Local ‘Idol’ contest features area students
As the Fox television network’s “American Idol” comes to an end, with only four contestants left in the singing competition, local fans can get their fix another way: the second annual City by the Lake Idol competition.
On May 15 and 16 at the Lake City High auditorium, audience members can vote for their favorite high school superstar. This year, contestants hail from five area high schools: Lake City, Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Lakeland and Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy.
Eighteen contestants have gotten this far. About half will be eliminated after the audience ballot voting on May 15; the Idol will be selected the following night.
The prize package is still being put together, but so far includes a free massage and gift certificates from restaurants, said Tacey Keylon, a teacher at Lake City.
The event starts at 7 p.m. on both nights. Tickets are $3 at the door, or $2 for Associated Student Body members. Proceeds go to funding travel expenses for Lake City choir members and business club students who attend competitions.
Keylon hopes to pack the 500-capacity auditorium both nights.
Bryan Elementary’s Kris Hinz a School Champion
Kris Hinz is April’s First Class School Champion.
Hinz, a fifth-grade teacher at Bryan Elementary, was recognized for encouraging and caring for the younger brother of one of her students.
Second-grader Ryan Turpin always struggled with impulse control and keeping up with his school work, his mother wrote in the nomination essay on his behalf. “It had begun to affect his self-esteem and he began saying ‘I’m so stupid, I’m dumb, I can’t do anything right.’ “
Enter Hinz.
She took Ryan under her wing and became his personal cheerleader. She would give him daily encouragement stickers and check in on him throughout the day to tell him how great he was doing.
“Ryan’s behavior, attention to schoolwork, and grades dramatically improved,” Ryan’s mother wrote. “Ryan adores Miss Hinz and his family cannot thank her enough.”
Hinz, a Coeur d’Alene native who attended public schools as a student, has worked at Bryan since 1994.
For the award, she received $100 to be used at her school, two passes to Silverwood Theme Park, a $45 Outback Steakhouse gift certificate, a plaque and a gift bag.
Students who want to nominate their teachers can get forms at school offices or online at www.numericacu.com.
Kids can write an essay, win a computer
Do you know students who could benefit from – but can’t afford – a computer?
They might be eligible to receive one for only $35.
Students must write an essay explaining why they want a computer and what educational use it would serve.
In turn, Computers for Kids, a Boise-based nonprofit, will give out refurbished computers and accessories, including two educational software programs. They do so on a first-come basis.
The deadline for applying is May 31. Application forms can be downloaded from the Computers for Kids Web site: www.cfkidaho.org. Computers will be distributed in mid-July.