Accomplishments

The Arts Schools Network has recognized Sorensen Magnet School of the Arts and Humanities as an "Exemplary School" in recognition of outstanding efforts in strategically evaluating their purpose, operations, plans, and educational programs. To qualify for this designation, a school must complete a comprehensive review through a series of questions that explore the entire range of a school’s purpose and operations. The review was created by the Arts Schools Network and the Accrediting Commission for Community and Precollegiate Arts Schools (ACCPAS) to help school personnel plan, evaluate, and implement effective organizational development.

The CollegeBoard identifies a score of "5" on an AP exam as "extremely well qualified to be successful in collegiate level work." During the score announcement in July 2025, 81 students in the 2025 school year amassed 118 perfect scores, and 72% of all students earned a qualifying score of 3 or higher.

To celebrate this accomplishment, teachers and administrators throughout the district placed yard signs acknowledging this honor.

Coeur d’Alene High School seniors Alexander Esposito and Ava Gabbert have been named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists — an honor earned by fewer than 1% of students nationwide. Both were excited and a little surprised by the recognition, crediting their hard work and support systems for helping them get there. Principal Victoria Beecher shared how proud the school is of their achievements, saying they truly represent the Viking tradition of academic excellence. Finalists will be announced in February 2026, and we’ll be cheering them on! Congratulations, Alexander and Ava!

Coeur d’Alene High School Senior, Caleb Torgenson, spent his summer spent in the halls of Congress, in Washington, D.C., on the Senate floor, and socializing with other students from across the country as a page for Senator Crapo. 

“There was a lot of times that I felt like a really, really small person in a really, really big world,” Toregenson said of his month as a page for the United States Senate. In this story featured in the Coeur d'Alene Press, the biggest takeaway from the experience, Torgenson said, was to seize the opportunities in front of him. He almost gave up on the program when he couldn’t find information about applying on either of the Idaho senators’ websites.

Cynthia Chapman, LCHS art teacher, has been selected as this year’s Arts in Education Honoree, recognizing her commitment to creativity and supporting the arts in our schools.

Jerren Bailey, a proud graduate of Lake City High School, is being honored with the Student Excellence in the Arts Award for his outstanding artistic achievements and dedication to his craft.

Both Cynthia and Jerren have made a meaningful impact on the arts community, and we couldn’t be more proud to celebrate their accomplishments!

Sorensen Magnet School teacher Crystal Bain has been named the 2025 Dance Teacher of the Year by the Idaho Dance Education Organization. 

Mrs. Bain teaches 4th–5th grade at Sorensen and leads the school’s Dance STEP program, inspiring students through creativity, movement, and storytelling. She will be honored at the IDEO Dance Education Conference, Creativity in Motion, during a luncheon on Saturday, September 27, at the University of Idaho in Moscow.

Coeur d'Alene High School sophomore Ella Wilson shot an even-par 71 in the second round, finishing at 2-under-par 140 to win a second straight state 6A golf championship, her six-shot victory helping lead the Viking girls to a runner-up finish for the second consecutive year. 

Sophomore Leah Heavener finished 11th with a 76-82—158 for the Vikings. Freshman Emily Stillert was 15th with an 80-82—162, freshman Kinsley Meier tied for 17th with an 82-84—166, and sophomore Jossetta Williams tied for 20th with an 85-85—170. 

Lake City junior Trey Lambert, the 6A boys leader after the first day with a 67, finished fourth in a card-off with a second-round 73 to finish at 140. 

The Coeur d'Alene High boys cross country team won a third straight team title on Saturday at the Lewis-Clark State Cross Country Course in Lewiston Orchards.

Led by four runners in the top six — junior Wyatt Carr (second), sophomore Rowan Henry (third), senior Mitchell Rietze (fifth) and sophomore Wyatt Morgenstern (sixth) — finishing with 30 team points, winning by 62 points in the 6A boys race. 

“This is why we run cross country is for days like today,” Carr said. “We wanted to bring another state championship to Coeur d’Alene. I’m so proud of everyone, from the coaching staff to the parents and families and athletes. We had people out here cheering us on. It just goes to show the great group of guys we’ve got.”

Coeur d'Alene High School won the 42nd annual North Idaho College Math Competition. The Vikings earned 16 points to win the regional competition among public and charter high schools, led by "Mathletes" Allen Kibler, Conan Tapia, Samuel Mandel, and Alistair Smith.

Non-Senior placers (Junior Category):

• 1st place: Alistair Smith (freshman)

• 2nd Place: Alessandro Banchi (Junior)

Senior Placers:

• 2nd place: Alexander Esposito

Gracie Ford, a Senior at Lake City High School, has been named the 2024–25 Idaho Interscholastic Star and awarded a $2,500 IHSAA scholarship for her excellence in academics, athletics, leadership, and service. A committed golfer and cheerleader, she competed at the state level, supported her teammates, and contributed to her school through music, student government, and community service clubs. Her dedication to helping others and elevating student voices made her a standout representative of Idaho’s student leaders.

Coeur d'Alene High School's student body was named an "Outstanding Student Council" at the statewide meeting at the University of Idaho.

Additionally, Junior Haggen Walker was elected as the Region 1 and 2 President.

Lake City High School represented at the University of Idaho for the Idaho Association of Student Councils—and they brought home major honors. The Timberwolves earned not only an Outstanding Student Council Award, but also the coveted “Learn, Lead, Lift” Award, recognizing their spirit, leadership, and service to their school community. Congratulations to these incredible student leaders!

Skyway’s PTO held an impromptu food drive, turning it into a friendly “house competition” and inspiring incredible generosity from the school community. In just one week, Skyway families donated an impressive 3,504 pounds of food to the Coeur d’Alene Food Bank. A massive thank-you to the Skyway Parent Teacher Organization, who organized and led this effort from start to finish—your hard work made a meaningful difference for families in our community.