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CCR Newsletter 10/17/2025

Posted Date: 10/17/25 (8:00 AM)

KHS CCR Logo

Kaveman Compass

Helping You Navigate Your Future

A banner featuring candy corn with the date October 17, 2025.
 

From the Career Center

FOR SENIORS

Don’t miss this section! It’s packed with helpful resources, exciting events, and tools to support you every step of the way!

Idaho College Application Process

  1. Apply to Idaho colleges through Apply Idaho – one easy, free application.
  2. Apply for the Idaho LAUNCH Grant through Scholarship Idaho – free and quick. First-round deadline: November 30; offers begin December 1. Don’t miss the first round!
  3. Request your transcripts through Parchment – send transcripts to the colleges you applied to. High school students get 5 free transcripts.
  4. Submit your FAFSA at studentaid.gov. – both student and parent must complete the application.
Smiling young people look towards the future, with text promoting Idaho colleges.
The words 'NEXT STEPS' in white text on an orange background.

Important Resources for Idaho Families

Helpful Links for Parents:
  • Parent Playbook – A guide to help families navigate the next steps: Download
  • 2025–2026 Facts-At-A-Glance Worksheet – Quick reference for Idaho colleges: Download
  • Idaho LAUNCH In-Demand Careers – See career opportunities tied to the LAUNCH program: View List
  • LAUNCH Checklists – All LAUNCH materials in one spot: Download

Important Information for Valedictorian and Salutatorian Consideration

At Kuna High School, we do not always receive all necessary information from colleges and testing boards. To ensure fairness and accuracy, students are required to collect and submit all relevant documentation to be considered for Valedictorian or Salutatorian.

  • Rubric: Please note that CTE diplomas and certifications are no longer included in the rubric, as this information is not available until after Valedictorian and Salutatorian calculations are completed. No other changes have been made to the rubric. The only difference is that students are now responsible for submitting complete documentation, which helps fill in gaps and ensures a more accurate evaluation process.

  • Deadline: Completed documentation packets must be submitted by March 1 of the graduation year. Only materials submitted by this date will be considered.

Documentation Packet: The packet and instructions can be found HERE.

⚠️ Important: This is not an application process. It is a way to ensure we have all necessary information to accurately evaluate each student.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us make this process as fair and accurate as possible.
Image features a stylized tiger head with the words 'Valedictorian' and 'Salutatorian'.
A group of students in red shirts smile for the camera, promoting LC State.

Lewis-Clark State College Discovery Day

LCSC’s Discovery Day is the fall preview event for high school juniors and seniors. Students can choose from two dates: Friday, November 7 or Saturday, November 15.

At Discovery Day, students can:
  • Meet fellow future Warriors
  • Talk with professors
  • Explore campus
  • Learn more about programs you’re interested in
  • Discover everything LC State has to offer!
  • Register online: www.lcsc.edu/visit/events/discovery-day

*This is not a Kuna High School–sponsored event. Students are responsible for their own transportation, registration, and any costs associated with attending this event.
A group of people in orange and blue attire jump and celebrate at a stadium event.

Bronco Day

Boise State University is opening its campus for Bronco Day!

When: Sat., NOV 8, 2025 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Where: Boise State University, 1910 University Dr, Boise, ID 83725


What to Expect:
✅ Check-in at the Rec Center, then head to the Student Union Building to get the inside scoop on academics and student life
✅ Meet current students and professors and interact with student clubs and organizations at our academics and opportunity fairs
✅ Explore our beautiful campus, residence halls, and more
One-of-a-kind photo opportunities on our famous Blue Turf at Albertsons Stadium
✅ Enjoy appearances from the Bronco Marching Band and Spirit Squad to get you in the Bronco spirit


*This is not a Kuna High School–sponsored event. Students are responsible for their own transportation, registration, and any costs associated with attending this event.
A group of students pose with large red letters spelling out 'INU' in front of a brick building.

NNU Friday – Experience Life as a Nighthawk!

When: Fri, Nov 7, 2025 | 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM (MST)
Where: Howard & Mary Conrad Student Commons
623 S University Blvd, Nampa, ID 83686

Students (and parents!) are invited to join NNU Friday, a large group visit day to see what it’s like to be a Nighthawk!

What to expect:
  • Campus chapel
  • Guided campus tour
  • Lunch in the cafeteria
  • Fun activities and more

Parents are welcome to attend, or students can come on their own. Plan to arrive just before 9:30 AM to get started!

Come explore, learn, and experience NNU firsthand!

The Utah Valley University logo features a green cougar head above the university name.

Utah Valley University – Virtual Application Nights!

Utah Valley University is excited to support students as they begin their college journey!

🌟 Join one of our Virtual Application Nights:
🗓️ Monday, Nov. 3 – 6:00 PM (MST)
🗓️ Thursday, Nov. 6 – 6:00 PM (MST)
🗓️ Saturday, Nov. 8 – 11:00 AM (MST)

These sessions are open to all out-of-region schools and are a great chance to get live help completing your UVU application.

🎁 Bonus: Request a free swag package filled with materials and information your students can use during the event!

We appreciate all you do to support your students and want to make sure they have access to the resources they need.

Questions? Contact Kym Anderson, UVU Admissions Counselor, at kym.anderson@uvu.edu
or (801) 863-7893.

Go Wolverines!
The BYU logo features a white 'Y' inside a blue oval.

BYU Admission Tips & Transfer Credits

Application Deadlines:
For spring, summer, and fall 2026:
  • Priority Deadline: November 3, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (MST)
  • Extra consideration in the Admissions process
  • Better chance at securing preferred on-campus housing
  • Final Deadline: December 15, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (MST)
  • No extensions will be granted, so please help your students submit their applications on time.

How Do Credits Transfer to BYU?
Many students may wonder how their college-level high school credits will transfer to BYU. Specific information on AP/IB classes, as well as concurrent/dual enrollment transferability, can be found at the links below:

How are BYU Admission Decisions Made?
There is no “secret formula” for admission to BYU! All applications undergo a holistic review, meaning every aspect of the application is reviewed and considered. A student’s application, including essays, should demonstrate alignment with the Aims of a BYU Education.
For more detailed information please contact: admissions@mailing.byu.edu

The WICHE logo features a mountain range and the organization's name in blue.

Save on Out of State College with WUE!

Rising juniors and seniors: the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) lets eligible students from participating Western states pay no more than 150% of in-state tuition at 170 public colleges—opening more out-of-state options at lower costs!

Check out these free tools:
Learn more and access resources at wiche.edu/wue

 

Kaveman Spotlight

Our Kaveman Spotlight shares stories, advice, and tips from current students and alumni to inspire Kavemen as they explore college, careers, and life after high school. If you know an alumni to spotlight please have them email abauer@kunaschools.org.
A graduate in a blue gown sits on a brick wall in front of a university building.

Samuel Simper, Class of 2017

Current Role: Sales Manager at Performance Insulation & Energy Services
Samuel Simper’s journey into his current career combines a mix of planning, flexibility, and seizing opportunities. His interest in finance was sparked during his Ag Business class with Mr. Blackstock at KHS, inspiring him to earn a BBA in Finance from Boise State University. While attending college, Samuel worked installing insulation for a local company—a temporary job that helped pay for school but unexpectedly set him on a long-term career path.

After graduation, Samuel initially pursued finance roles in Portland. To ease his transition, he took a short-term insulation sales job, which quickly turned into a lasting opportunity. Over the next five years, he earned two promotions and found fulfillment in his work. Samuel highlights the balance of office and field work, the family-owned company environment, and the ability to manage his own schedule as some of the most rewarding aspects of his career.

Advice for Students:
Samuel emphasizes the importance of understanding opportunity costs and sunk costs. For example, he carefully weighed the decision to pursue a master’s degree versus continuing his career, focusing on future benefits rather than past investments. He encourages students to evaluate each choice based on personal value, not outside opinion, and to embrace informed decision-making throughout life.

Skills That Led to Success:
Time management, disciplined decision-making, and the habit of assessing opportunity and sunk costs have been key to Samuel’s achievements. These skills allowed him to graduate college at age 20, manage projects, and grow in his career.

Favorite KHS Memories:
Samuel loved participating in sports and FFA, and he fondly remembers winning the first high individual award in the State of Idaho for Farm Business Management—an accomplishment that inspired his education and career path.

Hobbies & Interests:
Outside of work, Samuel enjoys reading, writing, golfing, spending time with his wife and family, and watching sports.

Motto:
"Not for ourselves alone are we born." – Tullius Cicero
 

Events & Opportunites

The College of Western Idaho logo features the letters CWI in a teal square.

Spring CWI Dual Credit Course Registration

This information is ONLY for students taking classes directly through the College of Western Idaho (CWI)not for students enrolled in CWI classes offered at Kuna High School with KHS teachers.

Registration Opens: November 3, 2025. Seats fill up quickly, so please plan ahead!

✅ Steps to Register
  1. Complete the attached CWI registration packet.
  2. Return it to Ms. Bauer as soon as possible so she can review, sign, and submit it for you.
  3. Keep an eye out for an email on November 3 — it will include a reminder and link to help you claim one of the limited seats available.

📘 Find Available Courses
You can view CWI’s course options and section numbers in the CWI Course Catalogue (be sure you are selecting an ONLINE option only.

 For OtterBound (Associate Degree-Seeking) Students
Before registering, please connect with your CWI Academic Advisor to confirm you’re enrolling in the correct courses.

Advisors:
Natasha Scott (Last Names A–M)
208.562.3268
natashascott1@cwi.edu

Emily Thomas (Last Names N–Z)
208.562.3176
emilythomas@cwi.edu

For Core Certification (formerly Gen Ed) Students
Talon Smith
208.562.2252
talonsmith@cwi.edu

An announcement for the Military Child of the Year Awards, with the Operation Homefront logo.

Military Child of the Year® Awards – Nominations Now Open!

Operation Homefront is now accepting nominations for the 18th Annual Military Child of the Year® Awards!

These awards honor military-connected children (ages 13–18) for their resilience, leadership, and service to others.

Seven recipients—one from each branch of the military—will receive:
💰 $10,000 cash award
💻 A laptop
✈️ A 3-day trip to Washington, D.C. with their families
🎁 Additional gifts and recognition

Anyone can nominate a deserving military child—teachers, friends, family members, or even the kids themselves!

Eligible nominees include children from Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard, Gold Star, and retired military families.

🗓️ Nominations are open now through December 2, 2025.

💡 The program is completely free and exclusive to military children.


Thank you for helping celebrate the incredible strength and spirit of our military families!
Promotional poster for Model United Nations at Boise State University, with event details and benefits.

High School Model UN Returns to Boise State!

Get ready to step into the world of global diplomacy! The High School Model UN is back at Boise State, giving students and chaperones the chance to explore international politics, debate real-world issues, and experience campus life.

Early Bird Registration: September 15 – October 31, 2025

Rates increase after October 31, so register early to secure your spot!

🔗 Register and learn more: Boise State Model UN

Questions? Contact Hannah Wynn at hannahwynn@boisestate.edu or the Frank Church Institute at frankchurchinstitute@boisestate.edu.
 
A group of people pose for a photo in a government building, with 'In God We Trust' visible.

Idaho House of Representatives Page Program – High School Seniors

High school seniors, here’s an exciting opportunity to get a firsthand look at the legislative process! The Idaho House of Representatives Page Program allows students to serve as Pages, learning about government, observing lawmakers, and gaining valuable experience in public service.

Application Deadline: November 24, 2025

Learn more & apply:
  • House Legislative Page Program Webpage
  • Page Endorsement Application

Don’t miss your chance to be part of Idaho’s legislative process this year!

 

Previously Shared Events & Opportunities


On Going Opportunities

Financial Aid & Scholarships

KHS Scholarships

Kuna Scholarships

Scholarships will open in February and are due by March 1.

These scholarships are exclusively for Kuna High School students and will be awarded in May during Senior Awards Night.
  • Matthew Scanlon Memorial Scholarship
  • Dual Language Scholarship
  • E.P.I.C Scholarship
  • Financial Responsibility Scholarship
  • Stephen Newton Memorial Scholarship
  • Zane Newman Special Education Memorial Scholarship
NSI Scholarship Discovery Center

NSI Scholarship Discovery Center

  • Closing Soon
  • Idaho Scholarships
  • Scholarship Idaho
  • 2-Year College Scholarships
  • 4-Year College Scholarships
  • Career Technical Scholarships
  • And more!
StudentScholarships.org
The VFW logo features bold red letters and the words 'Voice of Democracy'.

Voice of Democracy Scholarship Program

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) invites students in grades 9–12 to enter the 2025 Voice of Democracy contest for a chance to earn scholarships and prizes at the local, state, and national level — with over $2 million awarded annually!

🗣️ This Year’s Theme:
“How Are You Showing Patriotism And Support For Our Country?”

🎓 What to Do:
  • Write and record a 3–5 minute audio essay (in your own voice).
  • Submit your audio recording, typed essay, and entry form to your local VFW Post.
  • Essays must be original and anonymous (no personal identifiers).

📅 Deadline: October 31, 2025
📍 Where to Submit: Kuna VFW, P.O. Box 84, Kuna, ID 83634-3441

📧 Questions? Email: youthscholarships@vfw.org or call the local office (208) 891-7707.


Image promoting the 27th Annual Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards, featuring a graduate and educational symbols.

Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards – Apply Now!

The 27th Annual Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards are now open! Students in the Class of 2026 have the chance to earn educational grants up to $4,000.

Deadline: November 2, 2025

Award Categories: Community Service, Engineering, Green Sustainability, Technology, and more. Check the full list at www.HHFYouthAwards.com
.
Eligibility:
  • High school students graduating in Spring 2026
  • Minimum GPA: 3.0 unweighted (4.0 scale) or 7.5 (10.0 scale)
  • Plan to enroll at an accredited higher education institution in 2026–2027
  • Attend the virtual ceremony if selected

Applicants and recipients join HHF’s network of 300,000+ professionals and enter a leadership pipeline shaping America’s classrooms and workforce.


Questions? Contact YouthAwards@hispanicheritage.org

The Elks National Foundation logo features a white elk head on a burgundy square.

Elks Most Valuable Student Award

Ranging from $1,000 per year to $7,500 per year, Most Valuable Student scholarships are for students pursuing a four-year degree, on a full-time basis (minimum of 12 semester hours), in a U.S. college or university.

All scholarships are in the form of certificates of award conditional upon the full-time enrollment of the winner in an accredited U.S. college or university.


Deadline: Nov. 12
The Taco Bell Foundation logo with 'Live Más Scholarship' text.

Taco Bell Live Más Scholarship – Now Open!

The Taco Bell Foundation is awarding over $10 million in scholarships to students who are pursuing their passions — no grades, essays, or test scores required!

Instead, applicants submit a 2-minute video sharing their dreams, goals, and how they plan to make a difference in their community or career path.

Who Can Apply:
✅ Ages 16–26
✅ U.S. residents
✅ Planning to enroll (or currently enrolled) in an accredited postsecondary program (college, university, or trade school)

💰 Awards range from $5,000–$25,000!
📅 Deadline: January 6, 2026

This is an incredible opportunity for students to get creative and share their passion — not just their GPA!

👉 Learn more and apply here: www.LiveMasScholarship.com

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation logo, featuring text and a stylized arrow.

Jack Kent Cooke

The Cooke College Scholarship Program is an undergraduate scholarship program available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend and graduate from the nation's top four-year colleges and universities.


Deadline: Nov. 14
An infographic shows a bar graph with stick figures building towards a better future.

Build a Better Future Scholarship

Scholarship Opportunity Alert for Seniors!!

Attention Parents & Guardians of 2026 Graduates—here’s an exciting opportunity you don’t want your senior to miss!

Honors Graduation’s “Build A Better Future” Scholarship is now open!
  • What’s at stake? Five graduating high school seniors will each earn a $10,000 tuition scholarship, and one outstanding project will be awarded an additional $5,000 grant to help continue their community improvement initiative
  • Who’s eligible? Any high school senior headed to an accredited U.S. college, university, or trade school—no citizenship requirements, and all are welcome to apply
  • What’s the project? Applicants are invited to design and carry out a community improvement project guided by the “LAUNCH Cycle” design thinking framework

Important Dates to Remember:
  • Optional Strategy Plan Deadline for feedback: March 9, 2026
  • Final Application Due: April 13, 2026 at 11:59 PM Mountain Time
  • Winner Notification: Awardees will be notified by May 1, 2026, and funds will be sent directly to their school.

For more informaton and to start your project visit the Build a Better Future website.

The Idaho Army National Guard logo features a mountain silhouette and text.

Graduate Debt-Free with the Idaho Army National Guard!

Looking for ways to pay for college and gain valuable experience? The Idaho Army National Guard can help you do both!

Tuition Assistance & Scholarships — Up to $20,000 toward your education
Monthly Pay — Earn $350+ while serving
Commitment — Only 2 days a month and 2 weeks in the summer
Full-Time Student — The rest of the time, focus on your studies—without student debt!
Interested?

📞 Contact SSG Michael Torres at 208-576-0535 (text or call)

💬 Take the ASVAB on Oct. 29, 2025 - sign up here.

It’s a smart way to build your future, gain experience, and graduate debt-free!

 

Grade Level Career Plans

The words 'NEXT STEPS IDAHO' are displayed in white text on an orange background.

Next Steps Idaho

Next Step Idaho is a one-stop resource for students and families exploring life after high school. From career exploration and college planning to financial aid and scholarships, the site offers tools, guides, and information to help students make informed decisions and take actionable steps toward their future. Regularly visiting Next Step Idaho ensures families stay up-to-date on opportunities, deadlines, and resources to support postsecondary success.

Create Your NSI Account


When creating your account, do NOT use the single sign-on option.
  • Use a personal email to create your account.
  • Use your school email only as the backup email.

12th Grade Career Portfolio

NSI Navigation – Idaho LAUNCH Career Pathway Plan
  1. Log in to NSI
  2. Click the green person icon at the top
  3. Select My Dashboard
  4. Click My Pathway Bundles
  5. Choose 12th Grade
  6. Open Idaho LAUNCH Career Pathway Plan Bundle
  7. Complete the Work Values Assessment & Reflection
  8. Save your work to the Pathway Plan Portfolio in NSI
12th Grade To Do Checklist

11th Grade Career Portfolio

NSI Navigation
  1. Log in to NSI
  2. Click the green person icon at the top
  3. Select My Dashboard
  4. Click My Pathway Bundles
  5. Choose 11th Grade
  6. Open 11th Grade Pathway Plan Activities
  7. Complete the Interests and Career Development Pre-Reflection
  8. Save your work to the Pathway Plan Portfolio in NSI
11th Grade To-Do Checklist

10th Grade Career Portfolio

NSI Navigation – Idaho LAUNCH Career Pathway Plan
  1. Log in to NSI
  2. Click the green person icon at the top
  3. Select My Dashboard
  4. Click My Pathway Bundles
  5. Choose 10th Grade
  6. Open 10th Grade Pathway Plan Activities
  7. Complete the Khan Academy actvity
  8. Save your work to the Pathway Plan Portfolio in NSI

10th Grade To-Do Check List

9th Grade Career Portfolio

NSI Navigation – Idaho LAUNCH Career Pathway Plan
  1. Log in to NSI
  2. Click the green person icon at the top
  3. Select My Dashboard
  4. Click My Pathway Bundles
  5. Choose 9th Grade
  6. Open 9th Grade Pathway Plan Activities
  7. Complete the Interests Profiler Assessment & Reflection
  8. Save your work to the Pathway Plan Portfolio in NSI

9th Grade To-Do Checklist

College, Military & Career Contacts

 
KHS College Admissions Directory
KHS Military Recruiter Dirctory
 

Resources & Tools

Brag Sheet
Resume & Cover Letter Generator
Browse Careers
Education & Training Options
College Discovery Center
Career & Tech Education Options
 

Let's Chat!

LET'S CHAT

Business card for Angelie Bauer, College & Career Coordinator, featuring her photo and contact information.
Set up a meeting with the College & Career team to discuss you or your student's specific goals.