North Idaho innovators chart next steps

RATHDRUM ­— They’re the Gem State’s first high school students to earn a STEM diploma. Four will end their senior year of high school with an associate’s degree from North Idaho College already in hand. They collectively racked up an impressive half a million dollars in scholarships from 18 universities. They’re the first high school graduating class from North Idaho STEM Charter Academy. On Monday, these seven local students told the world where they’d bring their Idaho drive, work ethic and ingenuity.