SHS grad could avoid criminal charges

SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint High School graduate held responsible for reportedly acting on an ill-conceived dare during his commencement ceremony could escape a criminal charge for his conduct.

Mike Martin Hewitt was ordered Monday to enroll in a 60-hour class on improving his interpersonal skills. If Hewitt fares well in the program, the misdemeanor battery charge against him could be dismissed, Sandpoint City Prosecutor Lori Meulenberg said after a pretrial hearing in Hewitt’s case.

Another pretrial hearing is slated to be held in about 10 weeks, after Hewitt completes the Life Skills NW program. The program encourages personal growth, in addition to improving relationship and life-management skills.

If things go poorly, though, Hewitt could face trial on the charge, which can result in a six-month jail sentence and a $1,000 fine upon conviction.

Hewitt, 18, was accused of attempting to kiss SHS Principal Becky Kiebert after receiving his diploma during the June 6 graduation ceremony at Memorial Field. Hewitt was acting on a dare proposed by fellow classmates, according to a Sandpoint Police report.

The Lake Pend Oreille School District held two other graduates accountable for their conduct during the 102nd commencement ceremony. One graduate attempted to dance suggestively with Kiebert after receiving his diploma, while another handed the principal what appeared to be a pair of underwear.

However, neither of those students were charged criminally for their inappropriate hijinks.

The school district is considering new commencement policies designed to dissuade future antics on the dais.