George thanks local businesses for making ‘Be the Light’ possible

PRIEST RIVER — High schools across Idaho took part in the “Be the Light” campaign Friday night to honor the 2020 senior class. Early last week it looked like Priest River Lamanna High School wasn’t going to be able to participate in the event because the football stadium didn’t have any lights due to the poles being taken down this winter in light of safety concerns.

But the community found a way to make it possible. The school lit up the lights on the flagpole at the north end of the stadium and Pape Machinery and the West Pend Oreille Fire District helped illuminate the Spartans logo on the school to add a special Priest River flare to the event.

“A huge thank you to Pape Machinery and the West Pend Oreille Fire Department for helping us participate in the #BeTheLight Idaho event Friday night,” Priest River Athletic Director Matt George wrote in an email. “Without their help, I don’t know what we would have done!”

While adhering to the social distancing guidelines, Priest River High families cruised past the high school and former PR student and softball player Morgan DeMent gave the countdown to 8:20 p.m. when the lights were turned on for 20 minutes to honor seniors.

“Thank you to everyone who came out, honked their horns and enjoyed the opportunity to say, ‘we miss seeing you kids play,’” George wrote.

George also wanted to give a special shoutout to the umpires for high school softball and baseball who always look forward to the season and working with kids.

Wow! My thanks to our students for their love and commitment to our school,” PRLHS Principal Joseph Kren wrote in an email, “to our coaches for what they do to guide and teach our students, and to Mr. George for his vision for greatness and for getting this event all put together. Go Spartans!”