In brief: G-Prep debaters take top honors

Gonzaga Prep’s debate team argued its way to the top in the recent Conway Invitational at Gonzaga University. More than 40 high schools from Washington, Oregon, Idaho and California competed in the debate.

David Smentek, of Veradale, won first place in the Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Mychaela Coyne, of Coeur d’Alene, took third place in the event, and won second place in extemporaneous speaking. Thomas Mealey, of Spokane Valley, won first place in novice extemp, and Melanie Weigand, of Spokane, won first place in editorial commentary and second place in original oratory.

Other Gonzaga Prep students winning awards include Weston Rogers, Coeur d’Alene; Caleb Hood, Greenacres; P. J. Mills, Spangle; Breanna Anspach, Peter Cossette, Joe Engel, Ethan Ferrel, Michaelanne Foster, Tory Minkler, Paige Powers, Mackenzie Via, all of Spokane; Taylor O’Keeffe, Spokane Valley; and Anthony Goodwin, Veradale.

N. Andre Cossette is the coach of the Gonzaga Prep debate team. According to a press release from the school, he earned a fourth Diamond Key in December after attaining a total of 11,259 debate points. And, in June he will receive special recognition at the Lincoln Financial Group/NFL National Tournament for his dedication in training and effective leadership skills.

Lakeside wins grant

Teen drivers at Lakeside High School are making sure they’re safe behind the wheel.

Lakeside students were recently awarded a “Shift Into Safety” grant from State Farm Insurance, allowing them the funds for safe driving education tools, such as mock crashes, videos, school assemblies, poster contests, and a “positive ticketing” campaign.

According to a press release from State Farm, Senior Vice President for State Farm’s Pacific Northwest Zone Harold Gray said “Over 20 teenagers die in car crashes every day in this country. We want to change this alarming statistic, and these “Shift Into Safety” grants are a good step in the right direction.”

Lakeside drivers have taken that step to staying safe and accident-free on our Spokane roads.