University High School began the 2025-26 school year with 10 new staff members who are passionately committed to helping students grow and learn.
Rachel Bonhall, the newest PE teacher, has worked for six years at Sierra Vista Middle School as a special education instructional assistant and also completed her student teaching there. She also taught dance for two years at Jeffery Trail Middle School. She’s excited to see how UHS students try new things and have fun in her class.
“I love that you guys are so smart and intelligent when it comes to things,” Bonhall said. “Like maybe none of you have tried football or frisbee, but you’re still willing to try. You’re confident enough to go forward.”
Bonhall also wants to be there to support her students as much as possible.
“I think being a teacher in general, I’ve always wanted to be a safe adult for students because that’s important,” Bonhall said.
Courtney Goodwin is the latest addition to the Counseling Department and will work with student last names ranging from Ly to Por. She enjoys seeing the passion that UHS students have for understanding and exploring.
“I like that the kids here are more independent, more motivated in what they want and they go for it,” Goodwin says. “And they love to ask questions, I love that. I’m not having to ask them questions; they’re asking me questions.”
Goodwin hopes to create strong connections with UHS students.
“One thing I love [about being a counselor] is building relationships with the students, not just on an academic level,” Goodwin said.
Olivia Stokes, a new member of the Social Sciences Department, who student taught last year at UHS, returns to teach World History.
“I remember having in my history classroom specifically very rich discussions around things that were very topical,” Stokes said. “It wasn’t just looking at history in the context of history itself but in the context of the modern day.”
Stokes also likes the hardworking UHS environment.
“The general vibe I get is everyone cares so much in such a positive way,” Stokes said. “The students, they’re really dedicated. The students are genuinely asking, ‘How can I improve? How can I get better?’”
Other additions to the UHS staff this year include Raeona Benefeito and Peter Soewardiman in the Math Department, Julianne Thuene and Ruby Ann Lopez in the Science Department, Carolyn Hitt and Kate Ahn in the English Department, Nayeli Farias in the World Language Department and Avi Penhollow in the Special Education Department.
UHS welcomes these new staff members with excitement and hopes to make it a great year with them.
