Coeur d'Alene kids show they 'can do hard things'
HAILEY HILL | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 2 months AGO
COEUR d’ALENE — The spirit of competition was strong at the Coeur d’Alene School District’s annual Cross-Country Meet — but for event organizers, the tradition is all about helping the kids build their confidence.
“Can you do hard things?” one teacher asked through the microphone.
“Yeah!” the kids shouted back.
About 750 kids from the 10 elementary schools within the district ran in Thursday’s event, with races held for each grade level from first through fifth grade. Thursday’s event marked the 36th year the school district has held a cross country meet for the elementary schools.
“I really enjoy the gathering of all the schools and the excitement it brings,” said Marla Nixon, who teaches physical education at Bryan Elementary School.
“I told the kids: Don’t worry about winning, just have fun!” said Heather Montee, a running coach with Bryan Elementary School.
Still, for many of the kids, Thursday was all about winning.
Quinten Wilburn, a fifth grader at Ramsey Elementary, took home first place in the fifth grade boys race — and was ready to win well before the finish line.
“Winning feels really good. I practiced running around the block at home,” Quinten said.
Sorensen Elementary’s Aurelius Brennan took home second place — and was proud to do so.
“I’m feeling pretty accomplished because I actually don’t train at all,” Aurelius said.
Evan Wallace, from Bryan Elementary, was more than happy with his third-place win.
“It went really well. It was an amazing race, and I couldn’t have done it without the other competition,” he said.
ARTICLES BY HAILEY HILL
Volunteers clear nearly 500 fallen trees from Forest Service roads
Volunteers clear nearly 500 fallen trees from Forest Service roads
It’s not just snowmobilers that recreate on North Idaho’s National Forest land, said Back Country ATV and UTV Association President Bret Uhlich. Hikers, cross-country skiers, and even sled dog teams take advantage of the groomed backroads and trails that make winter recreation accessible.
Wreaths Across America ceremony honors local veterans
Wreaths Across America ceremony honors local veterans
Though not a veteran herself, Helen Nelson donned the iconic red of the Marine Corps Saturday morning as she laid wreaths on the graves of those who have served our country.
Comprehensive plan updates tabled in Spirit Lake
City Council will determine whether to adopt the city’s updated comprehensive plan at a future meeting after the matter was tabled earlier this week.




