Jonathon DeYonker, left, talks with students gathered at The Teen Storytellers Project to work on syncing audio for their documentary footage on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
EVERETT — Ever wanted to make a movie?
At the Teen Storytellers Project in Everett, local youth get the chance to do just that.
Chris Gove first had the idea for the program around 2018. After his church in Snohomish opened a drop-in center for teens near the local high school, he was looking for ways the children could develop new skills and tap into their creative talents.
As someone who went to film school and worked as a freelance videographer, Gove decided to start his own film classes, tuition-free. Since he opened the program in Snohomish in 2019 before moving to Everett in 2022, young people ages 13 to 19 who went through the program have created more than 20 short narrative films and documentaries.
Jonathon DeYonker, left, helps student Dominick Jackson upload documentary footage to Premier at The Teen Storytellers Project on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Classes take students through the entire process of making a film, from pre-production planning to post-production editing. The topics of their films have ranged from real-life stories of historical buildings in Snohomish to a ridiculous tale of a wizard traveling through time to find a MacBook.
That film, “Will the Wizard,” was the first project 14-year Emmalee Brazier worked on as part of the Teen Storytellers Project. She, along with others in the program, remembers the film fondly while recognizing its oddball nature.
“It’s, like, the stupidest thing I’ve ever seen in my entire life,” Emmalee said.
It was made as part of a 20-hour film challenge put on by the program, forcing the students to come up with ideas for a movie on the spot. Part of the point of the film classes is to entice that sort of creativity, Gove said.
“With the kids, there’s not a client that has a deadline, there’s not a big goal for the project other than to just make something and make it as cool as we can,” he said. “That’s really fun because kids get an idea they want to try, and every now and then I just bite my tongue and say ‘That probably won’t work, but why not try it?’”
Emmalee Brazier watches as Chris Gove shows how to drag audio to start syncing at The Teen Storytellers Project on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
The program runs about two to three classes every week during the school year. Apart from the organization’s main location in north Everett, the Teen Storytellers Project also hosts classes in the Casino Road neighborhood and in local juvenile detention centers as a provider of diversionary programming.
“Those have been really rewarding to do,” Gove said of the classes in juvenile detention centers. “It’s an opportunity to bring some resources and some opportunities to kids that don’t really have access to much outside of their schooling that they’re provided through the detention system.”
Some students joined the program because they want to go to film school, maybe becoming a director someday. Others were just looking for a fun way to pass the time.
But all the students in the current documentary filmmaking class — made up of those who have been in a few classes through the Teen Storytellers Project — say they’ve learned something from their experience.
“It’s the same way why some parents want their kids to do sports,” said Jonothan DeYonker, an instructor at the nonprofit. “Not because of the sport itself, but because of the teamwork and pursuing a common goal.”
Diego Jarillo Odegaard, 18, has been a part of the Teen Storytellers Project for more than two years. His immediate goal is to attend film classes at Shoreline Community College and he eventually hopes to become a director. The skills he learned through the nonprofit’s classes will help him do so, he said.
“It’s basically improved my film knowledge,” Jarillo Odegaard said. “I’ve learned how to edit better, set up three-point lighting, set up a camera.”
Chris Gove writes project naming instructions on a whiteboard at The Teen Storytellers Project on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Emmalee had always enjoyed movies before starting the classes. But since she’s joined, they’ve helped take her out of her comfort zone, as she’s interviewed people as part of documentary projects and taken on the role of co-director on a short film.
“It’s fun to have something that makes you feel smart,” Emmalee said of the classes. “But not actually, because it’s so simple.”
In April, Everett’s cultural arts commission presented Gove with a Mayor’s Arts Award for his work with the Teen Storytellers Project.
In the future, Gove wants to bring more than just filmmaking classes to local youth. He hopes to offer classes in photography, music and graphic design, while also opening a creator space that people could rent to create or edit filmmaking projects.
“Our dream is to create a space where we could be a hub for filmmaking and digital arts creation in Everett,” Gove said.
Will Geschke: 425-339-3443; william.geschke@heraldnet.com; X: @willgeschke.
Dominick Jackson starts sifting through documentary footage at The Teen Storytellers Project on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Gallery
Jonathon DeYonker, left, helps student Dominick Jackson upload documentary footage to Premier at The Teen Storytellers Project on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Emmalee Brazier watches as Chris Gove shows how to drag audio to start syncing at The Teen Storytellers Project on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Chris Gove writes project naming instructions on a whiteboard at The Teen Storytellers Project on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Dominick Jackson starts sifting through documentary footage at The Teen Storytellers Project on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
will host youth swim lessons at various times Feb. 2-April 15, at the Bemidji State University pool in the Gillett Wellness Center, 1801 Birch Lane NE.
Lessons are scheduled for the following times:
Mondays/Wednesdays Feb. 2 – March 2
Level 1 swim classes will run from 6:15 to 6:50 p.m.
Level 2 swim classes will be held from 6:55 to 7:30 p.m.
There will be no class on Feb. 16 due to President’s Day.
Registration opens at 9 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 5.
Tuesdays/Thursdays Feb. 3 – Feb. 26
Level 3 swim classes are set for 6:15 to 6:50 p.m.
Level 4 and 5 swim classes will be held from 6:55 to 7:30 p.m.
Registration opens at 9 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 5.
Mondays/Wednesdays March 23 – April 15
Level 2 swim classes are set for 6:15 to 6:50 p.m.
Level 3 swim classes will be held 6:55 to 7:30 p.m.
Registration opens at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 3.
The cost is $72 for the series. Class sizes are small with two instructors. No more than 8-9 participants age 5 and up are allowed in each level.
To register and for additional detailed information regarding each level, visit
www.ci.bemidji.mn.us.
Our newsroom sometimes reports stories under the byline “Pioneer Staff Report.” This byline is used when reporters rewrite basic news briefs that originate from official sources, such as an email or press release that requires little or no reporting.
Other times, this byline is used when a news story includes numerous authors or when the story is formed by aggregating previously reported news from various sources. If outside sources are used, it is noted within the story.
For questions about a staff report, call (218) 333-9796 or email news@bemidjipioneer.com.
Tesoro Coach Steve Garrett and his players congratulate St. Anthony after the loss Saturday. (PHOTOS: TIm Burt, OC Sports Zone).
Tesoro’s boys basketball team has had a remarkable season so far with a 14-3 record.
But the Titans, coached by Steve Garrett, weren’t able to finish Saturday, losing to St. Anthony 64-55 in a second round game of the Ringo Bossenmeyer Holiday Classic at Tustin.
Tesoro had a six-game winning streak snapped.
To see additional photos, click on the first picture:
Tesoro players warm up before Saturday’s game.
St. Anthony players head to the sidelines during a timeout after a big run.
St. Anthony (2-0 in Pool A) appears headed to the championship game of the eight team tournament Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. vs. Servite. Tesoro dropped to 1-1 in pool play.
“We weren’t consistent enough to earn a win tonight, that’s the main thing,” said Tesoro Coach Steve Garrett, now in his 25th year as head coach. “There were four or five defensive possessions in a row where we didn’t stick to our principles, four or five possessions where we had good drives to the lane and didn’t take it up strong, we didn’t earn the fouls, didn’t finish.
“We went away from the defense, we got to earn wins and I just didn’t think we were consistent enough.”
Tesoro was led by sophomore Owen Hatch, who had 17 points and his brother Carson Hatch, a senior, who had 12 points.
Jamil House led St. Anthony (6-5) with a game-high 24 points and seven rebounds. House, the only Saint in double figures, had 18 of his points in the first half to help the Saints move out to a 22-16 halftime lead.
St. Anthony led by five points after three quarters. Owen Hatch made a 3-point play with 5:26 remaining before the Saints regained control and finished with a win.
“There was a stretch where we were down two and we have five of our seven possessions at the rim and I just thought they weak takes,” Garrett said. “You got to put pressure on the refs with a strong drive and finish the play and then the couple we missed, we missed our free throws. We were seven of 17 from the line, we should have gotten to the foul line at least 25 times, not because of the refs, but because of us, that’s a big factor.”
Max Draper and Dean Mika added nine points each for Tesoro.
“The kids are great, all these guys have literally played together since fourth grade,” Garrett said. “They all know each other, they’re extremely close, they count on each other for their success. Tonight, I just know we could have been overall a little bit more consistent when we needed to.”
Tesoro plays another pool play game Monday vs Beckman at 1:30 p.m.
VANCOUVER, Wash. – Lawmakers from the 18th Legislative District are taking steps to protect children in youth sports programs with new legislation.
House Bill 2180, sponsored by Rep. John Ley (R-Vancouver) and endorsed by Rep. Stephanie McClintock (R-Vancouver), would require youth sports organizations to conduct background checks via the Washington State Patrol. It also prohibits hiring anyone with convictions for crimes against children.
It also instructs the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to create mandatory training on reporting child abuse specifically for youth sports coaches.
Ley emphasized the importance of these measures, stating that the bill was prompted by a concerning incident.
“This legislation was prompted after concerned parents encountered a convicted sex offender who failed to disclose his conviction while seeking to coach their children,” said Ley. “By requiring background checks — paid for by the individual or organization — we give parents and program administrators better tools to protect kids.”
McClintock expressed her dedication to child safety, stating her support for the bill.
“Protecting kids will always be a top priority for me,” said McClintock. “As a mom, this legislation closes dangerous loopholes and helps ensure youth sports remain a safe environment for kids and families.”
Ley also extended gratitude to the community member who raised the issue.
“I also want to thank the constituent that brought this matter to our attention,” said Ley.
The 2026 legislative session is set to begin on Monday, Jan. 12.
Registration for spring sports runs from Jan. 1 – Jan. 25. The parks and recreation department offers baseball for ages 5-14, softball for ages 5-16, t-ball for ages 5-6, and spring tennis for ages 8-14. Registration must be completed online and is open from Thursday, Jan. 1, through Sunday, Jan. 25.
Grayson Touchard, a spokesperson for the parks and recreation department said about 1,800 kids sign up for spring sports each year.
“We do not place a cap on registration,” she said. “Everyone who registers will have the opportunity to play if there are enough players in their age group.”
She said parents will have about a week and half after Little League players have been chosen to register for spring ball if their child does not make the team.
The Parks and Recreation Department announced Nov. 25 that the department is now a part of the Little League Official Community and the holder of the new St. Charles Little League charter, bringing a new opportunity for young athletes across St. Charles and St. John parishes.
The newly established Little League program is open to boys and girls ages nine through 12 and will serve eligible athletes who live or attend school in St. Charles or St. John the Baptist Parish.
All tryouts will be held at the West Bank Bridge Park in Luling.
All registrations for spring sports must occur with the individual’s affiliated booster club, except for spring tennis.
The Parks and Recreation Department will provide registration information regarding track and field, First Tee-Greater New Orleans (youth golf), and SuperTots offerings in early 2026.
Editor’s note: Sheng Peng is a regular contributor to NBC Sports California’s Sharks coverage. You can read more of his coverage on San Jose Hockey Now, listen to him on the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast, and follow him on Twitter at @Sheng_Peng.
VANCOUVER — This wasn’t a must-win for the San Jose Sharks, but it certainly felt like a more important regular-season game than usual.
Macklin Celebrini admitted, after the Sharks went into the holiday break bombed by the Vegas Golden Knights 7-2, that the team needed to respond. San Jose did just that, doubling the Vancouver Canucks up 6-3 on Saturday night, in their first post-Christmas tilt.
“It’s awesome, especially with how we ended [before] break. I think we all wanted this one pretty bad,” Celebrini said, about the team’s bounceback and his first win in hometown Vancouver. “It’s cool to win here.”
This victory also put the 18-17-3 Sharks back into the last wild card berth.
I’ve been on record many times saying that I don’t believe San Jose will make the playoffs. Of course, I’m not changing that belief because of one win, though I stress that I hope they prove me wrong.
But three things stood out Saturday that will help the Sharks in their quest to qualify for the postseason.
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The562’s coverage of Long Beach Poly Athletics for the 2025-26 school year is sponsored by Former Jackrabbits Wendell “WoWo” Moe, Jr. & Tyson Ruffins.
Long Beach Poly softball star Ki’ele Ho-Ching capped off an impressive 2025 campaign winning a gold medal with the USA Women’s U-18 Softball Team at the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup in Oklahoma City. In the gold medal game, Ho-Ching drove in a run with a single during Team USA’s 7-2 championship win over world-ranked No.1 Japan.
Team USA’s medal marks its fifth-consecutive world championship after winning in 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021 and now, 2025. This victory also extended a 48-game winning streak at the World Championship for the stars and stripes squad, remaining undefeated at the World Cup with victories over China, Chinese Taipei, Canada, Mexico and two wins against Japan. Ho-Ching scored three runs during the five-day stretch in the fall tournament, collecting three hits and an RBI.
Ho-Ching is currently ranked as the No. 1 player in the nation, according to Prep Softball, and was one of 16 players from 10 states selected to the USA U-18 team. Her appearance makes her the first Moore League softball player to play on a USA Softball Youth National Team, according to USA Softball archives.
Ho-Ching joins the ranks of local sports icons to put on the “USA” jersey, including Lisa Fernandez, a Long Beach native who attended St. Joseph, and Tiare Jennings, a San Pedro native who attended St. Anthony. Both Fernandez and Jennings have represented the Senior National Team.
The Oklahoma commit is poised for another standout season as a senior with Long Beach Poly, leading a talented Jackrabbit squad looking to dethrone perennial Moore League champions Millikan. The Jackrabbits are coming off a CIF-SS Division 4 championship—the first in program history.
According to MaxPreps, Ho-Ching batted an astounding .500 with a .568 on base percentage last year through 11 games with Long Beach Poly. As a junior, she tallied 19 hits, 18 RBIs and 13 runs scored for the Jackrabbits.
