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Grisel Gonzalez
Editor-in-Chief I joined Journalism in September of freshman year. I was unsure whether I was going to stay for all four years, but I did. I stayed because of my love and passion for writing. However, I was extremely shy. I was the kind of shy that prevented me from raising my hand and participating in class. I could have never imagined myself as a leader. I did not think I had it in me. Journalism changed that. Interviewing people terrified me at first; I would rewrite my questions five times. My voice would shake, and I would never hold eye contact. I met people I never would have talked to. I listened to their stories. Slowly, I branched out of my comfort zone. From September to now, this club changed me. Writing and publishing articles were rewarding. The most rewarding experience was noticing that I was leading and gaining confidence. I stayed not only for the amazing leadership skills I continued to gain, but also for my passion for English. I love the way words can make someone feel seen. I love learning about different people and their stories. I love being able to share my voice and other people’s voices through journalism and our newspaper. I love that this classroom took a shy freshman and gave her a voice. Leaving Mrs. Wagner’s first hour journalism class is bittersweet. This classroom has been my safe place for the last four years. I am not ready to not have another article to write and publish next month. However, I am leaving with lessons I will carry with me forever: how to listen, how to take direction, and how to lead. To the staff: Thank you for trusting me as the Editor-in-Chief this year. I love you all, though I may not have expressed it as much as I would like to. Keep writing and keep thriving. I will miss every single one of you! To Mrs. Wagner: Thank you for being my favorite teacher for the last four years, and thank you for trusting me with the position of Editor-in-Chief. Thank you for seeing something in me before I saw it in myself. I will miss you the most! Finally, to Bonneville High School: Thank you for reading The Bonneville Buzz.
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Grisel Gonzalez
Editor-in-Chief Walking the halls of Bonneville High today, the glow of Chromebooks and the sounds of weekly ‘song bells’ mark a stark contrast to the school’s opening in 1951. To celebrate this remarkable journey, Mrs. Hayes, a 10th grade English and ninth grade creative writing teacher at BHS, reflected on the school’s evolution and gathered advice for future students. Hayes attended Bonneville herself and mentions that the biggest advancement has been technology. Hayes loves the fact that every student is now able to carry around and use their own personal Chromebook. Furthermore, she also appreciates the projectors and programs that teachers are now able to have in order to make learning more visible. Another new addition at BHS that Hayes enjoys is the traditional warning bell being replaced with amusing and lively songs such as Taylor Swift and Queen each week. However, regarding the technology advancements, Hayes does not like the fact that many students now use AI to write their papers, making it hard to distinguish their work from AI’s work. While the tools in the classroom have changed, the unpredictable nature of student-teacher relationships remains the heart of Hayes’s career. Hayes shares that her most memorable experience at BHS was an interaction between her and a student. Her story begins four years ago when she told a student that he was not allowed to leave class to get a drink of water. Her student then declared that if he was unable to leave the classroom for a drink of water, he would take a drink out of her water bottle. She playfully scolded him and challenged him that he would not dare; however, as soon as she turned her back and began her lesson, he did in fact take a drink out of her water bottle. Hayes laughs as she recalls, “I will never forget that!” Other fond memories that Hayes has are all the lip sync battles she has participated in for the entertainment of her students. Lastly, she mentions that she has witnessed various “aha moments” with students when they grasp a concept in class. She has also received some amazing thank you notes from students, letting her know that she is making a positive difference at BHS. Hayes’s advice for current students is to “spend less time on your phones. Do this for psychological and academic reasons. One way to make this happen is to turn off all the notifications on your phone except texts. Prolonging attention span is the key to succeeding in school and in relationships.” Beyond the classroom, Hayes reflects on her hopes for the next upcoming years at BHS: “Having a solid work ethic is invaluable in today's workforce. I love seeing students try new, hard things, be vulnerable, and find out how many awesome things there are to do in this world if we just get off our screens and do something with our own two hands. I would be proud to have many of my students as neighbors and peers someday.” Specifically speaking about Bonneville, Hayes declares that there are several opportunities at BHS that can help students see what they like, and what they could tolerate in a job someday. She shares that sports and clubs help students learn to work together to accomplish something amazing. She continues to state, “I hope every student tries at least one or two extracurricular activities during their four years of high school.” Hayes reflects on Bonneville High School, feeling that it is unique compared to other schools due to the large variety of classes, sports, and clubs that bigger schools have but the strong teacher-student or coach-athlete connections that smaller schools have. All in all, Hayes finishes by exclaiming, “I’m proud to be a Bonneville bee and proud to be teaching Bonneville bees!” Grisel Gonzalez
Editor-in-Chief Senior year is a mix of excitement and pressure, but with a solid plan, students can better manage college applications. A typical senior-year checklist suggests finalizing a college list, taking any remaining standardized tests, and submitting applications early. Students should also draft a personal statement or essay and to start reaching out to teachers for recommendation letters. Keeping grades up during senior year is also crucial, as colleges can still consider mid-year reports. Using strategies such as blocking time, batching tasks, and setting mini-deadlines help to stay on top of applications, AP exams, and school work. Erin Bake, a senior at Bonneville High School, shares that her biggest piece of advice is to split it up into manageable portions. She started by listing things about herself that she wanted to include in each answer and then focused on answering one or two questions on her free days. Along with that, Madelyn McOmber, another senior at Bonneville, states that her biggest piece of advice is “to block out time either every day or every week specifically dedicated to scholarship applying and/or other college planning matters.” In order to do so, McOmber continues to explain, “You sit down somewhere and spend that time looking for scholarships or applying for housing or whatever is next on your to-do list. Students should try to schedule mental recharge periods in order to avoid feeling overwhelmed. A final year bucket list can also help balance academics with memorable experiences such as planning a road trip or attending prom with friends. For the final stretch, a checklist might include verifying university account activation, submitting FAFSA, applying for scholarships, and confirming that all required documents are sent. McOmber declares that, “...A to-do list is crucial and the Director of Admissions for your college or even Lexi [Tucker, the college counselor,] can help you make one of those.” While the advice is abundant, it is clear that every student’s journey is unique, and the pressure can feel overwhelming at times. The key is to find a balance that works for each individual person, stay organized, and reach out for support when needed. Grisel Gonzalez
Editor-in-Chief The Federal Highway Administration reports over 1,300 deaths and 116,800 injuries annually on snowy or icy roads. Teen drivers and students in Idaho Falls know firsthand how quickly winter weather can become extremely treacherous. With icy roads, freezing temperatures, and snow-covered sidewalks, it is crucial to take precautions to stay safe during these prolonged winter months. The D93 School District prioritizes student safety, and schools will close when road conditions become too dangerous. To stay informed about school closures, check the district website, your D93 email, or social media accounts to stay informed and up to date. When it comes to driving, safety should always be the top priority for all drivers. Before going out on the road, drivers can dial 511, a worldwide phone number that provides real-time traveler information. The number offers options with road conditions, traffic, construction alerts, and weather alerts. While driving, make sure to slow down and leave adequate space between you and the car in front of you because stopping distances increase tremendously. Use low gears to maintain traction, and keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid getting stranded. Make sure your windshield and windows are clear of snow and ice before you start driving as well. If you ever do get stuck, stay in your car, remain calm, and call for help. Aside from driving, there are several ways to ensure your health during the winter. Dress warmly or in layers to stay comfortable and maintain body temperature, and do not forget to keep your phone charged in case of emergencies. Stay hydrated with hot beverages and maintain energy with nutritious snacks. Finally, make sure to always keep medicine such as Advil, Tylenol, or a first aid kit nearby in case all else fails. By following these essential safety measures, we can all stay secure throughout the winter months. Exercise caution, prioritize safety, and remain warm and comfortable this winter! Cora Garrette-Dardzinski
Staff Writer The Bonneville Buzz Newspaper is thrilled to announce that the podcast is back! The new newspaper members renewed The Bonneville Buzzcast and are more than ready to talk and publish new episodes. Previous episodes remain available on Spotify, and they will be staying up along with our new episodes. These older episodes are still entertaining to listen to even if they are not from this school year. The podcast episodes were made as an alternative to writing articles and instead the staff member(s) would ask questions and the answers would be told rather than written. This way, listeners simply press play and learn more about the school even if they are busy. Staff members implemented changes while maintaining the podcast’s original concept. The staff acquired new microphones and found a new place to record with hopes of bringing up the quality. With the changes in place, the podcast will be set up and will start again either this December or the following January. Another part of the podcast that stayed the same is the goal of making monthly episodes. Each episode explores campus events that can feel more relatable to the students, and they can learn more about what is happening around them. The past podcast episodes have been 15-20 minutes long, and the new staff will stay in that range to keep things equal. With this though, there might be a topic that does not fit, and it will have to be edited out. That is why the newspaper members are excited to announce that the staff is trying to stick to making a last bloopers episode with every interesting clip that had to be edited out. This solution helps so that the staff members as well as the interviewee(s) can feel free to speak their mind along with the listeners being able to tune in and hear the parts where the speakers drifted off from the interview questions. Past podcast episodes and practice recordings remain engaging even with parts being edited out. Editors typically remove awkward silences so that the listener does not have to sit through the pauses. Past and upcoming episodes benefit from many of the staff members being easy to talk to. This helps to make the listening experience more enjoyable. The staff plans to create many more interesting episodes for the students here at Bonneville. Episodes run shorter than typical podcasts, making them a quick and interesting episode that barely takes any time away from the day. The podcast team aims to create compelling episodes that can catch the attention of more listeners. Upcoming campus events and diverse interview subjects will help to make that happen along with plenty of willing members. The podcast is still a work in progress, but students can expect the first new episode by January and hopefully stay tuned for the ones following! Grisel Gonzalez
Editor-in-Chief As a high school student, I am constantly juggling schoolwork, extracurriculars, work, and my social life. Sometimes it feels like I am just trying to survive amidst all the chaos. But through all the stress, I have learned that gratitude is a powerful tool. Gratitude is more than just saying “thank you.” It is about appreciating the good things in life, no matter how small. It is recognizing the people and experiences that make life richer. For me, gratitude is about acknowledging the support system I have. My friends are there to study with, vent to, and laugh with. My family provides a safety net, offering guidance and encouragement when I need it. Even the small things, like a teacher’s positive feedback or a sunny day, can brighten my mood. Practicing gratitude helps me stay grounded and remain positive. When I am feeling overwhelmed, I take a moment to reflect on what I am thankful for. This helps me shift my perspective and tackle challenges and obstacles with a clearer headspace. Gratitude also inspires me to pay it forward. When I appreciate what others do for me, I become more motivated to help them out in return. This acts as a ripple effect; one act of kindness can make a difference in someone’s day. As we are in the midst of November, I encourage my fellow students and peers to take a moment to appreciate the people, experiences, and opportunities that make our lives better. In a world that often emphasizes what is lacking, gratitude reminds us to appreciate what we have. It is a simple yet significant tool that can make a tremendous difference in how we not only navigate high school, but our lives beyond it. The bottom line is that gratitude is a choice, and it is one that can transform our lives. By focusing on the good things, we can cultivate a more positive, supportive community and find more joy in the journey. As we approach Thanksgiving, let us carry this spirit of gratitude with us, not just on Turkey Day, but every day. Grisel Gonzalez
Editor-in-Chief Senior year is a thrilling time of transition, and with the right guidance and resources, students can tackle the college application with confidence and enthusiasm. Alexis Tucker, a college and career advisor at Bonneville High School, touches on critical subjects and questions that various students may have when going through the college application process. Tucker starts by stating that the most important factors that college admissions officers consider when reviewing applications are mostly GPA, ACT or SAT scores, and whether the high school requirements have been met. Some colleges use application essays as a major admission factor; however, it ultimately depends on the college. Tucker also touches on the most common mistake students make during the college application process, which is not applying in time. There is an admission deadline and also a scholarship deadline; therefore, if students do not apply by the scholarship deadline, they will miss out on specific college aid. Every college has different deadlines for admissions, so the students need to be aware of what that deadline is and adhere to it. Adding extra details on a resume or application such as work experience, club involvement, sports, choir/band involvement, job shadowing, volunteer work, or church service are also beneficial. These details allow students to showcase their unique strengths and qualities in their applications and show that they are well-rounded. Colleges want to see each student’s unique qualities. Aside from the enjoyable parts, the college application process can be intimidating for many; however, Tucker relays that “the majority of the time, the application process is less time-consuming and less scary than you think. Be diligent and be early are my big recommendations.” Time management and prioritizing important dates and deadlines will make sure that students hit deadlines and will not be swamped as senior year begins to become hectic. Learning to balance multiple responsibilities, organization, consistency, and planning are exceptional skills to learn. Tucker continues to assure, “Don’t be intimidated! It’s new and a little scary, but I am here to support you in the process! Do your research and find the resources available to you. Be willing to put in some effort, and make sure to know and follow the deadlines. It’ll pay off in the end!” This encouraging message reminds students that while the college application process may seem daunting, it is manageable with the right mindset and support. With hard work, determination, and a willingness to learn, students can turn uncertainty into opportunity. Having resources and tools to use during the college application is key. College websites are amazing tools to use. Almost every question students have can be found there. The college admissions representatives are also a valuable resource for all students. They can answer any questions students may have because they are familiar with deadlines, scholarships, housing, and tuition. Lastly, students should make the most of college visits and opportunities to interact with people associated with the school. Tucker declares, “You should never buy a house without seeing it. College is the same.” College is a substantial investment, and students need to spend some time on the campus before they decide to settle. Scheduling tours, meeting with faculty, talking to representatives and financial aid staff, and going in with prepared questions and concerns are all a critical component of the college process that will benefit every student throughout not only their college experience, but also their life. As seniors embark on this exciting journey, they will discover that with the right approach, support, and mindset, the college application process becomes an achievable and rewarding experience that paves the way for future success. Elliot Goodliffe
Staff Writer Newly elected Jeffrey Trey Elder, formerly Junior Class Vice president, is now Bonneville High School’s student body president. Under his leadership, the student body has launched mixed-grade events such as the powder puff game that was held September 24. Elder also established a peer mentoring program this year. Additionally, Elder explained that he coordinates homecoming activities, organizes spirit weeks, and manages student council meetings. He also works closely with student executives on future projects and consults with Principal Jolley for guidance. Regarding his new position, Elder said it is "very rewarding" because he gets to “see the inside of all the activities.” His main concern and objective this year is to ensure that all students have a memorable experience during their time at Bonneville High School. Student Council and Hope Squad have helped him learn the necessary skills and discipline for his promotion, putting him in an excellent position to succeed at his new role. Elder's path to the presidency began through his participation in student organizations throughout his high school years. In terms of future goals for himself, Elder hopes to form and hold additional leadership training to better develop the communication skills of his fellow classmates as well as himself. Regarding leadership goals in college, Elder replied, “Yes! I would love to hold more positions.” In addition, Elder presented his goals to accomplish during his time as the student body president. Elder asserts, "I want to have better unity between the grades." As he goes through his senior year at BHS, students and faculty await the impact of his all-grade activities and his expansion of the peer mentoring program to strengthen school unity. Ash Merritt
Editor-in-Chief Senioritis highlights commitment issues for many students, and the counselors witness the struggle to keep up with classes. Senioritis is a phenomenon that drives students to burnout, procrastination, poor attendance, and low grades. Mrs. Thompson, one of BHS’ three counselors, explains that, “once a student gets behind in a class, we see an increase in senioritis,” which can make the workload of life become more difficult to manage. The rise in anxiety, stress, and burnout can lead students to reflect on how little time they have left to enjoy being carefree. Counselors see many students who decide to obtain their General Educational Development (GED) instead of their diploma. They believe a GED is easier to achieve even though they could just earn their diploma in a few months. However, the work and stress of managing the rest of the few weeks tends to weigh on the minds of many students, especially seniors. Tylene Hales, one of the counselors, brings to light that everyone she sees has “some form of senioritis.” She further explains “some have it worse than others.” Furthermore, Mrs. Hinson, another counselor, explains that juniors feel senioritis before they are seniors; they find that they are in a new title wave of stress, which can bring them into the realization that “their future is changing and the feeling they can no longer be carefree and have to be serious about their choices [are] real.” Hales gives more advice in that “summer is coming up” soon for each student and that gives the students time to breathe. When facing difficult choices, students are encouraged to visit the college or office counselors. Whether it be help in managing stress or combating burnout, they are available for any student in need. When students seek advice on how to overcome senioritis, they can turn to the school counselors by visiting the office or emailing to schedule an appointment. For example, Hinson explains that “listening to students and validating their concerns and fears can be extremely helpful in decreasing symptoms and feelings of senioritis. Second, asking questions to help students recognize what is actually important and in their control versus what actually may not be as important as they feel at the moment.” After prioritizing what is important, students can work together with a counselor to learn what steps to lighten their load. For the students who have senioritis, the counselors all agree that doing the best a student can to stay on task and keep up in classes is the most effective way to combat senioritis. They can “push through to the end” as Hales says. Lia Hendrix
Staff Writer Idaho Falls recently opened a more career and technical focused school in the Fall of 2024. Elevate Academy offers a hands-on, career-focused alternative to traditional education, providing students with personalized support, real-world skills, and industry certifications in a flexible, inclusive environment. Elevate currently offers education for 6th through 10th grade students and will have its first class graduating in the year 2027. Elevate has around 340 students and is looking to grow throughout the next few years, anticipating around 80 new students in the fall of 2025. The academy has an attendance rate of 93%, something its administrators are extremely proud of. The school currently has about 40 staff members including an English, math, and science teacher for each grade level, as well as trade teachers, support personnel, administrators, and a counselor and resource officer. Attending students have the opportunity to explore eight trades, such as welding, construction, cybersecurity, machinery, business, medical arts, criminal justice, and culinary arts. Younger students rotate through five-week sessions where they are introduced to all the different trades. Ninth and tenth graders explore four different trades through hands-on experience, then narrow their focus to two in their junior and senior years to work toward industry certifications and career readiness by graduation. Elevate has students from thirty different schools and welcomes any student who is interested in their school mission. The school is designed to support students who struggle with traditional structured education and those who thrive through hands-on, experiential learning. Head Administrator Logan Waetje claims that their ideal student is one that “likes to learn hands-on, that likes trades.” For students who thrive in a more hands-on, flexible environment and may find the traditional six-period day challenging, Elevate could be a great fit. Elevate could be the perfect option for them. With its unique approach to education and focus on real-world skills, Elevate Academy is helping students discover new pathways to success. For many students, it is a promising step forward for education in Idaho Falls. |
Buzz StaffMeet our talented staff, including our advisor and our editors! The Buzzcast PodcastWe have a podcast! By the students and for the students, we supply ideas, entertainment, school events, world news, and more! To stay engaged with the students, staff, and community of Bonneville High School, listen on Spotify, Anchor, Apple Podcasts, and most podcast streaming platforms!
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