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POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Every year, Idaho State University hosts students from across all programs and disciplines to present their research. This includes undergraduate and graduate students, who are judged on their posters and presentations by faculty members.

This event gives students the opportunity and experience of presenting research to those outside their field of work. Associate Dean of the Graduate School Tracy Collum said students from both the Pocatello and Meridian campuses participate. She also said this was the largest number of participants in the 12 years of the symposium, with around 250 students. Organizers had to split the group into several sessions to accommodate.

“It gives them a sense of what a professional conference can look like, and they’re able to present in a way that they haven’t been able to probably in class or with colleagues,” said Collum. “It just gives them a wider immersive experience to put on their resume, especially if they win. But also it gives them a very good experience to provide information to another audience that might be outside their discipline, to be able to provide information about their research and the work that they’ve been doing.”

Students presented research of all kinds, from the tiniest cell biology to major patient rehab in physical therapy.

One student, Sydney Walsh, showcased her case study from a patient in physical therapy with fear avoidance in treatment. She said this case from her clinical rotation in South Carolina stuck with her and is going to help her in the future.

“I think what I’ve learned from this the most is to have patience with the patients. And to treat the individual themselves not just the injury using a bio psychosocial appraoch,” Walsh said.

The projects the students have worked on are helping them further their knowledge and skills for the workforce. The winners of each session got cash prizes. Collum said the event has more than just the student presentations.

“We also have the keynote speaker each year. This year we have doctor Dr. Devaleena Prada, who’s from the biology department, and she is giving a talk about soaring into the light for research,” she said.

The presenting students also enjoy a luncheon prior to the event. Community members and fellow students stopped by to see the packed student union building ballroom all afternoon.

For many of the student presenters, it wasn’t just about the experience of a professional conference, it was about passing along their passion for the projects.

“I think fear avoidance It’s it’s really important to talk about, lots of our patients experience it,” said Walsh. “I think this is really important to discuss. And this was a case that really stuck with me when I was on my first rotation, so i just really wanted to share.”

For details on this year’s winning presenters, see the Idaho State University Graduate School Instagram page.

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Nearly 1,000 students sang out with pride to honor the 250th anniversary of the United States in a “Patriotic Program” tonight at Skyline High School.

“This is a tradition we’ve had in Idaho Falls for almost 50 years now, and we’ve had fifth graders all in the district all come together and sing patriotic songs together for one night,” said Music Director Jennifer Korenke-Stanger.

Fifth graders from across Idaho Falls School District 91 united singing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “God the USA,” “Here We Have Idaho,” and “My Shot” from Hamilton, along with eight other patriotic favorites.

“It has so much feeling to me, and it makes me have a lot of feelings about America and why it’s so special,” said singer Ivy Hillam.

The production is one of district’s largest events, with parents, family members and friends filling the gym in support.

“I’m here to sing for America and for the program,” said performer Mya Mayes.

The students paid honor to those who have served in the U.S. Armed Services, performing a “Armed Forces Medley” as veterans stood up during the song from their respective branches.

“I’m excited for the Armed Services when all the people who served stand up,” said fifth grader Choya Evans.

The performers sang out the words of the Declaration of Independence, along with crowd-favorite “50 Nifty United States,” proudly proclaiming, “Idaho is the best!”

“I have always wanted to be a singer, so it’s really helped when my school has things like this, because I really want to be a singer when I grow up,” said performer Gwendolynne Bradley.

Superintendent Karla LaOrange said the tradition is now estimated to be in its 45th year.

“I appreciate that we are able to do so many things … and we’re free,” said fifth grader Zoe Fraisse.

Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) – With spring break just around the corner, parents in Idaho Falls who are still searching for activities to keep their kids engaged have a new option—but spots are filling quickly.

The Idaho Falls Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a three-day Spring Break Adventure Camp for children ages 8 to 13, offering a mix of hands-on learning and physical activity throughout the week.

Each day of the camp features a different experience across the city. Campers will spend one day at the Idaho Falls Zoo, where they’ll take part in interactive animal encounters. Another day will take place at the Idaho Falls Aquatic Center, focusing on swim skills and water safety. The final day will be held at the Idaho Falls Recreation Center, featuring games and sports.

Organizers say the camp is designed to blend education with fun, while also giving kids a chance to stay active and social during their time off from school. Aquatic Center Supervisor Ashely Johnson says the collaboration between facilities makes this a unique opportunity for participants.

“We are looking forward to this brand-new program, because it’s entirely new and it’s a collaboration throughout the city,” Johnson says. “Everybody will get a little taste of everything that parks and recs have to offer.”

The camp runs March 24 through March 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. However, space is limited—only a handful of slots remain out of 30 slots.

The cost is $157 for city residents and $172 for non-residents, with a small discount available for zoo members.

Registration must be completed either online or in person, and organizers encourage families to sign up as soon as possible before the remaining spots are filled.