“We’re moving to Boone!”: A Time For New Beginnings

Ally Belliveau, 10, attends the Watauga High School State Championships on December 12, 2025, with her friends. Starting from the bottom left, moving up: Ally Belliveau, Kate McKenzie, Riley Benson, Lindsay Wade, Xitlali Luna, Leila McTier, and Julia Benson.

Lauren Peviani, Staffwriter for The Powderhorn

 “We’re moving to Boone!”--- Leaving behind a familiar home and starting over somewhere new is never easy, especially for students. As their whole lives are packed into suitcases and cars, their journey commences into the Blue Ridge Mountains. This transition into a new life can be both exciting and nerve-wracking.

“When I first arrived in Boone, everything felt so different from what I was used to in New Hampshire,” said sophomore Ally Belliveau. “I was nervous and unsure about fitting in, especially with the local culture.”

Belliveau moved from New Hampshire this summer and has spent that time getting settled into the new environment. Along the way she formed connections with people and places that would have been unfamiliar to her just a few months ago.

“Over time, I was able to step out of my comfort zone and join a few clubs like HOSA, as well as soccer, which helped me meet new people and find new interests,” said Belliveau. “My electives and participating in school and community events also helped me find my place.” 

Though Boone may appear as a small, uneventful place to outsiders, this town is brimming with unique spots and a variety of spaces for entertainment. These local stores and restaurants give newcomers, like Maggie Smith, who moved from China in her 8th grade year, a plethora of ways to explore the area and feel at home.

“King Street in general is an amazing part of town,” said M. Smith. “I also like The Local, Lost Province, Blue Deer, and Mint– Mint is definitely my favorite.”

When transitioning to a new town, it’s important to gradually ease into the different lifestyle. Whether that is by joining a sport from a previous school or restarting a familiar hobby, these activities help a new place feel like home. Sophomore Zoey Stille, who moved from Alaska this year (2025), has found comfort in the High Country’s outdoor culture.

“Since moving, I’ve enjoyed skiing, hiking, and running, which feel a bit like where I grew up in Alaska,” said Stille.

Beyond hobbies and outdoor activities, students also find support in one another through programs like Pioneer Ambassador and Link Crew. These programs allow for current students to introduce their peers to the school, fostering a sense of community and alleviating some of the stress that comes with being the “new kid”. Junior Naomi Smith transferred in the 8th grade with her sister Maggie, and understands the challenges of starting over, so she joined Link Crew to help others in similar positions.

“It's nice to have student-support programs because they help connect new kids to older students, who are able to give good advice,” said N. Smith. “The activities we do in Link Crew are not only helpful, but can also be fun if you aren't taking yourself too seriously.”

Although Boone may feel strange and unfamiliar at first, students like Belliveau, Stille, and sisters Maggie and Naomi Smith slowly learn to find their place. The transition period from previous homes and schools is never simple; however, with encouragement from a welcoming community, paired with personal effort, these newcomers are able to thrive.

“I don’t know when it happened, but sometime between moving and living here, Boone started to feel a lot like home,” said Belliveau.