspended from school.

One particular football player who used profanity during the assembly was suspended from that night’s game.

Sandpoint High School students have a variety of opinions regarding what happened at the assembly and the consequences that have arisen from it.

“Pep assemblies are supposed to rally us up and it did. It shouldn’t have been that big of a deal,” senior Joseph D’Attilio said.

Some students disagree.

“The upper classmen were out of line,” freshman Avery Lies said.

Assembly continued page 2

Compromise reached between senior class and administration for senior hall CHELSEA KARDOKUS Editor-in-chief

After a meeting about the senior hallway between the senior class and the administration, a compromise was reached and a new ‘senior hall’ was established in the hallway by the technical education rooms that leads to the art hall.

“I think it’s pretty stupid,” senior Spencer McCartney said.

“It’s pretty lame how they just give us a side of the commons and that’s supposed to be the senior hall.”

Although there have been many arguments and meetings concerning the redemption of the old senior hall, the administrators have stood firm on their policy and are not turning back.

Along with the new hall, the administration has granted

Fast Facts

Senior hall has recently been closed to students during lunch.

■ The Red Zone and Bulldog Branch are being moved to a new location in the library in order to stay in business.

■ Seniors have now been given the “senior corner” with permission to paint and decorate it as they wish.

■

more liberties to the seniors to personalize and make the hallway their own.

“I was hopeful that the seniors would come take me up on the offer that I have funding to decorate and paint, and I was going to throw a pizza party when it was done as a celebration,”

Principal Dr. Becky Kiebert said.

Along with allowing the seniors to paint and decorate the hallway, the administration also installed new benches in the hall.

“I think the benches are good,” Kiebert said. “I think it just would be great over there if they played music; had a little sound system like an iDock they could plug in. Something we could come up with that could maybe even stay over there.”

Moving the senior hallway won’t only affect the present senior class but other senior classes to come.

“I think it’s silly,” junior class president John Briggs said. “I’m definitely bummed. I kind of enjoyed that tradition; kind of looked forward to it. But, I also am proud of the junior class soon to be seniors and I think any hallway you’ll give us, we’ll make it a rad hallway even if it’s over by the janitor’s closet.”

Page 2

October 21, 2008

Briefly: News around SHS Soda cans may cause health problems A recent study from the University of Cincinnati in Ohio suggests that Bisphenol A, a chemical commonly used in disposable water bottles, eyeglass lenses and the plastic linings of aluminum cans, may increase the risk of heart attack, obesity and certain cancers.

The chemical, a synthetic form of the natural hormone estrogen, is used to make a hard, clear plastic that isn’t brittle. After exposure to heat or after a long period of time, the plastic breaks down and releases the chemical into the container.

Although the FDA has decreed Bisphenol A safe for human consumption, the study suggests that even amounts as small as one part per trillion are more than enough to cause negative effects.

SHS teachers attend drug information class

KAT VARDELL Copy Editor

All SHS teachers were required to attend a class on Thursday, Oct. 2 that taught them to recognize student drug use.

“This class [was] so that we can identify drug use and notify the proper people if we suspect students are on drugs during class time. This class helps us recognize when and what type of drugs a student might be on,” teacher David Miles said.

The class was long enough that it was taught on an in-service day.

“Basically, we sat and listened for the better part of four hours with a break every hour,” teacher Nancy Miller said.

The class length was due to the large amount of content covered.

“We basically went through all the classifications of drugs and talked about effects, duration, names, etc.,” Miles said.

The class, which is mandated by the Idaho Department of Education for all teachers, was

taught in part by Student Resource Officer, Steven Chamberlain and other members of the Sandpoint City Police Department.

Some teachers thought that the class was not beneficial.

“Honestly, I don’t think I got that much out of it,” Miller said. “My problem was that everything sounded like my first period class.”

A rumor has circulated though that teachers will be subjected to random drug testing. This, however, is not true.

“That would have to be something we agreed to do in our contract, I think. That sounds weird to me,” teacher Debbie Smith said. “I’m drugfree, so whatever, but it seems a little invasive in terms of privacy.”

Sandpoint rides out nationwide economic storm

Staff Writer

Following the current national economic slump, Sandpoint’s local economy has taken a dip in various areas as well.

In realty, business began to slow around a year ago. What was once a booming industry is now considerably less lucrative.

“I was one of the top sellers in this office and I’ve only had three sales this year, and before I was making three to 10 sales a month. That’s how much it’s affecting us. At about the end of September we had over a thousand something homes sold. This year, there are like 400; that’s Assembly: continued from page 1 “I don’t think it should matter where we sit.”

This assembly will have some effect on future assemblies.

“From now on, students will not be allowed to speak into the microphone unless trained

“

this county and Boundary that we are low dollar.

County,” Sandpoint Realty Everybody has reduced associate broker Nancy their prices in order to sell I’ve only had three sales Ferguson said. the ones that need to sell.” this year, and before I Despite what some Much of the news in was making three to 10 may expect, business has the past few weeks has sales a month. That’s how been about banks failing picked up since the recent much it’s affecting us. news of failing companies or being bought out, but has spread. there are still those who, -Nancy Ferguson “Now the investors are by playing it safe, were able starting to come to buy. In to keep business running. fact, we’ve go a couple of “US Bank is very strong deals going right now finally,” Ferguson said. because we didn’t do any subprime loans, but “The investors that are buying now know smaller banks, the banks that are closing out:

“

LIZ STONE

or prepared beforehand,” Principal Dr. Becky Kiebert said. “We don’t find profanity acceptable.”

Student council members also made it clear to the student body that they were very disappointed with their behavior.

“Because Student Council was in charge of the assembly, they went to all of the senior and

junior classes explaining how disheartened and saddened they were for the way the students acted,” Martz said.

The future of pep assemblies at Sandpoint High School now lies within the hands of the student body where only good behavior and respect for others will redeem what the students have now lost.

Wachovia, WAMU and some of those smaller local and regional banks are concerned because they did do subprime loans,” US Bank branch manager Sherri Richardson said. “What that means is they loaned on property based on the growth of the potential market and instead it capped out [the market peaked].”

Regardless of the instability that seems to blight many banks, Americans can still invest their money safely.

“Making sure that your money is in a safe bank is what is really important right now,” Richardson said.

Bikes: continued from page 1 bike trails. Meyer hopes that soon, all people in Sandpoint (not just students), will accept and enforce biking as a form of transportation synonymous with driving.

“We’re nowhere near finished with this, but we’re working hard to get it done,” Meyer said.

Cedar Post

Page 3

October 21, 2008

Our View

V is for vile, P is for pathetic... answers, but they were just that: few. Added to a wonderful habit of contradicting himself, Biden made for a fantastic comedian. And while he did show some intelligence, and give some details on some plans, some information was no where near enough information for some people.

As for Sarah Palin, there’s only one word that needs to be said: amateur. She may be inexperienced, even coached to avoid specific issues, but nothing excuses the atrocious mockery of a performance we witnessed two weeks ago.

From her endless cheerleading for John McCain to her outright refusal to respond to certain questions, Palin managed to display a lack of finesse and knowledge unexpected even of a “rookie.” Palin did showcase a clever mind and her trademark fiery personality, but nothing more.

Apparently, it was too much to ask to give honest, thoughtful answers to tough questions.

There’s a vital, unspoken sentiment surrounding this election. It’s not simply the need for a new president, or a shift in administrative policy. It’s the need for a leader. Don’t deceive yourselves: America’s in for some tough times. It faces massive energy shortages and an abominable economy, as

well as foreign conflicts. America needs a leader, someone who can bring it through the bad times as well as the good, and that leader doesn’t necessarily need to sit in the Oval Office to fill that role.

Hope you watched the presidential debates, because “leader” isn’t a word that can be attributed to Joe Biden or Sarah Palin.

I am a vegetarian. That usually gets a raised eyebrow and some questions. There’s always the normal: “What’s that?”, “Why?” and the one that drives me out of my already strained mind: “Do you eat eggs and cheese?”

Okay, people. Let’s go over our vocabulary.

The test will be sometime in your life, and it’s part of your grade, so pay attention. A vegetarian is someone who…doesn’t eat the meat of a living creature. A vegan (pronounced vee-gun) is the one doesn’t use or consume eggs, cheese, or other dairy products in addition to not eating meat.

I was raised as a vegetarian until fifth grade when my father decided that he wanted to start eating chicken, and my unenthusiastic mother did as well. I ate chicken a few times with them, and I noticed that I felt different the weeks we didn’t eat the poor little creature, so I ate tofu instead. I felt better about myself, and felt healthier. However, convenience and price won out. I now eat chicken at home occasionally, much to my shame. I still call myself a vegetarian, even though the proper term for me would be flexitarian (get out your

vocab list again), or someone who eats a mostly vegetarian diet but occasionally eats meat.

The outside world never did well with me and my “weirdo” diet. Restaurants around here are pretty good about having lots of choices, meatless or otherwise, but go inland a little further, and forget about finding anything veggie-friendly.

Explaining yourself to a North Dakotan server is always a challenge: “Yes, I eat canned salsa, and no, I can’t eat the canned beef.”

Lately though, it’s not just vegetarians that want meatless choices. Some people, like my grandmother, who is a rabid carnivore if there ever was one, won’t eat some meats. My Grandma, for all her reluctance to eat her favorite food group less and less, is making a genuinely health-conscious choice. Vegetarians, on average, consume less sugar and less cholesterol than people who eat meat, and those who eat less meat decrease their cardiovascular risk by a significant amount.

But back to me and the less-scientific aspects…

I have not yet said why I am a vegetarian. I chose not to eat meat because I consider other animals to be equals of humans. No, that doesn’t mean that we should register them as voters in the next election, but that means that we shouldn’t manipulate their genes and keep them locked up in boxes before we butcher them. They have feelings and enough intelligence to know when something hurts, if not enough to realize how inhumane their situation

is. We don’t have the right to mass-produce another living, feeling being and then keep them in conditions normal humans wouldn’t leave their shoes in. I don’t eat meat not only in protest of our treatment of our prey, but also for a more selfish reason. I don’t want to look at my plate and remember that the hunk of flesh sitting there once had eyes and a brain.

I’m reminded of a line from one of my favorite movies, “My Cousin Vinny.” He can’t figure out what to wear, and she’s furious with him since he’s going to hunt deer (I will edit out the swear words and replace them with more family-friendly ones, since this is a school paper. Besides, I think you can figure out the words on your own).

“Imagine you’re a deer. You’re prancing along.

You get thirsty. You spot a little brook. You put your little deer lips down to the cool, clear water - BAM. A freakin’ bullet rips off part of your head. Your brains are lying on the ground in little bloody pieces. Now I ask ya, would you give a freak what kind of pants the jerk that shot you was wearing?”

Sure, sometimes I wish I could eat beef and pork and all the other meats. It would be a lot more convenient, as well as give me common ground with the majority of the population. However, I don’t wish it enough to start eating my fellow breathing creatures with a smile on my face. I just find it too nauseating to try.

Go Mavericks!!!

Snow? Please??

Life’s been hard lately. The lake’s freezing cold.

It’s been cold and rainy. I even had to scrape ice off of my windshield one morning last week.

And there’s no snow. Why, why, why have I been subjected to such a miserable existence? Forget Halloween. It needed to be winter yesterday. The day before would have been nice too.

Ski season may be a long way off, but I am prepared. My skis are ready and waiting in the garage, in their dignified spot between the lawnmower and the recycle bin. My pass hangs neatly on the bottom left pocket of my coat, the boogers have been wiped off my gloves (sort of), and my long underwear lies recently fluffed and folded in the bottom of my dresser drawer.

I won’t lie; it’s been a rough last few weeks.

However, I’ve discovered that there are many intriguing and socially-acceptable ways for a dedicated snow fanatic to pass the time in the off season. There are always those “skier” Rollerblades for endurance training on the concrete. Double points if you wear skintight ski gear and use poles.

There are also weekend trips to Antarctica, or, if you’re really feeling adventurous, Canada. See you’re friend trip in the hallway? Say something like, “Dude, you almost landed it that time!” If your snow munchies still haven’t been satisfied, sit down with your favorite ski buddy on the bench in front of the high school and kick your feet up and down. You can pretend you’re swinging on the chairlift. Practice throwing pretend snow onto pretend skiers below to really authenticate the experience.

I know we have a long and hard road ahead of us before ski season starts, but we’ll make it. It is always darkest before the dawn. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. The tree of snow euphoria is about to bear fruit. The Sky Brothers are planning a pillow fight. And cliché metaphors are way, waaaay too much fun.

• If we sent a librarian through a sexy

machine, you’re what would come out the other end.

• I have to walk fast so my thug pants stay on.

•Wow, your legs look nice! Have you been play-

Jade donniGan

ing some Wii-fit?

• I hate it when you kiss me like that.

• I tore my DSL. You tore your internet connection?

• If everyone had two dads, what would happen to ‘your mom’ jokes?

• I hate it when people make fences in math class.

• She’s so annoying. She makes me want to kill a baby.

• I think of marriage like Christmas.

• Holy crap! The three-breasted harpy just ate that old lady!

• Your pants are so tight they’re making your

”

brain swell.

Chelsea KardoKus

Letters to the Editor With Casey Dunn

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.

”

Political debates are vile.

Give any two 12-year-olds the dictionary definition of the word “debate,” and they will proceed to talk about a topic. A verbal battle follows, maybe over whether a certain issue is right or wrong, or maybe about which approach is best to solve a problem.

Letting politicians debate? That’s a bad idea, at least as far as Joe Biden and Sarah Palin are concerned. Both candidates have had trivial controversies surrounding their nominations, and the vice-presidential debate offered an opportunity for both to reveal their true colors to the American people; to clarify their position on the most crucial issues surrounding this election.

And in classic political style, they both squandered that opportunity on two hours of petty bickering and shunning questions.

Joe Biden isn’t exactly a colorful man: he lacks the youth and vivacity held in spades by both his running mate and John McCain’s. This debate was his chance to show that despite the fact that he looks old enough to be dirt’s midwife, his views are fresh and solid enough to help America in its hour of doubt. We actually did get a few fresh, solid

Editor-in-Chief

Jennifer Prandato Assistant 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

isaaC dunne

Arts & Culture Editor

KeeGan dunn News Editor

Paulina GraloW “Real Change” will have to wait another four years On Nov 4, the people of the United States of America will be voting in one of the most important elections in our country’s history.

We are involved in two wars, are victims of an energy crisis, and are facing one of the most financially trying times in our country’s long existence. Frankly, my friends, I am worried.

Our future is to be dictated by none other than John McCain or Barack Obama.

Just a few short months ago, our country was more politically energized than it has been in years. There were, and still are, promises of change rolling off the tongues of every politician on the national scene.

Obama is going to bring change. McCain is going to bring change. Both Democrats and Republicans are bringing change. But really, what are these candidates bringing to the table? Is it change? Because I sure can’t see it.

Sure, they say, “I want to reform Wall Street,” or, “I want to help Main Street,” but that is all they do; talk.

Neither candidate will truly bring change.

Both are entrenched in a political system that, regardless of wish, will not allow either candidate to make real change. Are we so naïve as to believe that wealthy politicians, lobbyists, and all those businesses and organizations, whose pockets are continually padded by corrupt legislature such as our recent bailout plan, will stand for “real” change from either of the party candidates?

I watched the debates; first presidential debate, vice presidential debate, and halfway through the second presidential debate I turned the television off. All I could see, all there really was to see, was two men who had so many rules, so many strings attached to their campaigns, that they could not for one moment step away from the bureaucracy and speak the truth. I, for one, cannot put my trust in a candidate who, with all his proclaimed love for this country, will not give the citizens of this country the decency, or respect, of speaking a little truth.

There is a solution, but it cannot be brought about the way the majority of America’s people vote. We cannot sit back and ask ourselves, “Which candidate is going to harm our country the least?” We will never accomplish real reform and change by voting against candidates. Rather, we need to step outside of party lines and look beyond the two party system. There may not be any strong third party hopefuls this election, but you can always write someone in. Don’t be afraid to make a statement. Don’t be afraid to encourage change. Although I will not yet be 18 in this upcoming election, you had better believe that in November of 2012 I will be ready to do my own part to encourage “real change.”

Jeremiah Prummer senior

Sports Editor

Carly riCKard Photo Editor

Jesse Cobb

Graphics Editor

Cristina Wilson

Advertising Manager Office Manager

MiKe Gearlds Adviser

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

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

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

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

The CP strongly encourages you to voice your opinion through the student paper.

E-mail your letter or bring it by E8.

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

Printed by the Daily Bee

Page 4

October 21, 2008

Cedar Post

Obama will Barack your socks off ISAAC AMERICA DUNNE

K

Arts & Culture Editor

On the issues Abortion Education Gun Control

Believes abortions should be legal in all states Doesn’t believe in partial birth abortion Supports charter schools Believes students should receive $4000 for every 100 hours of community service Doesn’t believe in teaching Creationism in public schools

Supports Federal Assault Weapons Ban Doesn’t believe in concealed weapons permits

Health Care

Supports giving tax credit to small businesses who offer health insurance Supports mandatory insurance for children Supports offering Congress’s insurance plan to all Americans

Immigration

Supports border security improvement Supports crackdown on employers who hire illegal immigrants Supports letting illegal immigrants pay a fine and getting in line for legal immigration

Iraq

Supports phased redeployment of troops over a period of 16 months, ending the war in 2010

Same-sex marriage

Supports nation-wide civil unions Believes states should decide whether or not they call unions marriage

New voters find voice in Presidential election SOPHIE MILLER Staff reporter

On Nov. 4, thousands of people across the United States will vote in a presidential election for the first time.

Many of these people have questions like where, when, and how to vote.

Voting takes place at local schools in the county where one is registered to vote. To find out where to vote, you can go to www.Idahovotes.gov/yourpollingplace/.

If you haven’t registered to vote yet, you can register on Election Day at your designated voting location. You must have a proof of identification and proof of a valid address such as a driver’s license or school I.D. card.

The voting polls are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at all voting locations on Nov. 4. At the polls, volunteers will distribute all the information needed to vote.

Many people who are voting for the first time are away at college. Many of these voters are obtaining absentee ballots from the county clerk’s office.

“I had an absentee ballot sent to me on the account

Michelle Rockwell FRESHMAN

“I agree with his stance on education and I don’t want to take more ISAT’s, like McCain wants us to.”

that I don’t live in Idaho anymore. I’m really glad that even though I don’t live there anymore, I can still have my voice heard,” former SHS student Gracie Miller said.

While many voters already know who they are voting for in the presidential race, some aren’t as informed about the candidates running for the local and state races, who will be on the same ballot, along with the candidates for Senate, House of Representatives, Governor, and other state and local seats. To be more informed about these races you can go to http://www.thegreenpapers.com/ G08/ID.phtml.

“I’m semi-excited about voting because I’m actually old enough to vote. It’s only one vote, so it doesn’t seem like a big deal, but if everyone has that mindset, one vote is a lot,” senior Tanner French said.

While some are excited for the first chance to vote, others have different views. “I’m not excited to vote.

Idaho is, like, 80 percent republican, so it feels like my vote can’t change the outcome,” senior Alex Anderson said.

Dylan Hay SOPHOMORE

“This country is greatful for a change. Obama is appealing to the American people because he can relate to them.”

C

Barack Obama is not a savior or a saint. He is also not a terrorist, or a secret Muslim or an America-hating socialist.

Barack Obama is a good, honest man who has a vision for this country. More than a vision, he has plans that will work for America.

Obama has promised to redeploy troops from Iraq and end the war by 2010, bringing an end to a disastrous war that has already cost taxpayers nearly $600 billion and cost American families thousands of lives.

Obama’s healthcare plan, which would allow those unsatisfied with their current health care plans to buy into a public plan that is available to all members of Congress as well as giving small businesses a tax credit if they offer health care to their employees.

Obama may not have the experience of John McCain, but what he lacks in experience he more than makes up for in compassion, leadership, intelligence and honor.

While both candidates have made attempts to smear each other, McCain and the GOP have run the dirtier campaign by far. While Obama steadfastly refused to make Sarah Palin’s daughter’s pregnancy an issue, McCain has viciously attacked Obama on everything from having a tenuous relationship with Bill Ayers (they served on an education board together and were neighbors) to receiving money from Tony Rezko (which he donated to charity after Rezko had been indicted) to having a (now ex-) pastor that made some outrageous comments.

As for the much repeated “maverick” motif found in McCain’s campaign, according to factcheck.org, a nonpartisan group dedicated to ensuring both parties get the facts straight, McCain voted 95 percent of the time with George Bush last year and voted with his own party 90 percent of the time. The American Conservative Union rates McCain an 82.3 out of 100 and GovTrack.us, a site that tracks legislation, calls McCain a “rank-and-file Republican”. McCain, a maverick? I think not.

As bad as a McCain administration would be, the possibility that Sarah Palin could be stepping in is a thought more terrifying than words can express.

There are no two ways about it: Sarah Palin is a complete moron.

I cannot understand how anyone in their right mind can like this woman. She is so obviously, publicly, stupid. She must know it, and yet she accepted a potential Vice Presidential position “without hesitation.” What kind of person accepts what is probably the second most powerful position in America with as little experience and intelligence as Palin?

Our nation is at a historic low point: we have a do-nothing president and a do-less congress. What America needs is a leader who can inspire hope and change in America and its people. McCain is not that leader, he has shown that with his tried-and-true vicious partisan tactics and campaign promises that do little other than echo promises of the Bush Administration. Barack Obama is the leader that America needs, he has a clear vision for this country, and that is change we can all believe in.

Projected electo McCain

McCain

Mikka Nostdahl

Terry Taylor

“Obama will make our economy better.

He’ll do more for us than McCain.”

“I support the military and I know Obama is going to cut taxes with less military spending, while McCain supports the military.”

JUNIOR

M

SENIOR

What is your opinion of Barack Obama?

Cedar Post

Page 5

October 21, 2008

McCain is a better canidate for the presidency

KAT VARDELL

Copy Editor

John McCain is an experienced, respectable, and dedicated candidate for the United States presidency.

McCain is an admirable politician in that he does not necessarily vote his party line, but rather his conscience. During his 26 years in congress, his conscience and wisdom have repeatedly led him to support successful measures before they were popular, and advocate concepts that history shows would have avoided some of the problems we are facing now.

On the other hand, McCain’s opponent Barack Obama, in an effort to gain more power without alienating some constituents, has routinely avoided taking a side in anything that is contentious. As a state legislator, Obama avoided significant issues such as abortion and gun rights by voting ‘present’ more frequently than either ‘yes’ or ‘no’.

Obama is one of the most left-leaning political figures today.

McCain is more of a moderate, taking positions to the left of the Republican spectrum.

Making Obama president should not be our response to what many see as economic hardships and a currently unpopular president. Since 2006, Congress has been controlled by the Democrats, and Congress has more influence on economic policy than the president.

A large issue the president is in control of, though, is war. The Iraq war right now, as a result of troop level increases that McCain advocated even before President Bush, is being successful and coming to an end, and should not be stopped now, as Obama earlier said he wanted to do.

McCain is also a respected candidate for leading our country. The experience of his five and a half years in an infamous Vietnamese P.O.W. camp are known too, and earned him the respect of many United States citizens. On the other hand, Obama has no distinguishing event to highlight his character, and his wife Michelle made public statements that she is now proud of her country for the first time in her adult life.

Obama has also shown lapses in integrity that should not be ignored when considering who to make the next leader of our country. Both McCain and Obama originally committed to only receiving federal funds for their campaigns, but only McCain has stuck to his commitment. Obama has been associated with William Ayers and Beradine Dohn, two unrepentant terrorists. He received a “gift” of a $300,000 property from Chicago mobster Tony Rezko, currently under indictment for vote buying. For twenty years he attended the church led by the Reverend Jeremiah Wright, who has blamed 9/11 on the United States and issued statements like ‘G** d*** America!’ Obama, who doesn’t think his church is particularly controversial, described Wright as, “like an old uncle who says things I don’t always agree with”. This excuse, though, is not satisfactory, because unlike family, you can choose your pastor.

So do not put this morally questionable, power-motivated, radical candidate in the White House, but rather, choose respectable and experienced John McCain.

oral votes*

On the issues Abortion

Doesn’t personally believe in abortion Believes states have right to choose to legalize abortion

Education

Supports charter schools Supports merit pay for teachers Supports pay bonuses to teachers in troubled schools Believes schools should choose whether or not to teach Creationism

Gun Control

Believes the right to bear arms is a fundamental right Opposes restrictions on assault rifles Opposes waiting periods for buying guns Supports required gun safety devices

Health Care

Supports tax credits of up to $5,000 for families that purchase health insurance

Immigration

Supports guest worker programs Believes in granting citizenship to illegal immigrants

Iraq

Believes troops need to be kept in Iraq for as long as needed to win the war

Same-sex marriage

Doesn’t personally believe in same-sex marriage Believes states should choose whether or not they allow same sex marriage

Presidential decisions affect teens nationwide TALA WOOD Staff reporter

McCain

*Source: CNN.com

Most teenagers view politics as a far away affair, something that is in the future, but of little consequence at present. This position could not be more ill-founded.

Many of the policies on the news affect teens directly.

Take for example the No Child Left Behind Act, created by the Bush Administration. This Act gave us the ISATS, and also gives military recruiters access to students’ names and addresses, unless parents write in and exempt them.

Presidential Candidate John McCain voted for NCLB, and is advocating more charter schools. Presidential candidate Barack Obama wants to reform NCLB, including making community college free.

Other issues affect teenagers and adults alike, such as gun control. Obama supports criminal background checks on all persons who wish to purchase guns. He also supports a ban on assault weapons. He voted for the 2005 Child Safety Lock Amendment, and the 2006 Amendment prohibiting the confiscation of firearms from private citizens. McCain voted for

Anna Guida

What is your opinion of John McCain?

FRESHMAN

“How are dinosaurs and Sarah Palin alike?

They both ran alongside McCain.”

Matt Miller SOPHOMORE

“They’ll probably both die, so we should look at the VP’s.”

the same amendments, and agrees with criminal background checks, but opposed the ban on assault weapons.

Abortion rights are relevant also. McCain opposes abortion, while Obama believes in a woman’s right to choose.

McCain supporter and senior Matthew Charbonneau voiced his opinion about why more young people support Obama.

“Obama… is more in tune with the younger generation.

His campaign… [is] taking new technologies into helping him pursue his election for Presidency,” he said.

Those who named Barack Obama as their favorite without hesitation, like junior Heather Green, and senior Autumn Wright, said why they support Obama.

“I think someone younger than McCain would be better,” Wright said.

Green agreed with her classmate.

“Obama is younger, more progressive,” she said.

Another McCain supporter, junior Cody Finney, stated why he supports his candidate. “I like him because he’s prolife,” Finney, who also likes McCain’s support of the Iraq War, said “We are in Iraq to establish democracy.”

Cody Hecker

Bianca Marcy

“McCain is white and he’s too old.”

“McCain’s kind of washed up. He’s a washed up old man.

He’d make a good principal.”

JUNIOR

SENIOR

October 21, 2008

Cedar Post

Page 6

College Checklist

important dates and must-do’s every college-bound senior should know November 5- deadline for December SAT registration (November 18- Late Registration deadline) November 7- deadline for December ACT registration (November 20- Late Registration deadline) Download Common Application (www.commonapp.org) or get it from the Counseling Office Make a résumé of all your activities. Include sports, clubs, volunteer work, academic honors and any other extracurricular activities in which you have participated Ask teachers who know you well to write letters of recommendation for you. Give them at least two weeks. Forms are available in the Counseling Center Apply for scholarships. Information on local and national scholarships is available in the Counseling Center File for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Information available at fafsa.ed.gov Need more information? See Post-Secondary Transitions Counselor, Jeralyn Mire, in the Counseling Center for more help

Men’s Choir prepares to fundraise for spring trip to Portland JEN PRANDATO Assistant Editor

Sandpoint High School offers its students a wide range of activities in which to participate, such as Men’s Choir and Women’s Performing Choir.

The students that participate in these branches of choir are selected through a tryout process. The Performing Choirs sing for the school as well as for community events and at national competitions.

In past years, the Women’s Performing Choir has fundraised for and traveled to Disneyland, New York and Hawaii, while the boys stayed home. This year, however, calls for a change as it will be the Men’s Choir fundraising for their trip, which will be held in Portland, while the girls are most likely staying home.

“I’m pretty sure we’re going to Portland for the competition. I’m so excited about it,” sophomore Men’s Choir member Cameron Brownell said. “The Men’s choir hasn’t really gone on a lot of big trips and the Performing Choir went on a major trip last year. It’s kind of like it’s our turn, so now we’re going to have to do a bunch of fundraising.”

Fundraising is the main source of money for the trips, which the choirs earn by singing at various places in the community. This type of fundraising

takes a lot of time, effort, and talent, but is a very effective method of earning money.

“As far as we know we are not going [on a trip.] There’s a possibility that we may be going to Seattle in the spring, but that’s something we’re discussing right now and it depends on fundraising,” junior Performing Choir member Hailey Parsons said. “It’s a lot of work to fundraise, but people are usually willing to give you money for school events.”

Brownell agrees that fundraising is hard work.

“We go caroling downtown, but we have different types of fundraisers too.

Basically last year what we did was go around town and go caroling everywhere.

We crowd up the restaurants,” Brownell said.

“I think that if we all fundraised enough, both choirs could go together,” Parsons said. She mentioned that there was talk of possibly going together next year, which she believes is the best solution so everyone gets to participate in the experience. “[I was] a little bit upset [about not going on a trip.] This is my first year in Performing Choir and after watching all the cool stuff last year’s choir did, it’s a little disappointing.”

Despite this, both Brownell and the choirs agree that there are no hard feelings between the choirs.

■ IN THE CLASSROOM: Aase entertains his students in typical energetic stlye

PHOTO BY CARLY RICKARD

SHS gains part time AP English teacher TALA WOOD Staff reporter

A new teacher at SHS this year, Mr. Lynn Aase, was hired to teach the one period of English IV AP. Aase shares teacher Doug Semones’ room in the south portables during third period on A days.

“The class is definitely stimulating. It’s very different from anything I’ve ever taken before,” senior Jeremiah Prummer said. So far Aase is enjoying the surroundings at SHS. “It’s an ideal size, and the students seem very pleasant. The principal has established a warm atmosphere,” Aase said.

He previously taught at Shasta High School, “in another state in a land far, far, away.” Shasta, named after a famous Californian mountain, was about twice the size of SHS. “The larger the school, [the more] it becomes impersonal, [and] students fall through the

cracks,” Aase said.

Aase and his wife decided to come to Idaho because of their love for the outdoors. They enjoy hiking, skiing and canoeing.

“I grew up in Minnesota, and my wife [grew up] on a ranch in California,” Aase said.

While Aase teaches in Sandpoint, his wife teaches Adult Education at the North Idaho College branch in Bonners Ferry, where they live.

His new class is, in his own words, “delightful.”

He describes his students in the same way, and says they are “rich with possibilities.”

His students can easily describe him. “You can tell he’s very passionate,” Prummer said.

“He’s really a goofy guy,” senior Hillari Contar said. “He’s a really nice guy, [and] he grades pretty fairly. I like that about him.”

As for his class? “He makes the students think for themselves, rather than giving them the answers,” senior Ben Murray said.

Amethyst Initiative seeks to lower national drinking age KEEGAN DUNN News Editor

A proposal, called the Amethyst Initiative, has been signed by 130 college and university presidents across the country, imploring state governments to consider lowering the drinking age.

“Eighteen is a legal adult, right? You should be able to drink,” senior Tony Charvoz said.

The proposal illustrates what many of these presidents believe to be the “hypocrisy inherent in the prohibition of alcohol for young adults.” Part of the Initiative’s statement says, “Adults under 21 are deemed capable of voting, signing contracts, serving on juries and enlisting in the military, but are told they are not mature enough to have a beer.”

Many students share this view.

“We’re 18, considered adults. We can vote, but we can’t drink legally. It really doesn’t make any sense,” senior Robby Carne said.

Charvoz shares a similar opinion.

“It (underage drinking) goes on in college anyway, so it’d just be like legalizing what’s already there,” Charvoz said.

The proposal calls for “new ideas about the best ways to prepare young adults to make responsible decisions about alcohol.” President Robert Hoover of College of Idaho, Thomas Hochstettler of Lewis and Clark College, and Phil Creighton of Pacific University have all signed the proposal, joining national names such as Duke’s Richard Broadhead, Johns Hopkins’ William Brody and Dartmouth’s James Wright in the debate over the drinking age.

These presidents hope to teach young people about the responsible consumption of alcohol.

“When our students study abroad, they discover not only that their host countries ordinarily have no law restricting on consumption of alcohol to those over 21 but also that drinking is treated as part of a broader range of socializing, not as an end in itself.

Because it is a forbidden pleasure, underage drinking in the United States has a seductive mystique that it would lack if responsible consumption of alcohol were simply accepted as part of ordinary behavior,” President of Washington College, Baird Tipson, who has also signed the Initiative, said.

Several SHS students agree with Tipson.

“Kids naturally do what they aren’t allowed to do,” Charvoz said.

Carne elaborated on this opinion.

“It won’t become such a bad thing if they lower it to kids that are 18, 19, 20. If they do it and they know it’s legal for them, binge drinking doesn’t happen. You notice once kids turn 21, they actually don’t go out and drink as much. They mostly just go to the clubs and drink a bit there,” Carne said.

Part of the Initiative includes alcohol education, including a curriculum that focuses on drinking responsibly and exposing young adults to accident victims and individuals in recovery.

Supporters of the initiative hope congress will consider revoking the National Minimum Drinking Age Act, which imposes a 10 percent penalty on federal highway dollars on any state setting its drinking age at less than 21.

Cedar Post

October 21, 2008 Page 7

Meagan Crosby

Senior Meagan Crosby balances passion for music, drama with serious goals Each Spotlight is focused on a randomly chosen student.

EMILY THOMPSON Staff Reporter

M

usic, friends, and a goal for the future defines a large part of senior Meagan Crosby’s life. Like most high school students, she effectively juggles these activities and many more, as she prepares for her future past high school.

Crosby emphasized her specific interest in music, specifically music at live concerts from around the Northwest region.

“I try to hit up as many concerts as I can,” Crosby said. “Anything from alternative to screamo to rock.”

In 2007, she attended a concert in central Washington. Although she has attended multiple concerts, Meagan has found this one to be her all time favorite, at least for now.

“It was the Warped Tour at the Gorge, where there were a bunch of rock bands together,” she said. “It was really awesome!”

PHOTO BY CARLY RICKARD

When Meagan isn’t busy touring different cities in search of various rock concerts, she also really enjoys both spending time with friends and involving herself in activities at Sandpoint High School.

“I’m on the improv team. It’s so much fun,” Crosby said. “I also really like just hanging out with my friends.”

Like many dedicated high school students, Crosby has also set many clear and exact goals for the future, which she hopes to pursue after high school comes to an end.

“I’ll be moving down to Lewiston to get a degree in sports medicine pre-physical therapy,” Crosby said. “After I finish my pre-physical therapy courses, I’m going for full physical therapy.”

As an active student with a high set of goals, Meagan Crosby is well on her way to completing a successful high school career and moving into a well-planned post high school education.

■ ACTING: Crosby performs at an improv practice

Another day, another play SHS Drama department plans diverse shows

TALA WOOD

Staff Reporter The SHS Drama department is always doing something: weekly meetings for Mime and Masque, bimonthly shows from the Improvisational Team: HalfSecond Heroes, individual acting class productions, and, of course, the plays. “Drama is my life,” Senior Jessica Johnson simply stated.

Any SHS student can audition for a play, whether he or she is theater member or not. This year, there’s quite a bit to choose from.

The audtitions for Mime and Masque’s first production “The Importance of Being Earnest” have long past, and the play successfully wrapped October 18.

However, there’s still “The Saga of the Prospector’s Daughter” or “She was a Miner’s Minor,” in February.

Auditions for “Beauty and the Beast,” will be held sometime in May. “Pretty Kitty” will also be done

again, most likely in February. “Drama and Dessert,” showcases the district and state Competitors’ pieces, and an improv show accompanied with dessert, will also grace (and probably litter) the Auditorium, probably on December 11.

District Drama Competition will be on November 22. Anyone can go, provided they have completed all the requirements. State Drama Competition is for the finalists in the Districts, and will be December 5 and 6.

Want to be a part of our Theater Department?

It’s about the easiest thing one can do, except maybe breathe. Mime and Masque is open to all, and those already in it eagerly accept you.

“I like the fact that we can’t have a clique, and we have to merge together so everyone knows everyone [else],” said Junior Kyle Miller.

Original One Act Plays are short plays written,

Correction The Cedar Post regrets the error in the Sept. 23 issue in the story about the new campus security monitor, Dennis Sanford.

We appreciate his 25 years experience as a corrections officer in the Nebraska state penal system, and the benefits he brings to Sandpoint High School.

A copy-editing oversight left the implication that Sanford was incarcerated, rather than ably serving the public.

Once upon a time, there was a middle-class princess named Sarah Palin who lived in a land far, far away called Alaska. Palin grew up virtuous, strong, and above all things, Republican. Sarah grew into a beautiful young woman who placed third in the Miss Alaska Beauty Pageant. She then went on to become something of a sweetheart in Alaskan politics and, in 2006, became governor of the great state of Alaska.

Today, Right-Wing America’s Sweetheart is on the presidential ticket with John McCain and her surprise arrival on the national political scene has had mixed results for the Republicans. When McCain unveiled his queen at the Republican National Convention, conservatives everywhere acted like the Blessed Virgin Mary herself was on their ticket. She was sexy, sassy, (supposedly) smart and didn’t hesitate to throw punches at Obama.

■ STRIKE A POSE: The Improv Team practices an improv game

directed, and acted by the Advanced Acting Classes and will be done sometime in February. The SHS Oscars will be held on May 29.

Of course, Drama is not just about performances and rehearsals.

“I think that one of the things that draws me to drama is the atmosphere... Ms. Hunter and drama people in general make you feel awesome,” Junior Aubrey Jones said.

Finally the Republicans had someone to believe in, to be excited about, someone like them. Small-town values, moose hunting, hockey mom etc. Palin was all things to all people. America got sweaty palms and shaky knees at the sight of her. Palinsanity could not be stopped.

That is, Palin could not be stopped until Charles Gibson and Katie Couric got a hold of her and started asking questions. In a move that Republicans will probably regret forever, Palin’s handlers let her run wild in the pasture of media scrutiny. In her first one-on-one interview with Charlie Gibson, Palin offered that her proximity to Russia gives her a special insight into Russia’s foreign policy because “you can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska, from an island in Alaska.” Then when Palin was questioned on what she thought of the Bush Doctrine, she posited that it was simply “his worldview”. Needless to say, Palin’s answers did not exactly sparkle and dazzle the media, her skeptics or members of her Republican base.

Then, as if the Gibson interview weren’t bad enough, Palin subjected herself to a cringe-inducing interview with Katie Couric. When pressed by Couric to recall any times in the past 26 years that

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Senator McCain called for more regulation she couldn’t, and in her characteristically adorable small-town fashion offered to find some and bring them to Couric.

Despite Palin’s very public proof that she is nowhere near being qualified for the office of president she is still maddeningly popular. People eat her up like she is made out of the finest foodstuffs in all of Candyland. Palin is the sickeningly sweet shot of heroin that the GOP needs after years of the same old boring white man in a different suit.

So, despite my severe doubts about Palin’s capabilities as a President, I have to give her a thumbs up. Because, at the end of the day, she is doing what no other vice presidential candidate could have done. For that I halfheartedly, reluctantly salute her.

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October 21, 2008

Page 8

Senior Hillari Contor has been swimming since the first grade, when she joined the SWAC Shark Swim Team. She is now a strong asset to the girls’ high school team, specializing in the 100-meter butterfly.

Along with competitive swimming, Contor also teaches swimming lessons at Sandpoint West Athletic Club.

Q: Why do you swim?

A: “I started swimming when I was little, and when I got older I just figured I should stay on the team.”

Q: What is your favorite part of swimming?

A: “The meets, excitement, and competitions.”

Cedar Post

Q: What keeps you swimming?

A: “Trying to make it all worth something.”

Q: Do you have any seasonal goals?

A: “I set goals for faster times, and to beat other girls who have beat me.”

Q: Are you known for anything on your team?

A: “100 fly.”

Q: Do you ever win any major awards?

A: “Only in relays, not individuals.”

Q: What is the worst part?

A: “Boring practices.”

Q: If you could swim against one person, who would it be?

A: “Well everyone likes Michael Phelps, but I don’t think he is the best. But it would probably be him.”

Q: Do you ever feel like giving up?

A: “Sometimes, but it’s worth it not to quit.”

Q: What do you do in your free time?

A: “School stuff, relax, and just hang out.”

PHOTO BY SAM TRULOCK

Cross country runner excels despite inability to compete in varsity meets LIZ STONE

Staff Reporter

S

enior cross country runner Tony Charvoz is unable to compete on the Varsity level this year, despite adequate race times, due to technicalities involving transfer students and their participation in high school sports.

A combination of Charvoz being eighteen and a transfer student caused the Idaho High School Athletic Association to deny him a place in Varsity competition his senior year.

However, Charvoz’s right to compete wasn’t completely taken away.

“He was denied Varsity status but given Junior Varsity status,” head cross country coach Matt Brass said.

When Charvoz moved from California his junior year he was allowed to run on Varsity, but was aware of the possibility that it might not be an option come senior year.

“Doctor Kiebert actually told us that it might be a problem,” Charvoz said.

When Charvoz, his coaches and the administration at SHS learned that he would not be able to run Varsity, they filed a request to the Idaho High School Athletic Association to allow him to run Varsity as a senior.

“The athletic board decided to not let me run Varsity because they thought it would be unfair to the other people trying to win Varsity and trying to win a state title,” Charvoz said. “They see me as a threat to other schools, I guess.”

Charvoz was disappointed by the association’s choice and saw this as an unreasonable and unnecessary decision.

“To make me run only JV is completely illogical,” he said.

Brass acknowledged that Charvoz’s permanent place as a JV member is a detriment to the team.

“In terms of standings and placement it affects the team. I mean, he is one of our

With Swim Team Coach

Mike Brosnahan

PHOTO COURTESY OF MATT BRASS

■ RACE TO THE FINISH: Senior Tony Charvoz, right, takes a slight lead over a Moscow runner.

top three runners. On any given weekend he is first, second or third so it’s definitely affected team standings,” he said.

Members of the cross country team also find Charvoz’s situation unfortunate.

“I think most people were a little frustrated and irritated by it, but we were told there is nothing we can do so it’s kind of just one of those things that we have to deal with,” senior cross country runner Jeremiah Prummer said.

Running with JV has a different feel to it than running with the Varsity for Charvoz.

“Believe it or not, it’s actually harder to run against not as good of kids because when you have people who are as good as you running out in front of you, you’re actually motivated to keep running. In a JV race, naturally, I can’t go quite as fast, and only in races that have really good JV runners, like Lake City has great JV runners, I’m only barely able to beat them,” Charvoz said. “In other races I can just go as fast as I want.”

Although Charvoz is clearly disappointed

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by the restrictions that have been placed, he doesn’t let it affect his running.

“I’m really proud of him. His attitude has been fantastic and a lot of people would slack off or maybe just not want to do it but that’s not what he did at all,” Brass said. “He was obviously very disappointed at first and then he just realized that that was how it was going to have to be and he just committed himself to doing it.”

Charvoz does find the good side of his situation, though.

“It really sucks, but I get to win JV races,” Charvoz said. “I still practice with the Varsity. It really isn’t different at all besides running in a different race, so it’s not a bad deal really.”

Despite the opportunities that Charvoz has lost without permission to run on Varsity, he neither regrets nor questions his decision to keep running cross country.

“No way, cross country is definitely my life and I’d never ever give it up,” he said.

Swim team is a unique sport in the fact that instead of practicing every afternoon, we practice every morning; starting at 5:45 a.m. We stretch for 15 minutes and then jump in the water.

It takes a lot of dedication for the kids to get up that early every morning with school and all of their other activities going on. Not only do we have practice every morning, but our swim meets take all day so the kids give up their Saturdays to race.

After our first meet, the Icebreaker, we didn’t get home until 1:30 a.m.

This season has been awesome so far.

We lost quite a few seniors last year, so I was worried about team depth. Last year’s underclassmen stepped up this season and have lead this year’s team to an undefeated season for the girls and a strong second place position for the boys.

With state championships just around the corner, I am expecting some individual state champions and maybe a new state record. The kids have been working hard in the pool every morning. They are working hard for their goals this year and deserve to reach them. Their dedication is definitely going to pay off.

We are on the downward-slope of our season and are going strong, especially after having sickness wreak havoc during the start of our season.

All of our dual meets are over for the season and now we are preparing for the district championships on Nov. 1. State is the following weekend, with prelims on Nov. 7 and finals on Nov. 8.

Page

Cedar Post

October 21, 2008

Varsity football proves strong despite young team and setbacks “Dirty Thirty” takes on larger schools with suprising strength Overload of energy drinks leads to possible health concerns JEN PRANDATO Assistant Editor

Despite talk at the beginning of the season of the SHS football team being young and inexperienced, their 3-3 record, with many games being played against difficult teams, proves this wrong.

The team is made up of mostly juniors and has a considerably smaller amount of players than the previous years, which has lead to the familiar chant of “Dirty Thirty.”

“Dirty Thirty is just the name that Coach Semones gave us one day. We only have thirty players and we’re playing good together,” varsity player, junior Brandon Lawrence said.

Being a smaller team, the players must rely on each other and get to know their teammates as athletes as well as individuals.

“This years’ team is special because we only have thirty players and it takes every single one of us to do our job and get it done,” varsity player, junior, DJ McIntire said. “We have to use a group effort, not just an individual effort. We played with individual effort against Lewiston and we lost.”

The team has proved that they can take on higher league schools and still be a threat, as shown in the close games played against Coeur d’Alene and Lake City. The Bulldogs will make it to the state playoffs if they beat Moscow on October 24 and Lakeland High School on October 31.

“I think we’ll make the playoffs because the Dirty Thirty is an amazing team,” McIntire said.

“We can go a long way this year.”

Lawrence agrees with his teammate.

“We’ll beat Moscow and Lakeland and definitely go to the playoffs. We’re a really strong team this year,” he said.

The final home game is Friday October 24.

CASEY DUNN Staff Reporter

Sandpoint High School is no stranger to the popularity of energy drinks from brands like Monster, Amp and Rockstar. However, some students at SHS are seeing the health consequences of the habitual consumption of energy drinks first hand.

CODY FINNEY

■ FACE OFF: The varsity football team prepares to start the play at the homecoming game against Post Falls. The ending score resulted with a loss of 35-54.

SHS Athletes face harsh penalties for various sports of fenses MOLLY HORN Staff Reporter

Every year, some athletes at Sandpoint High School find themselves in trouble, whether it is from being caught for doing something illegal or just having bad grades.

Breaking the rules at SHS can have quite a few consequences. The penalties for athletes depend on the harshness of the offense. Most athletes are required to sign a contract or oath at the beginning of the season, and for minor offenses the coaches can decide the consequence.

However, there are things that are considered extremely disrespectful, thus the administration does not leave room for negotiation.

“The most disappointing thing that happens at SHS, is when [students] come on campus under the influence of drugs or alcohol,” Principal Dr. Becky Kiebert said.

One of the most likely punishments is In-House Suspension, in which students must sit and not interact with anyone. However, they are allowed to read and do homework.

“I read a magazine, but you’re supposed to do homework,” Junior Luke Flannery said.

In-House is usually given to students with truancies, but athletes can also receive the punishment.

The most recent and commonly known athlete offense is the case of Junior Daniel Charvoz. Charvoz, a varsity football player, was punished for using explicit dialogue during a motivational speech at the annual Homecoming assembly. His consequence was not being able to play in the Homecoming game.

Some students were outraged by his punishments.

“I think that we’re all high-schoolers and we should be able to handle [language] like that.

The punishment was way over exaggerated,” senior co-captain of the football team, Ricky Lang said.

Others did not disagree with the administrators’ choice of punishments.

“Charvoz is a great kid, but I think that appropriate action was taken,” Junior class President John Briggs said.

Athletes are reminded to respect the rules set out for them, remember that they are representatives of SHS everywhere they go, and that everything they say is heard by someone.

“There’s a time and a place for everything; school is the same,” Kiebert said.

SHS sophomore Cody Wells recently spent t days in the hospital as a result of consuming ener drinks on a regular basis.

“I drank about 3 a week,” Wells said. “The caffei in the energy drinks burned the lining of m stomach. Monsters, Amps, basically any of the they’re all bad. They [the doctors] had to pump m stomach and make sure there was no more bloo and then they had to take a scope of it.”

A scope is a procedure used to view the lining the stomach and intestines to check for damage.

“They stick this little metal rod down into yo intestines and take a picture,” Wells said.

Medical professionals acknowledge t health problems that can be caused by the hi concentration of caffeine in energy drin including damage to parts of the stomach and t lower digestive tract from acid reflux, common known as heartburn.

Despite the health concerns, energy drin remain popular at SHS. “There are definitely a lot of people that a hooked on them,” Wells said. “I see people drinki two or three a day. It’s definitely a bad habit.”

Wells has since discontinued his consumpti of energy drinks.

“I haven’t had caffeine in probably 3 week Wells said. “For the first week [without drinking energy drink] there was, like, a caffeine withdraw but now I have more energy than I’ve ever h before.”

SPORTS BRIEF

Varsity soccer teams dominate district tournaments; both seeded first for state

Because both the girls’ and boys’ Varsity soccer teams won their Inland Empire league games, the district championship games for both teams were located on home turf; Memorial Field and Centennial Park.

The girls won their first district game on Tuesday, Oct. 14. They beat Post Falls 3-1. With a score of 1-1 for the first half, they pushed forward and scored twice more. On Thursday, the girls’ played against Coeur d’Alene and beat them 2-1. The game ended in a sudden death double overtime with a penalty kick from center back, Alicia Mertz.

“This was our biggest game yet and we made the most of it. It was our most exhilerating game by far; everyone had so much adrenaline,” senior co-captain Brittney Clawson said.

The girls had to play two games, and the boys only had to play one.

However, there was a lot of pressure on the boys to defeat their rival, Moscow.

The boys faced off against Moscow on Oct. 16. This was the team that defeated Sandpoint last year for the state title. The bulldogs pulled forward, though, and won with an end score of 3-1. The boys are now seeded first for the state tournament.

“Our team was out to show Moscow that we’re by far the best soccer team in the Panhandle; this is exactly what we did in the district championship game. We’re off to state and we’re really stoked,” senior co-captain Spencer Swerin said.

THIS WEEK IN PREVIEW: UPCOMING SPORTS EVENTS

Come by for your after school treats!

“Tastes as good as it looks!”

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

Page 10

October 21, 2008

Cedar Post

Barack

bama

CHELSEA KARDOKUS Editor-In-Chief

I

n a schoolwide election that took place second period B days, SHS chose Barack Obama as the 44th president.

Obama’s victory is at odds with Idaho’s overwhelmingly Republican voting record, but supports the notion the Obama resonates more with the youth vote.

In a genuine election, the 50 states and the District of Columbia receive anywhere from three electoral votes to 55. The number of electoral votes they recieve is determined upon how many representatives a state has.

Although the popular vote is determined by adding up all the votes throughout the U.S. for each ca nidate.

Each of the 52 classrooms were assigned a certain amount of electoral votes that corresponded to the classes’ population. All the electoral votes added up to 538 and every class had at least three votes – the same numbers used in the actual presidential election.

There were 1,105 potential voters during the class period with each voter representing .39 electoral votes.

Just as in any nationwide election, there were many

third-party candidates voted for and several abstaining voters.

Every vote was diligently counted, and in many cases, one vote made the difference in which way the classroom was swayed.

If a class was divided 50/50, then the deciding vote would go to the teacher.

After adding up all 885 ballots, Obama won the electoral college with 280 votes as well as the popular vote with 467 votes.

Write-in candidates

Some students dissatisfied with the Republican and Democratic candidates chose to write in possible presidents on their school ballots. The following is a sampling of some of the more colorful presidential contenders SHS students chose.

Who: Rick James Why you know him: Dave Chapelle’s infamous skit Likely running mates: Dave Chapelle, Prince Job before bid: King of Funk Who: Stephen Colbert Why you know him: The Colbert Report Likely running mate: John Stewart Job before bid: Fake news anchor, lovable tyrant

Who: Oprah Winfrey Why you know her: Talk show is the biggest thing since the invention of the wheel Likely running mate: Dr. Phil Job before bid: Lifestyle Guru, whatever that means Who: Chuck Norris Why you know him: It’s Chuck Norris Likely running mate: Chuck Norris runs alone Job before bid: Chuck Norris

Who: Jesus Christ Why you know him: Founded a little known religion called Christianity Likely running mate: His dad, the big guy upstairs Job before bid: Messiah

Who: Yogi Vasquez Why you know him: Esteemed SHS shop teacher Likely running mate: Girl on the mud flap Job before bid: Esteemed SHS shop teacher

SHS “Electoral” Votes

Obama 280

McCain 258