After an impressive 30-year tenure with the Nye County School District, Janelle Veloz retired on June 17, 2024. Janelle and her family moved to Pahrump in 1970, when Janelle was nine years old. Janelle started her 4th grade year at the only Pahrump elementary school there was (Manse K-8). At PVHS, Janelle participated in Track and Field, Volleyball (the first year this sport was available was her Sophomore year) and Basketball. In the premier year for Volleyball, the team won the Class A State Championship. Janelle finished first in zone and second at state in discus her Senior year. The Basketball team won Zone and State her Sophomore year (76-77) and her Senior year as well (1978-79). Janelle was in the top three for leading scorers and the leading rebounder her Junior year and leading scorer and rebounder her Senior year. She was named MVP her Junior and Senior year. She was also a member of the Drill team, Ski Club and Social Director for Student Council. Janelle graduated as Salutatorian in 1979.
at PVHS Graduation 1979
Her journey working with the district began in 1985 when principal and athletic director Keith Koerner approached her at a softball game in Amargosa Valley, offering her a coaching position for girls’ volleyball and basketball at Beatty High School. “After discussing it with my husband, I accepted the offer,” Janelle recalls. This marked the beginning of her remarkable career in education.
Over the years, Janelle’s career evolved as she took on various roles within the district. Following her coaching stint in Beatty, she and her family moved to back to Pahrump (1988), where she continued coaching at Pahrump Valley Junior High School (PVJH) and Pahrump Valley High School. She quickly immersed herself in the local community by getting involved in Little League baseball. Initially assisting T-ball coaches, Janelle soon stepped up as a head coach, guiding all four of her sons’ teams through various levels from T-ball to minor league. Her dedication didn’t stop there; about eight years ago, Janelle returned to the field as an assistant coach for her grandchildren’s T-ball team. “It was so much fun,” Janelle recalls. Janelle also played and coached community women’s softball teams in Pahrump.
Janelle was inducted to the PVHS Hall of Fame, in the first inductee class in 2007, for her success as an athlete, a testament to her years on Championship teams.
In the 1993-1994 school year, she began working as a substitute teacher, and by the spring of 1994, she was hired as an in-house detention aide for PVJH, which was later renamed Rosemary Clarke Middle School (RCMS). Her journey continued with roles as a clerical aide, school secretary, and ultimately, Executive Assistant for the Superintendent of Schools and Board Secretary at the Nye County School District office.
Janelle’s dedication to the district was driven by her passion for sports and coaching, as well as her family values. “Family values drew me to choose the District as it allowed me to have weekends, holidays, and summers home with my children after being an at-home mom (other than coaching) of four sons for thirteen years,” she explains. Her career path not only allowed her to help support her family but also to mentor and lead others within the district.
Throughout her career, Janelle faced numerous challenges, particularly in adapting to the rapid changes in educational technology. She navigated these obstacles through ongoing learning and collaboration with her colleagues. “Keeping up with the fast-paced advancements in educational technology was one of the biggest challenges. I managed this by consistently learning and working closely with coworkers who had expertise in this area,” she shares.
One of the most memorable moments in Janelle’s career occurred on the first day of school at Manse Elementary when a kindergartner came to the office feeling ill and could only identify themselves by their first name and their parent as “mom.” After several attempts to identify the student and seeing their fear rise, Janelle used the intercom to reach out to any kindergarten teacher who might have sent a student to the office, ultimately resolving the situation. Another significant highlight was when Mr. Koerner approached her, marking the start of her journey in the education system. She also finds immense pride in seeing former students return to the Pahrump area and contribute to the community. Working at the district level gave her a broader perspective on how the combined efforts of teachers, secretaries, and support staff contribute to enhancing instruction for students.
One of the significant mentors in Janelle’s career was Principal Dale Norton. He recognized her potential and provided her with opportunities for growth. “Mr. Norton recognized the drive in me to do my best in every situation, my compassion for students and staff, my leadership skills, and the quality of my work,” she recalls. His confidence in her abilities and willingness to provide growth opportunities had a profound impact on her career.
Mentorship has been a vital part of Janelle’s journey, both as a mentor and mentee. She helped train new substitute clerical aides, and secretaries during her time as a school secretary, and current ones when at the District level, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and kindness.
Balancing her professional responsibilities with her personal life was a challenge, especially with four young children. Clear expectations for school work and family responsibilities, along with her husband’s support, were crucial during demanding times. “My husband’s support was invaluable during the demanding times of my career and our family,” she notes.
As Janelle prepares for retirement, she looks forward to exploring new interests and spending quality time with her family. “I plan to focus on my health, do some cooking, a bit of traveling, spending time with my grandchildren, and whatever comes along that interests me,” she says.
Reflecting on her career, Janelle hopes her legacy will be one of dedication to student success and support for staff. She is proud of the many school processes and district-wide forms she implemented while at Manse and RCMS that the District picked up for use district-wide, which are still in place today. “I hope my legacy will be one of dedication to student success and support for staff. I want to be remembered as someone who made a positive impact on the district and inspired others to be their best self,” she expresses.
Janelle’s advice to those still in the workforce or just starting their careers is to stay passionate, be open to change, and never stop learning. “Building strong relationships and supporting each other is key to a fulfilling career. Remember that your work can have a lasting impact on others,” she advises.
As Janelle Veloz embarks on this new chapter of her life, she leaves behind a legacy of dedication, passion, and positive impact on the Nye County School District. Her contributions to the community and the lives she has touched throughout her career will be remembered and cherished.
