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Linken Newman
Staff Writer Being a foreign exchange student can be hard, especially during the holiday season. Some reasons it might be difficult are getting used to all the new traditions in the host country and having to spend a holiday away from family and friends. Cleophee Catron Rodriguez is a foreign exchange student from France who goes to Bonneville High School (BHS) for the 2025-2026. Rodriguez is set to go back home on the first of June after the school year ends. Afterwards, she mentioned how she will be working a lot, having recently turned 18. She stated how the biggest difference between France and America during the holiday season is the increase of variety in holidays. The biggest difference in holidays is that America celebrates Thanksgiving and France does not. It does go both ways between France and America, for instance France has All Saints day, which is similar to the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead. Another huge difference is the school system. Most schools in America get out of school at the same time while French schools can vary from ending at four PM to sometimes ending later than sixPM. Rodriguez mentioned how she had no major set plans for the holiday season, but plans on spending it with her friends and host family, her host family being her favorite thing about America so far. If she was still in France; however, she would be spending the holidays with her grandparents. France also does not focus nearly as much on Christmas day, rather they do most of the celebrations on Christmas Eve. Commonly, families in France will have a huge feast on Christmas eve, with Turkey Foie Gras and Oysters being the most common meals for this feast. It is then followed by a church ceremony before everyone goes to bed. The next day they will have another feast commonly consisting of the same foods as the night prior before opening gifts sent to them by “Père Noël,” also known as the Father of Christmas. After the gifts. the remainder of the day is spent conversing with loved ones before Christmas eventually comes to an end. Rodriguez will be staying in America for a decent while longer. She will remain at BHS until the school year ends which she will be doing her best to become fluent in English.
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Staff Writer
Maggie Arave Changing schools are all difficult processes, at Bonneville High School, we have two German students navigating and learning new languages. These students, Anna Meyer and Carolin Schaller, both returned to Germany at the end of November. Through their experiences, they offer a glimpse of the challenges and rewards of navigating life in a new country. When returning to Germany, Meyer and Schaller are planning the trip to be smooth and straight forward. Depending on the destination, a flight to Germany can take anywhere from 10-12 hours. Meyer stated that she had many travel experiences "in Germany in the mountains and at the beach.” Similarly, Schaller stated she went to the US in 2023 with her family “in Las Vegas, San Francisco, LA, and national parks and family vacations in Norway”. Both students have the travel experience to prepare when leaving or returning home. Drawing from these experiences, both said, “It was not really hard to say goodbye because it's a new life.” Meyer stated her travel was 14 hours and difficult but a helpful life lesson to learn. Travel, however, is only one of the many challenges these students will face during their return to Germany. While in America, both communicated that it was difficult to learn the slang and become accustomed to their new families. Both students stated they had trouble understanding certain words for example ‘neither’ and ‘either.’ These students have to learn how to understand and communicate while going through school and traveling. Meyer stated one of the major differences between Germany and the U.S is how people greet each other. Meyer gave examples saying when people ask “how are you?” in America, lots of times, “they do not want to know.” Another challenge is adjusting familiarity with a host family. Meyer stated she has “three little host kids and at home she just has her younger brother, although he's not that little anymore. He is 13.” Getting used to new siblings and new parents takes a while to become accustomed to. Adjusting to school is another challenge that these students faced. Schaller answered during an interview that she and her fellow students do not get credit for their grades here in America. Anna Meyer said that it is easier in Germany since it is her same language, and that “it was kind of complicated” to find her way into all these things. The difficulties in school can be related to the language barrier and other American concepts. Germany requires 16 subjects that include core classes such as Math, German, and English. German students are also required to take classes such as music, art, and French. All of these classes are required in the five day weeks in Germany. Overall Meyer and Carolin have overcome travel challenges, learning new languages and becoming accustomed to their host families. Grisel Gonzalez
Editor-in-Chief Meet Joe Pierson, a senior and foreign exchange student who traveled all the way from her home country Belgium to submerge herself in the American way at Bonneville High School. For Pierson, life in the U.S. up to now has been quite different from Belgium. She mentions that school here focuses more on school spirit and extracurricular activities while in Belgium academics are the main priority and remain more formal. Furthermore, Pierson states that people in the U.S. are much more friendly and open. Pierson has always been curious about other cultures, and she wanted to challenge herself by living in a completely different environment alone. Pierson chose the U.S. because she had heard plenty about American culture previously. At first, it was intimidating for Pierson to travel to a different country because of the new language, the classes, and the people; however, the support from Pierson’s parents tremendously alleviated her stress. While Pierson’s parents were nervous about her being so distant from home, they remained extremely supportive and encouraging because they knew it would be an unforgettable experience and opportunity for Pierson to grow, improve her English, and immerse herself in another culture. When she feels homesick, Pierson enjoys calling her Belgium-based family and friends to share updates about her life in America. Pierson also tries to stay busy with activities and reminds herself that being in the U.S. as a foreign exchange student is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Pierson speaks about the difficulties of understanding English and feeling shy and embarrassed to speak it. However, having to speak English to her host family and people at school has brought her out of her shell and helps her feel more confident. Thus far, this experience has made Pierson more independent and self-reliant. Pierson states, “Living so far from home has taught me how to manage daily life, make decisions on my own, and adapt to new situations.” Thus far, Pierson has gained vital life skills such as communication and language skills, while also developing a deeper knowledge and appreciation for cultural differences and global perspectives. Among all these enriching experiences, Pierson’s favorite memory in the U.S. so far was attending her first football game. She exclaims, “It was awesome, and I was so happy to see this side of this sport!” Pierson’s one lasting piece of advice for other students who are thinking about going through the foreign exchange student program is to be open, curious, and willing to step out of their comfort zone. It is the best occasion for discovering not only a new culture, but also themselves! Aaliyah Garcia
Staff Writer Meet Aya Lucia Baek Korsgaard, a foreign exchange student at Bonneville High School from Denmark. Korsgaard was originally planning to attend boarding school for a year; she was not ready to start college just yet, but her aunt completed a foreign exchange program and enjoyed it, so she encouraged Korsgaard to complete a year abroad. Korsgaard expressed that she is loving the U.S., and the biggest difference between the U.S. and Denmark is the people, “people here are much more outgoing; they want to talk to you, and they're really nice,” she notes. Although she loves meeting new people, Korsgaard admits that she misses her family and friends the most. The biggest challenge that she faces is being homesick; however, she overcomes this by talking to her mom while getting ready in the mornings. While Korsgaard misses home, she tries to do as much as she can in the U.S. Her favorite memory so far was going to the Idaho State Fair with her friends, “We don’t really have a fair at home, so it was fun to experience.” Korsgaard’s favorite thing about the US is the food: “It's so sugary, and I love it.” Guilty of having a sweet tooth, Korsgaard did admit that her favorite food in the U.S. is actually ranch dressing. She explains, “we do not have ranch at home, so I put [it] in everything; it’s an unhealthy obsession.” Korsgaard explains that before going back to Denmark she would like to, “go to like prom and all that stuff because we don't have school parties at home.” She also hopes to drive a car since the legal driving age in Denmark is 18. Korsgaard adds that in Denmark, people typically travel by bus or bike rather than by car. She often bikes to school here as well, since it's what she's accustomed to back home. A piece of advice Korsgaard would give students who want to participate in the foreign exchange program is to “just try and do as many things as you can, and it's really hard from the start but it will get better.” Through her time as a foreign exchange student, Korsgaard is able to make new connections and learn lessons that will stay with her forever. Berkley Pope
Staff Writer For students who are eager to change the world in the fields of science, technology, energy, and more, the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) offers more than just a glimpse into its cutting edge innovation. From internships and apprenticeships to full-time positions, INL provides an array of opportunities for students who want to gain significant work experience and develop valuable skills. At INL, students not only learn about science, they move through programs that are designed to help high school and other undergraduate students thrive. INL offers hands-on experience in fields ranging from nuclear engineering to cybersecurity and environmental science. Lynn Pope, a cybersecurity project manager for the lab, explains that “interns gain practical experience by working on real projects, using advanced research facilities, and collaborating with experienced professionals.” What truly sets INL apart is the rare chance it provides students to work alongside world-class scientists on projects that are changing and benefiting everyday lives. Regardless of what areas they are working in, students are treated as a part of the team. INL is not only an environment that challenges students academically, but it additionally inspires them to pursue their future in STEM. For many students, working at INL is much more than just a summer job, it is the beginning of a career. With a strong focus on mentorship, professional development, and networking, INL provides students with ways to build the skills and connections they need to succeed in the competitive job market. The lab’s partnerships with universities and industry leaders create opportunities that extend well beyond just the internship period. Some of the partnerships include the University of Tennessee and the University of Michigan, as well as working closely with government officials. As the world faces increasingly complex challenges in energy, security, and sustainability, the need for skilled, passionate professionals has never been greater. Pope elaborates: “INL is poised for growth in areas like advanced nuclear technologies, renewable energy, and cybersecurity.” As well as stating that “students are an integral part to this vision.” INL is helping prepare the next generation to meet that demand by offering experience, as well as a sense of purpose and possibility. Whether or not students go on to work in national labs, INL opportunities for students provide them with the confidence and skills needed to shape the future. 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. Linken Newman
Staff Writer Mrs. Bonnie Bair is one of the Spanish and French teachers at Bonneville High School. She obtained her degree in Spanish education at BYUI. She has taught at Bonneville twice, for two years, then returned to Bonneville after a brief hiatus as an adjunct professor at BYUI. Bair decided to become a teacher because “[she] knew [she] was going to have to be in a career path where [she] can be social, me being an extrovert this was a requirement.” Bair currently teaches study skills, French, and Spanish.After being asked what her favorite part of teaching is, she stated, “I really like whenever the lightbulb goes on.” She enjoys seeing students understand the material and find joy in learning. Bair encourages excellent behavior in her classroom in a variety ways, such as showing clean language, being polite, participating in the activities, and encouraging others. Outside of the classroom, Bair is known for her efforts in Miss Bonneville and Culture & Dance Club, where the group explores a variety of cultures. Miss Bonneville takes place annually, but Bair decided to take a break from Culture & Dance this year to focus on her other classes. As far as classroom pet peeves, Bair dislikes it when students show minimal effort or disrespect their peers. To ensure her students receive the best education possible, it is not uncommon for Bair to spend several hours planning and grading each week. To keep her students excited about learning, she designs lessons based on what interests them. She’s also known for taking learning outside by having students use sidewalk chalk to write Spanish and French words around the school.When asked to describe her teaching style, she stated, “I like to have a lot of fun and play games.” She has done this for most of her teaching career, having similar teaching styles for all of her classes. Bair always tries her best to be the best teacher she can for Bonneville and plans to keep up the hard work! Natalia Vega
Staff Writer Jason Coles has been an art teacher at Bonneville High School for nine years now, he became a teacher in 1995 after graduating with a degree in Art Education from Boise State University. Outside of teaching, he enjoys selling some of his art pieces as a way to earn extra income. One way Coles likes to stay updated on the current trends in the market is by furthering his education, and researching business strategies. Selling his art has influenced Coles' artistic process and style, as his current work is largely shaped by what has sold in the past. A memorable experience for Coles was when he had a painting of cows hanging in his classroom. A safety inspector passing through the building admired it, asked about the price, and ultimately decided to buy it. Coles’ father, who was a teacher himself, inspired Coles to pursue a similar path—only with art instead of photography. Even though Cole enjoys selling his art on the side, his number one priority is teaching. Coles’ works in some shows, and he paints frequently during the summer break. Coles advises students interested in starting their own art-related businesses that showing artwork in galleries has a success rate comparable to that of a professional artist making a living from their work; however, people can use their talents and skills if they were to go to an excellent school that teaches art. According to Coles, an artist’s success depends on 10% talent and 90% work. To be successful, people have to be willing to put in the time and effort that it takes. Coles has had seven exhibitions since 2007. His latest exhibition was in 2018 at the Art Museum of Eastern Idaho. Coles’ enjoys painting and selling his art because they show emotion or stories without any words being spoken. Grisel Gonzalez
Assistant Editor Meet Endika Llano Arrabal, who has temporarily left his home country Bilbao, Spain to submerge himself in the American way of life as a foreign exchange student in Idaho Falls at Bonneville High School (BHS). Endika starts by mentioning a friend who had previously come to stay in Texas with the foreign exchange student program, and he prompted and motivated Endika to come pay the United States a visit as well. Along with his friend, his parents were a major factor in his decision to come to the U.S.; Endika mentions that “they were the ones that motivated [him] to come here.” On the topic of his parents, Endika shares that the biggest challenge he has faced thus far is having to face all his problems alone without the in-person support from his parents. Despite the challenges, Endika’s favorite memory in the U.S. was attending an NBA game between the Utah Jazz and the Golden State Warriors. Endika states that if he could experience anything else before he leaves, he would want to attend another NBA game because of how much he enjoyed the last one. Regarding the differences between his home country, Spain, and the U.S., Endika mentions that the language barrier has been the hardest to adjust to. Endika shares that he has been learning English since he was four years old; however, inconsistent practice made it challenging to perfect the accents and pronunciation. Endika talks about the differences in the schooling systems and states, “I like this one better because it’s easier and you guys have more freedom. In Spain you cannot choose your classes.” Besides the differences within countries, Endika goes into depth about how incredible his host parents here in America are. He mentions how he loves that his host family is just sitting around, and they are taking him out to do new activities and see new sights. Lastly, Endika’s piece of advice to other students contemplating going through the foreign exchange student program is that it can be harder than they may have anticipated, the whole journey and experience makes it worthwhile! Aaliyah Garcia Staff Writer Mrs. Hayes, an English teacher at Bonneville High School, had the chance to travel to South Korea, and the Philippines to discover different cultures. Hayes' trip was planned with her husband and travel buddies' experiences in mind. Hayes’ husband "went on a mission for [his] church in Korea, so [they] wanted to visit the places he lived while [they] were so close.” Dan and Darcy, their travel buddies, flew from the Philippines to Korea to go sightseeing and celebrate New Year's Eve with Hayes and her husband. Hayes mentioned that she did not bring her kids with her because plane tickets can be expensive, especially to travel that far. One of the biggest challenges Hayes faced while traveling was the two days it took flying there and back. This caused her and her husband to be extremely jet lagged and unbearably stiff; she could barely walk when they arrived in Korea. She mentioned that she went to sleep upon arriving but then woke up wide awake at 3:00 a.m. It took her a few days to adjust and stop waking up at that hour. She added, "It was my first time experiencing jet lag!" Luckily, Hayes only experienced that for a couple of days. Her favorite part of Korea was eating at the street food markets and seeing the changing of the guards at the palace. Her favorite part of the Philippines was the heat. Hayes’ stated, “It was wintery cold in Korea, but four hours south on a plane brought us to 85 degree days in the Philippines. It was so green and warm.” One memorable part from her trip was going on a boat tour around an active volcano in the Philippines. Hayes noted that she mostly traveled around Korea by subway or bus, which were busy but not uncomfortably crowded. In the Philippines, Hayes took a Filipino version of an Uber to her friends' house, and then took their car everywhere else. As well as traveling through different versions of Ubers, Hayes’ also tasted some extraordinary food while in Korea. Hayes' favorite Korean foods included the dragon's beard, glass sugar strawberries, and the fish-shaped waffles filled with custard. She also expressed that in Korea she visited Buddhist temples, hiked a cliffside lighthouse, explored a giant library, and went on a harbor cruise. While in the Philippines, she ate the local food, swam at the pool, rode a boat around a volcano, and spent a lot of time in close traffic. For souvenirs Hayes expressed that her family “always get a magnet for the fridge and a trinket for the bathroom shelf from every place [they] travel to.” She also brought back things to share with her kids such as bags, money pouches, and chocolate balut from the Philippines.” Hayes’ explained that the most memorable experience throughout her trip was “seeing one of [her] husband's friends that he met in Korea 24 years ago.” The friend lives in the Philippines now. She and her husband run a Korean barbecue restaurant, and it was the best Korean food Hayes’ had on her whole trip. Hayes observed that the traffic was crazy, and there were no stop signs or stop lights, making it dangerous, but people made it work over safely. A memorable trip to Japan is a dream for many people, and Mrs. Hayes had the opportunity to live it! Hayes exclaimed that she loved her trip and would do it again someday.
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