Quintet go from PRLHS to UI grads

It's been quite a ride from high school to college graduation for five Priest River Lamanna High School students.

The quintet — Amy Flack, Emily Holbrook, Shayla Martinez, Bradley O’Brien and Heather Pound — went from their last day at PRLHS during the COVID-19 pandemic to graduating with their bachelor's degrees at the University of Idaho.

"They went home from school  the third week of March 2020, thinking they’d be off a few days, never knowing the last day of high school was their last day," Tallie O'Brien said of the quintet. "They ended up being able to have an outdoor graduation ceremony in July of 2020."

When the five went to college during the pandemic, it was wearing masks and social distancing and "everything else that came along with COVID-19, but they stuck with it and all graduated with their degrees," Tallie O'Brien said.

Amy Flack graduated summa cum laude from the College of Agricultural & Life Sciences with a bachelor of science degree in child development.

She joined the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare in Coeur d'Alene in December as a developmental specialist for the Idaho Infant Toddler Program, the state’s early intervention program. In addition, Flack earned infant family mental health certification through Aim Early Idaho.

Emily Holbrook graduated from the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences with a bachelor of science degree in exercise, sports, and health science. 

This summer, Holbrook plans to work for Vandal Health Ed, working in nutrition and food literacy. She plans to continue at the University of Idaho studying for her master of science degree in dietetics.

Shayla Martinez graduated from the College of Natural Resources with a bachelor of science degree in wildlife sciences. 

In addition to traveling this summer, she is pursuing a job utilizing her degree. 

Bradley O'Brien graduated from the College of Natural Resources with a bachelor of science degree in wildlife sciences. 

O'Brien is working for Trout Unlimited and continuing his education at U of I to get his master's degree in natural resources.

Heather Pound graduated cum laude from the College of Natural Resources with a bachelor of science degree in wildlife resources. She is working for the Pend Oreille County Noxious Weed Board this summer and plans on being a wildlife biologist in the future.

    Emily Holbrook poses in her graduation garb after graduating the University of Idaho earlier this month.