Seniors Honored in Chinook

On Friday night, February 13, Chinook High School held Senior Night festivities. Prior to the varsity basketball games against Conrad, six seniors were recognized for their contributions to the athletic programs in Chinook, whether with band or sports.

The first individual, Mara Edwards thanked her mother, Michelene Edwards, and her grandparents for supporting her through her high school years. Edwards was revered for contributing six years to the pep band, four years to the pep club, three years to volleyball, two years to National Honor Society, and one year to student council. She shared advice with young players: "Take the time to practice and learn the songs. If you can't figure out the notes, then fake it 'til you make it. You'll eventually get there, even if it's not until your senior year. And lastly, make pep band fun and something that you enjoy, not something you see as a chore."

Next in the spotlight, Neva Lowe received recognition for her commitment to basketball (four years), cross country (three years) and track and field (three years). Her advice to young players is "Just shoot the ball!" Lowe expressed gratitude to her coaches for all their support, her father for helping to groom her into the player she is today, and her teammates for giving her "the best seasons I could ask for."

Third in the group of honorees was Carter Rayburn. During high school, he contributed four years to golf, pep band, and Academic Olympics; and three years to FFA and basketball-two as a player and one as a manager. Additionally, for two years he held affiliation with National Honor Society, football, Science Olympiad, Business Professionals of America, and baseball. Rounding out his career, Rayburn competed in track and field and pep club for one year apiece.

To younger players, Rayburn advised: "Have fun. Time flies, so it is important to live in the moment before this time of your life is over. Be kind and respectful to as many people as you can because you never know when somebody is having a bad day."

Following Rayburn, Madison Dunkin received acclaim for her participation in volleyball (three years), tennis (two years), and pep band (two years). She expressed gratitude to Band Director Mrs. Alicia Noel for working with her and the rest of the musicians to "make the band a band." Furthermore, she shared advice with those who come after her: "Don't be obnoxious kids that make things go on ten minutes longer than need be."

Number five in the esteemed group, Britt Powell disclosed his most memorable moment from basketball: "When we got 100 pointed by Rocky Boy in the regular season and [then] beat them at districts to go to Divisionals."

During his high school career, Powell contributed four years to basketball, football, and track and field. He also played a part in FFA for six years, National Honor Society for two, and student council for three. He thanked his basketball coaches, Bill Bell and Ethan MacLeod for pushing him to do his best at all times, his teammates for making every moment memorable, and his family for all their sacrifices with transportation and in supporting the team. Finally, Powell offered his wisdom to younger athletes: "Don't let the little things get you down. It's always about next play mentality and keeping a good attitude. Don't take the coach's criticism too seriously; they are usually joking."

Rounding out the half dozen was Kirbey Hofeldt, who gave all four years of her high school career to basketball, cross country, track and field, and FFA. She took the time to thank her coaches and teammates, managers and family, and everyone else who promotes the extracurricular programs at Chinook High School. Her advice to young players is "Fuel your body and take care of your knees!"

Hofeldt, who injured her knee during the 2026 basketball season, was unable to play in the game against Conrad. However, the two teams did allow her to score an uncontested bank shot at the start of Friday's contest, marking her final time as a senior on her home court.

Following the recognition of seniors, the girls' basketball team took the floor, beating Conrad, 68-32. The Sugarbeeter boys also won their game, but by a slimmer margin: 49-43.