To the class of 2020, we offer our congratulations. No one could have foreseen how your final few months of high school would have played out, and it’s unlike any class that has come before you. You were stripped of precious memories like senior prom, spring break trips, athletics, instrumental and choir concerts, speech, debate, and precious time with friends and classmates. We feel for you but know that while this is a tough ending, it’s also only the beginning for what mos

Evan Barajas, Junior. As Evan Barajas begins to wrap up his junior year at Bonners Ferry High School, he will have one more opportunity to see his dreams on the wrestling mat realized. While the competitive wrestling season is relatively short, the training for Evan never stops. He has competed on the varsity team each of his first three years in high school, and the accolades continue to pile up. He’s been district champion and placed in the state tournament all three years,

For athlete of the month Braeden Blackmore, the love for the game of basketball didn’t materialize right away. He’s been playing the game since the fourth grade, but it took a few motivating coaches to help him develop the enjoyment he now has for the game. “As time went on and I began being coached by Nathan Williams and also Ryan Mai, I developed a love for basketball, which I play all year long on different teams and am coached by multiple coaches,” he said. The Bonners Fe

In this, his final season as a Bonners Ferry Badger, senior Matt Morgan is giving it his all. Matt has never shied away from competition as evidenced from his long-standing commitment to Badger athletics. He hit the ground running his freshman year managing to letter in both football and basketball. He ended his Badger football career as a four-time letterman and will likely do the same in basketball once the season comes to a close. Playing in the northern reaches of the Ida

Baylee Blackmore enjoys many of the simple things in life: family, friends, food and her favorite sport—basketball. A Bonners Ferry High School senior, Baylee is in the midst of her final season for the Badgers. She’s accomplished a lot during her playing career including being named to the IML team and honored as an Idaho Top Scholar during her junior year. Baylee isn’t the tallest competitor on the floor, and although she admits that has created some challenges for her, she

October’s athlete of the month stays busy throughout the entire school year. Junior Lily Blackmore is currently in soccer season but soon will come dance team, track and even golf. Through athletics and competition, Lily has learned to push herself in order to meet her goals. “One life lesson I have learned from being involved in sports is that you are not ever going to be the best but you should always strive to be the best, meaning you are always going to have to be working

At just 10 years of age, Bonners Ferry resident Eva Willis has already found her passion. A dedicated and hardworking gymnast, Eva has received many awards for her performances and competitions. Eva trains with STEP Gymnastics Training Center in Sandpoint and has been doing so for the past six years. Her commitment and desire to succeed resulted in her being named the Idaho State Champion in 2017, winning first place in all four routines as well as all-around. Again this year

A junior at Bonners Ferry High School, Abby Gorton has already made her mark in the history books of Bonners Ferry athletics. In cross country, Abby was the district champion and placed fifth at state while also breaking the 5k school record, and the spring track season has been remarkable! Abby admits to having a great deal of stress before a race, something which is understandable considering her outstanding performances and the desire to do her best. “I still struggle with

A junior at Bonners Ferry High School, Victoria Rae says that being involved in athletics has taught her important life lessons that have already impacted her life in many ways. “Patience is key,” said Victoria. “And if you want to succeed in anything, you have to put forth the effort. This is true in school, work and life in general.” Victoria has played volleyball since the fourth grade and has been on the varsity team since her sophomore year playing the position of outsid

Senior Kameron Hill has played basketball his entire high school career at Bonners Ferry High School. And like every high school athlete, he was looking forward to playing his final year as a senior and to the tradition of senior night, where he and his teammates are recognized for their dedication to their school during their final season. But it was a day last July that would drastically change the course of Kameron’s life. Diagnosed with an osteosarcoma tumor in his knee,

The Bonners Ferry High School cheerleading squad is a hard-working group of six young women, each of whom Coach Andria Hedrick is extremely proud. Hedrick, who has been coaching the squad since September, is assisted by Nicole Fitch and Kailee Cordle, all of whom were members of the graduating class of 2011. The squad is made up of Captain Katie Summerfield, Kaylee Worley, Kylie Underhill, Hailey Brooks, Isabella Sims and Nadia Fleck. “All of their skills and teamwork makes t

Isaac Wilson Senior Isaac Wilson began to play soccer in eighth grade; something he said was initially a challenge as he had to catch up with his teammates who had been playing the sport for much longer. But true to his nature, Isaac put in the time, practiced hard and quickly became successful. When it comes to academics, Isaac also works hard. He is pursuing his associate’s degree while still enrolled at Bonners Ferry High School; something which takes a great deal of time

Isaac Wilson Senior Isaac Wilson began to play soccer in eighth grade; something he said was initially a challenge as he had to catch up with his teammates who had been playing the sport for much longer. But true to his nature, Isaac put in the time, practiced hard and quickly became successful. When it comes to academics, Isaac also works hard. He is pursuing his associate’s degree while still enrolled at Bonners Ferry High School; something which takes a great deal of time

When it comes to athletics, there is so much more to it than teaching our youth the fundamentals of the game. There is the aspect of sportsmanship and learning to balance all that goes on in a teenager’s life academically, athletically and socially. When parents, coaches and teachers come together to support students in becoming their best, amazing things can happen. In early November, the Bonners Ferry Boys Soccer team traveled to state and won the 2018 State 3A Soccer Sport

A sophomore at Bonners Ferry High School, Emmaline Pinkerton has endured more than many do in a lifetime. But in spite of her health challenges, she has persevered and remains to have a positive attitude. “A life lesson I have learned is the simple mindset of positivity,” said Emmaline. “Positivity toward others, a concept, a goal or situation is the start to success, because success isn’t always winning. Success is when you put everything you possess into everything you can,

Defensive Unit – Badger Boys’ Soccer Bonners Ferry High School boys’ varsity soccer coach, Wayne Wilkerson, is proud of each and every player on his team, so when asked to choose a player as nominee for player of the month, he found it very difficult. “It's a fantastic group of young men that all seem to just jive and get along just for the ‘fun’ of it,” said Coach Wilkerson, “which is why we love coaching them so much!” The defensive unit of his team, which includes senior S

According to Bonners Ferry varsity football coach, Cory Kramer, senior Chris Durette is a dedicated athlete upon whom he can rely. “He started playing [football] last year and improved a ton,” said Coach Kramer. “He always gives you 100 percent, and I’m excited to see what he does this season.” In addition to football, Chris is in his third year of basketball. He not only loves to play the game but also enjoys coaching. “I coached my little sister’s basketball team. That was

Although Michelle Fayant left Bonners Ferry in 1980 while still in high school, she said growing up in this tight-knit community set the groundwork for all of her life’s experiences.“So much of the foundation of my life—the obstacles, the triumphs, the support and the resulting strength—all came from life experiences and friendships in Bonners Ferry,” said Michelle. She shares that learning to grow past her pain and physical and emotional scars she endured as a child, and the

Adam Hall has never forgotten about those in his hometown who have helped him achieve the success he has experienced. Adam was born and raised in Bonners Ferry and wrestled for Bonners Ferry High School where he was a three-time high school state champion and was also the national champion and ranked No. 1 in the country in his weight class his senior year. “My high school coach, Conrad Garner, helped build the foundation for my wrestling. He helped me mature both as an athle

It was a first for Bonners Ferry High School baseball and is certainly something to be celebrated. For the first time in the school’s history, this year’s varsity baseball team was crowned State champions. “I don't think we had a weakness in this year’s team. The team batted an incredible .390 at State, and pitching and defense was phenomenal,” said Head Coach Tom Turpin. “The boys have played together for a long time, and we competed against teams bigger than us throughout t