Author: Amy Veloz
Pahrump Valley High School (PVHS) students with a passion for fashion and costume design now have an exciting new opportunity to explore and develop their interests through the school’s new club, Collective Creatives. Spearheaded by Carina Roman, an experienced professional in fashion, film, and live entertainment, the club welcomes students in grades 8 through 12 who are curious about the world of design and are interested in the career possibilities in the fashion and entertainment industry. Carina brings a wealth of experience to the program, with 18 years working in the dynamic industries of fashion and entertainment. “I’m passionate about…
Pahrump has a sweet new addition to its business landscape with the opening of Iceology this week, located at 1330 Hwy 160 Ste. 130. Owned by Wesley Swaner and co-owned by his college-going son Draiven, Iceology promises to bring a unique experience to the community with its diverse offerings of shaved ice, premium ice cream, and nostalgic candy selections. The idea for Iceology sprouted from Wesley’s observation that Pahrump lacked options for quality shaved ice and specialty sweets, something he and Draiven loved from their previous town. Now, after a year of preparation and navigating the complexities of opening a…
The Prickly Pear, a unique boutique business owned by twin sisters Heather Williams and Hannah McMahon, has quickly become a charming addition to Pahrump’s local shopping scene. The sisters embarked on this business venture less than a year ago, fueled by a shared vision of creativity and connection. Nestled inside the Boss Babe Artisan Boutique at 2160 East Calvada, The Prickly Pear offers a blend of handmade bath and body products, home decor, and specialty items that reflect the sisters’ eclectic tastes. Heather, who had been creating bath and body products for some time, initially sought a local outlet to…
Pahrump’s VFW post hosted a poignant Veterans Day ceremony, filled with tributes and gratitude for the brave individuals who have served in the United States military. The event opened with a prayer, thanking God for the courage and sacrifices of veterans, acknowledging the hardships and separation from loved ones they endured to protect the nation. With Cub Scout Troop 444 in attendance, the ceremony continued with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a speech that traced the legacy of service across generations. Each conflict, from World War II through recent engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan, was recognized, with words honoring…
As Tiler Ledford reflects on her high school journey at Pahrump Valley High School, she recalls a whirlwind of unforgettable experiences that shaped her as both an athlete and a person. From the soccer field to the wrestling mat and the track, Tiler poured her heart into every sport she played, building memories that will stay with her forever. “Sports really shaped me,” Tiler shares. “They challenged me to see who I am, reminding me that not everything goes as planned. You just have to keep your heart set on it and stay true to yourself.” One of Tiler’s proudest…
On November 23, family, friends, and the community will gather in Logandale, Nevada, to celebrate the life of Ray Cortez—a coach, mentor, and beloved figure in Pahrump’s youth sports. Known as “Coach Ray,” he spent over a decade shaping young athletes in football and wrestling, instilling values of hard work, discipline, and respect. But his influence extended far beyond the wrestling mats and football fields; Ray was a father figure, a leader, and a friend to countless youth and families who were forever changed by his commitment and compassion. A Journey Rooted in Passion and Purpose Ray’s journey as a…
Kayden Doubleday, a freshman at Pahrump Valley High School, is making a lasting impact in his community through his dedicated volunteer efforts at Hafen Elementary School. Recognized by Hafen’s Assistant Principal, Mr. Wiley, Kayden has become a familiar and valued presence at his former school, where he volunteers his time to support events and assist teachers and students. At just 15, Kayden balances his studies and activities with a strong commitment to giving back. He regularly volunteers at Hafen for events like Trunk or Treat, field days, book fairs, and literacy nights. His contributions often extend beyond just event days—he’ll…
Pahrump Valley High School’s theatre and culinary arts departments recently joined forces to present an unforgettable experience, combining live theatre with fine dining for their production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged, Revised, Again. This collaboration, which included a themed brunch on November 2 and dinner on November 7, offered audiences a double delight, highlighting the dedication and creativity of students in both departments. Under the direction of Dr. Audra Duvall, the five-member cast tackled the Bard’s works with enthusiasm and humor, delivering a 97-minute show that kept the audience laughing from beginning to end. The cast featured…
A deep love for their community and a passion for youth action sports inspired Gary and Liza Kalawaia and their family to launch the Kidz Dat Shr3d Organization in Pahrump. Gary, Liza, and their children have transformed their family’s shared love for skateboarding, scootering, and BMX into a nonprofit dedicated to providing kids with a positive environment, resources, and opportunities to pursue action sports safely. At its heart, Kidz Dat Shr3d serves as a movement to engage youth in positive activities, keeping them active, motivated, and away from negative influences. The idea for Kidz Dat Shr3d first sparked as the…
Hannah Brown McElheny’s journey began in the close-knit community of Pahrump, where she graduated from Pahrump Valley High School in 2020. During her high school years, she was known for her dedication to school spirit, her commitment to sports, and her genuine love for the people around her. Fondly recalling those times, Hannah cherishes memories of decorating for school dances and attending late-night games. It was here at PVHS that she developed the foundation for resilience, teamwork, and discipline—qualities that would later serve her well in her military career. Some of her best high school memories were rooted in athletics.…