January 15, 2025

On behalf of the Wellpinit School District, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of Sweeny Holt-Stearns and Shayanne Cicherski and all of our students, staff, and the Wellpinit and West End Communities.

The loss of a young life is never easy, but the strength and support of our families, community, and tribe help with the grieving process. Our focus continues to be on our families who have lost their precious loved ones, their friends, our students, and our staff.

We express our gratitude to the Spokane Tribe of Indians, Spokane Health & Human Services, Spokane 477, Spokane Tribal Network, Bad Canyon, Native and Strong Lifeline, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Kalispel Tribe of Indians, Coeur d'Alene Tribe, WIAA Officials Association and Wellpinint ASB Athletics; your kindness has meant so much.

Thank you to our fellow schools: Columbia Hunters, Curlew, Cusick, Harrington, Inchelium, Lake Roosevelt, Lakeside HS, Lapwai, Mary Walker, Reardan, Unicoi County HS, and Yakima Tribal for your compassion. Though we face each other across courts, fields, and tracks of competition, when it comes to our students, we bond together as one in support.

We couldn't be more proud of the community in which we reside; moving forward, let us continue to support those grieving. Focus on our youth, keeping them safe and wrapped within this family of school and community.

Thank you,

John Adkins, Superintendent & The Wellpinit School District