Author: Amy Veloz
The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the annual Positive Pahrump Toy Drive, now in its 14th year of bringing Christmas joy to underprivileged children in our community. This beloved tradition, rooted in the spirit of giving, thrives through the support of dedicated sponsors and community members who make each year’s drive possible. Positive Pahrump extends a heartfelt thank you to all who have partnered with us this season. Your generosity lights up the holidays for countless families and serves as a beacon of hope and compassion throughout Pahrump. We are especially grateful for the support from…
Fight Science Academy is more than just a martial arts studio; it is a community where confidence, discipline, and resilience are fostered under the guidance of Edward Mattson, III. Known to his students as Sifu (meaning master or teacher), Mr. Mattson has dedicated his life to mastering and teaching martial arts, specifically Kung Fu San Soo, a centuries-old combat art focused on practical and effective self-defense. Mr. Mattson’s martial arts journey began at the young age of seven, and over the decades, his dedication has earned him recognition in the martial arts world, including being featured on the cover of…
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…
Romilyn “Romi” Carreon, a proud 2020 graduate of Pahrump Valley High School (PVHS), embodies the spirit of community, leadership, and ambition. During her years at PVHS, Romi was more than just a student; she was a central figure in many school activities and a role model for her peers. Her involvement spanned multiple domains, from sports to student leadership, which laid the foundation for the career she would later pursue. Romi’s high school journey was filled with notable achievements and diverse experiences. She was a dedicated member of the PVHS cheer team for her first two years, bringing energy and…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
The Pahrump Valley High School Trojans wrapped up their 2024 football season with a hard-fought playoff game against the SLAM Bulls on Friday, November 8th, marking the end of a season defined by growth, resilience, and the promise of an exciting future. Despite a final score of 56-33, the Trojans’ spirit and determination shone through as they battled one of the top teams in the league. The game opened with SLAM taking a strong lead, with two touchdowns, putting the Bulls up 14-0 by the end of the first quarter. The Trojans answered back early in the second quarter, capitalizing…
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…