Eyes and ears of Bonneville School District 93 join together

The Hope Squad members from around Bonneville Joint School District 93 met at Bonneville High School Friday.

The Hope Squad is a group of students that are trained to look for at-risk students. They learn tools for recognizing signs of suicidal thoughts and handling bullying.

The districtwide Hope Squad Conference was a way for students to share ideas and get to know other members.

“The day today is a celebration,” said Dr. Greg Hudnall. “It’s a celebration of the difference that they’re making. It is also an opportunity to bring students together so they know that they are not the only ones. ‘So now I’m in a room full of 150 kids versus in a room by myself, where I feel like I’m the only one making a difference.’ It really is a fun celebration to have everybody together.”

The Hope Squad has been part of Bonneville Joint School District 93 for two years. It originated in Utah 15 years ago.

Hudnall said that Bonneville Joint School District 93 helped bring the Hope Squad to the state of Idaho.