SANDPOINT — The crowd erupted in cheers on Tuesday evening as a basketball sailed through the hoop, securing a win for the Sandpoint High School junior team. But this was no ordinary game — the players scored points while riding donkeys. 

The event, dubbed "Donkey Basketball," was part of a fundraiser to support a class called SHS Mentors, a program that teaches students leadership and community skills, as well as event planning. The funds will be used to help the program continue to host community events.

"Our mission is to create opportunities for our students and staff to interact, make connections and build relationships. We want our SHS community to be one where everyone has an opportunity to get involved, support each other, and have some fun," SHS Mentors teacher Erin Roos said. 

Nine donkeys trotted the court as high schoolers attempted three-point shots while perched atop their backs. 

For SHS junior Dexter Williams, playing donkey basketball was an experience he said he wouldn't forget. 

"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity," said Williams, his voice hoarse from cheering throughout the game. 

Classmate Andres Mellander said he looks forward to sharing his experience with others. 

"You get to know your teammates and you make new friends," said Mellander, who played center. "It's great school spirit." 

Students Kami Williams and Cayla Ruff pitched the event to the SHS admin team, and addressed several factors in their presentation, from the event's purpose and budgets to its insurance and ticketing. 

Once the event was approved, class mentors met to carry out responsibilities, including scheduling the event, reserving spaces, and organizing teams. 

"Working with all the different groups of people taught me teamwork and a totally new type of perseverance," Williams said. 

SHS English teacher Meagan Hofmeister said she enjoyed interacting with her students outside of the classroom. 

"It's a time when I'm not in power and so it's fun to get to be on the same level," Hofmeister said. 

SHS assistant principal Kari Granier cheered from the sidelines as she watched students. She said she was excited to see donkey basketball make a return. 

“It was something that happened at Sandpoint High School years and years ago, and I'd never got to experience it," said Granier. "It was awesome to see so many people in the gym, just having fun and celebrating together." 

She also noted that events like the SHS Donkey Basketball event help to create a positive and community-oriented environment, something she said the school has been working hard to foster for years. 

“Having it be student led makes it so much more impactful and empowering to our student body because it's theirs. It's their culture, it's their community, and we're just here to support them," Grainer said.

    Students compete during the SHS Donkey Basketball event.
  

    Attendees cheer at SHS during the school's donkey basketball event.