Author: Amy Veloz

Manse Elementary School is excited to welcome Elizabeth “Liz” Gilligan, who was appointed as the principal on November 1, 2023. With a rich background and a passion for education, Mrs. Gilligan brings a wealth of experience and a fresh vision to the school. Reflecting on her journey to becoming an educator, Mrs. Gilligan shared, “From a young age, I aspired to become a teacher, a goal I pursued shortly after graduating high school.” However, life initially took her on a different path, leading her to a career in call center management within the banking and wireless industries. This unexpected detour…

Kimberley and Dan Loveless, co-owners of Our Place, a specialty coffee house in Pahrump, have been bringing a unique blend of warmth and quality to the community since their official opening on January 15th. The Loveless family, including daughter Kasi Custard who is part of the Leadership team at Our Place, have created a haven for locals to gather, sip, and celebrate. Having moved to Pahrump from Vegas nine months ago, Dan and Kimberely were driven by a deep-rooted desire to provide a space for connection and enjoyment. “We wanted this community to have somewhere to go,” Kimberley shared. The…

Ms. Lilliana Robledo, the newly appointed principal of Mt Charleston Elementary School, brings a wealth of experience and a heart full of passion to her role. With 17 years in education, her journey has been diverse, spanning from working with preschool students to providing in-home therapy for children with developmental delays. Ms. Robledo’s early career included roles as a long-term substitute teacher and a service coordinator, where she connected families with essential resources. These experiences, combined with her time teaching in early childhood inclusion classrooms, led her to pursue a second Master’s degree in administration. “I became a change agent…

Christian Mott, a 2022 graduate of PVHS, has embarked on an inspiring journey that combines hard work, dedication, and a passion for learning. Reflecting on his high school years, Christian fondly remembers his freshman year during the last game of the regular soccer season. “We played Del Sol at home with the biggest crowd we ever had, and the winner of the game got to go to regionals. We ended up winning that game, and I’ll never forget how much that meant to me and the rest of the guys on the field,” he recalls with pride. This victory was…

Tyson Hollis, a proud alumnus of PVHS, has a journey marked by resilience, growth, and a deep commitment to his community. Reflecting on his high school days, Tyson fondly recalls the joy of watching others succeed. “Although I was involved in many clubs, teams, and programs, perhaps my fondest memories were watching others excel,” he shares. Encouraging his shy and introverted brother to participate in sports and activities, Tyson witnessed him flourish into a leader. His sister Nicky’s achievements in softball and her educational success remain sources of immense pride for Tyson. Tyson’s career journey began under challenging circumstances. After…

As the new season approaches, the Pahrump Valley High School cross country team, led by head coach Erik Odegard, is setting its sights high. “This year is going to be filled with high expectations,” Odegard shares. With a large number of returning athletes on both the boys’ and girls’ teams, the coach is looking forward to combining their experience with the enthusiasm of a sizable group of newcomers. The girls’ team, coming off a regional win last year, aims to repeat that success. “The girls won the region last year, and I am looking for them to repeat that this…

As the new school year approaches, the Nye County School District (NCSD) is urging parents and guardians to emphasize the importance of regular school attendance for their children. Regular attendance is crucial for students’ academic and social success, and the district is committed to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to thrive. Chronic absenteeism, defined as missing 10% or more of school days in a year, can significantly impact a student’s educational journey. It can lead to loss of credits, retention, and a higher likelihood of dropping out. Recognizing these risks, NCSD has developed several programs and initiatives to…

At Pahrump Valley High School, the tennis program is more than just a sports team; it’s a family. Head Coach Michael DelaRosa, who has been at the helm for five years, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for the game that has transformed the tennis program. Coach DelaRosa, known for his patient and methodical coaching style, has high hopes for this season, emphasizing sportsmanship, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence. “The players just play the best they could for how many days, months, years they’ve been practicing tennis,” says Coach DelaRosa, setting the tone for a season focused…

Trish (Voorhes) Corbett, graduated from PVHS in 1999. Today, she is a respected ER and Cardiac Nurse, making a significant impact on the community in Flagstaff, AZ. Trish’s journey from high school to her current role has been marked by perseverance, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. Reflecting on her time at PVHS, Trish fondly recalls the strong sense of community and the supportive environment that shaped her formative years. “I was blessed with a good friend group and supportive teachers,” she says. This nurturing atmosphere helped cultivate her lifelong love of learning and laid the foundation for…

Ben Veloz is a Pahrump Valley High School Class of 2000 graduate. After high school, Ben attended the University of Nevada, Reno, graduating in Winter 2004 with a degree in Elementary Education. After completing his Bachelor’s degree, Ben secured a job at Rosemary Clarke Middle School teaching sixth grade Science. Ben obtained his Master’s Degree in Education from Grand Canyon University in 2008. Ben taught five years in sixth grade, before moving to eighth grade Science. Ben will begin his 20th year of teaching in January 2025. Ben has three children he has raised in Nye County Schools. Analise and…