In the picturesque alpine village of Leysin, an incredible friendship spanning over six decades began for two young girls, Judy Vanderhorst ‘64 and Bonnie Ellison ‘65. Like many others in our Global Family, their friendship has stood the test of time despite the ups and downs of life. Their story, influenced by their shared experiences in Leysin, offers a poignant glimpse into the early days of LAS and its enduring impact on their lives.

Judy and Bonnie arrived at LAS in September 1961, the school’s inaugural year. Judy, whose family had recently moved from Libya, was a sophomore, while Bonnie, arriving after living in Nepal for six years, was a freshman. Assigned as roommates, their differences quickly became apparent. Judy was rule-abiding, while Bonnie was a rule-breaker, eager to push boundaries. Despite their different personalities, they found common ground and formed a friendship that has endured over the years.

The school’s diversity defined the early days of LAS and continues to this day. Starting out with just 80 students from countries such as Libya, Nepal, Venezuela, Vietnam, Spain, Turkey, and Cambodia. the environment was a fantastic mix of cultures. This diversity shaped Judy and Bonnie’s worldview and created in them an appreciation for different perspectives. As Bonnie reflected, “Our interactions with the whole student body were intense, intimate, and thought-provoking. The cultural diversity was especially stimulating and an incredible learning experience.”

A pivotal figure during their time at LAS was John Perry, affectionately known as “The Bun.” Initially hired as a math teacher, Mr. Perry stepped in as interim headmaster when the principal was delayed. He became a mentor and parental figure for the students, creating an environment of accountability and resilience. Bonnie’s mischievous antics often meant visits to the disciplinary study hall. She still credits Mr. Perry for channeling her rebellious energy into positive learning experiences: “He taught us flexibility and accountability, which we all carried into our professional lives.”

Judy also found the academic environment at LAS transformative. With small class sizes and personalized attention from teachers, she thrived academically and socially. LAS also taught her invaluable life skills, such as navigating international travel and living closely with diverse students. "One of the major positive life lessons I learned at LAS was that at a young age, I could navigate airports, trains, and buses in foreign countries, which has helped me my whole life,” she reflected. These lessons laid the foundation for a lifetime of confidence and adaptability, life skills that many LAS students over the years have credited to their time on the Magic Mountain. 

Both Judy and Bonnie attribute much of their personal and professional success to their time at LAS. Bonnie shared: “Everything I learned about the variety of people, personalities, ethics, and cultural norms I took with me into my professional and personal future life and career in management. I left LAS with confidence and knowledge about people that could not have been acquired in a normal school environment.”

Their lasting friendship was evident at the 61st Celebration in Leysin in June 2022, where they reconnected with other classmates and celebrated LAS. Judy’s daughter, Jill Hodges ‘95, who became the first LAS legacy student, and granddaughter, Vivienne, joined them. These women all made lifelong friends and often reflect on the many similarities (and differences!) between their experiences in Leysin.

For prospective students and parents, they offer some advice: “In today’s world of internet connections, LAS is the antidote to our social media lifestyle,” Bonnie noted. “Meeting and interacting face-to-face with diverse people is a valuable skill that will serve you in the future.”

The lasting friendship between Judy and Bonnie began when they met at LAS. Despite their differences, they learned from each other and embraced the many adventures and learning opportunities that came their way. “She tamed my wildest thoughts, and I hope I introduced adventure to her. We are still opposites but love every minute we spend together, still adjusting to each other’s personality,” Bonnie shared. Judy reflected that "the friendships we made in 1961-63 are still the best. I think this holds true for the vast majority of students who are lucky enough to attend LAS and live in Leysin."

Judy and Bonnie’s story is just one of many that highlight the unique and lasting impact of LAS. We would love to share your stories with the hopes that we can celebrate our community, rekindle connections, and highlight the amazing Global Family we have across the world. Please email advancement@las.ch with your story. 

 

Judy (left) and Bonnie (second to left).

 

Three generations of LAS women. Judy and her daughter Jill and granddaughter Vivienne.