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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.
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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. 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. Ashlynn Morgan
Staff Writer The Duolingo owl was killed on February 11, 2025, when he was run over by a Cybertruck. When the official Duolingo Instagram announced his untimely death, they stated, “It is with heavy hearts that we inform you that Duo, formally known as the Duolingo Owl, is dead.” On February 12th, Webtoon posted that they found out their ex passed away. Webtoon is a comic app for people to upload and share comics with people, and they had a past dating Duo. They were devastated with the news and stated that “[they] should [have] studied harder for [him]...” before it was too late. Wattpad, Webtoon’s current partner, was unhappy when they found Webtoon missing their deceased ex. Scrubdaddy, Duo's current partner, was crushed when they found out that the beloved owl had passed. On February 12th, after discovering what murdered their partner, they posted "not the Cybertruck" and said they were going to be sick. Scrubdaddy and Duo allegedly have children together. If the alleged rumors are true, Scrubdaddy and Duo have a baby together, leaving Scrubdaddy a single daddy. On February 13th, the official Duolingo Instagram posted once again, announcing that every character working at Duolingo had died with the hashtag #RipEveryone. According to the post, Falstaff was murdered by illegal hunting, Zari died by no bidet, and Lily died due to a sincere hug by a cute child. Co-founder and CEO Louis von Ahn, also known as “Duo’s Daddy” stated that Duo answered his one question: “Spanish or Vanish?” Commenting on the passing of the beloved Duolingo characters, Duo's Daddy stated, “it[is] our turn to stand together to continue his legacy.” With the gorgeous, tall, and green owl no longer around, he can no longer threaten to kidnap people's families if they fail to complete their lessons. On February 24, 2025, the official Duolingo Instagram posted a concerning question: “You think [he would] let a Cybertruck take [him] out?” All in all, Duo's death was all a hoax, leaving the world protected by his infinite wisdom once more. As for the other characters, there has been no word of their condition or whereabouts. There has not been any further update on Duo, he has just returned to his mundane life as a language owl. Berkley Pope
Staff Writer For the past years, the Bonneville Boys Basketball Team has struggled to find success. With a 11-56 record from the past three seasons, the team faced loss after loss. However, the 2024-2025 season sparked a change for this team. Although the Bee’s secured a spot in the 5A state tournament for the first time since the 2016-2017 season, the team's journey to state was riddled with obstacles. The team began the season with many doubts surrounding them due to past failures, however a newfound determination and resilience helped push them to one of their most successful seasons in years. Through grit, teamwork, and standout performances, the Bees overcame adversity and surprised their district opponents. Heading into districts, the Bees had something to prove; they knew this was their chance to change the story. Game after game, they battled, pulling off big wins that put them on the map. By the time the district tournament came around, they were playing their best basketball of the season, catching teams off guard and proving they were not the same Bonneville squad people had written off before. “No one really picked us to do well in districts, let alone make it to state, so it feels good to prove people wrong,” senior Keaton Trane explains. As the final buzzer sounded in the district tournament, confirming Bonneville’s state tournament bid, emotions ran high. For the seniors, it was the culmination of years of dedication and perseverance. For the underclassmen, it was proof that Bonneville basketball was heading in the right direction. A major factor in their success was the overwhelming support from their school and community. Senior Kayden Carson expressed his appreciation for the BHS community stating “First, I would like to thank the students, teachers, and community members that came to support us …Having that support really gave us an extra boost.” Bonneville’s student section, known for its energy and enthusiasm, showed up in full force, creating an electric atmosphere at games. The Bees started off the state tournament on a high note, upsetting the number four seed Middleton, and advancing to the second round. Unfortunately the team was then knocked out by the number one seed Preston. The boys fought hard throughout the game, but ultimately could not pull off a win, losing 55-74 to the now state champions. Junior Kade Littlewood expressed “We had a great season, and I’m looking forward to getting back to it next season,” With confidence at an all-time high and a season of hard work behind them, Bonneville basketball is on the rise. As they prepare for their state tournament and the coming seasons, one thing is clear—the Bees are not just here to compete. They are here to make a statement. |
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