Author: Amy Veloz

When Timmy Stutzman arrived in Pahrump at the start of his freshman year, graduating as Pahrump Valley High School’s Class of 2026 Valedictorian was not part of the plan. In fact, at that point, it did not even seem realistic. Coming from what he described as a difficult middle school experience, Stutzman entered high school without advanced classes on his schedule and without the expectation that he would someday stand at the top of his graduating class. “I struggled a little bit in middle school,” Stutzman said. “It was a really tough middle school, and I was getting B’s and…

For Pahrump Valley High School senior Jace Wulfenstein, high school has been filled with memorable moments, lifelong friendships and lessons that stretched far beyond the classroom. As he prepares to graduate and begin a new chapter serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Wulfenstein is reflecting on the experiences that shaped him and the path that unexpectedly led him toward service. Looking back on his high school years, Wulfenstein said many of his favorite memories came through athletics and the relationships built alongside teammates and friends. “I think the most memorable moments were probably playing…

Fresh off capturing the Pahrump Valley Little League Minor Division championship, the AAA Twins took the field in Las Vegas on Thursday, May 28 for the Tournament of Champions, earning the opportunity to represent Pahrump against strong competition and closing out an impressive season with another valuable experience together. The Twins came out aggressively in the opening inning and showed they belonged on the Tournament of Champions stage right from the start. After an early strikeout, Santiago A reached on a walk and immediately put pressure on the defense by stealing second. Giovanni N followed with another walk to give…

By Dr. Robert TolentinoSouthwest Medical, part of Optum In the U.S., men continue to have a shorter life expectancy than women. For example, 76.5 years for men compared to 81.4 years for women.[1] Additionally, more than 39% of men age 20 and older are obese, and over 14% report being in fair or poor health.[2] These trends contribute to a higher risk of serious health conditions. The good news: many of the health risks men face are preventable. Adopting healthy habits and staying up to date with recommended screenings can significantly improve long-term outcomes.[3] As a family medicine physician,I see every day how…

The Pahrump Aztecs Silver 17U club baseball team battled throughout all seven innings Tuesday night in Pahrump, putting together a late comeback effort before ultimately falling 8-3 to EA Rattlers Legion Silver. Despite the final score, the Aztecs showed flashes on both sides of the ball, highlighted by defensive plays up the middle, timely pitching changes and a sixth-inning rally that erased a three-run deficit and tied the game heading into the final frame. Pahrump opened the game defensively with Keith Lawrence on the mound and quickly settled in after the visitors put runners aboard. After recording the first two…

As the sun set over Pahrump Valley High School on Friday, May 29, families, friends, staff and supporters gathered to celebrate one of life’s biggest milestones as the Class of 2026 officially crossed the stage and turned their tassels during commencement ceremonies. The evening marked the culmination of four years of academics, activities, athletics, service and memories for the 271 graduates who made up the Class of 2026, while also recognizing the student leaders who helped shape their senior year and school community. As families filled the stands and gathered along the field, the ceremony celebrated not only academic achievement…

For Julianna “Jules” Ondrisko, the 300-meter hurdles became more than another event on a busy track schedule. It became the race where she left her mark on Pahrump Valley High School. Ondrisko, a senior for the Trojans, broke the PVHS school record in the 300 hurdles at Regionals, then lowered her own record again at the State Championship meet, closing her high school career with a milestone she had been chasing all season. “It was actually a really big relief,” Ondrisko said. “I thought I had to break 46, and I was like, this is going to be really tough.…

The Pahrump Aztecs Silver 17U club baseball team put together a strong all-around performance Tuesday evening at home, sweeping a doubleheader against Liberty by scores of 15-2 and 11-0. The Aztecs combined timely hitting, aggressive baserunning and solid pitching throughout both games while showcasing depth across the lineup and defensive consistency behind multiple pitchers. In game one, the Aztecs served as the home team and quickly established control early on their way to the 15-2 victory. Liberty threatened briefly in the top of the first after opening with a single, but the Aztecs immediately responded defensively. Catcher Tristan Torres fired…

The Pahrump Aztecs Bronze 14U club baseball team showed persistence and flashes of offensive firepower Wednesday evening as they hosted Clark in a doubleheader in Pahrump. Although the Aztecs came up short in both contests, falling 18-2 in game one and 17-9 in game two, the team continued to compete inning by inning while several players delivered standout performances both offensively and defensively. In the opening game, the Aztecs served as the home team and faced an early challenge from Clark in the top of the first inning. Everett Abelar took the mound for Pahrump and battled through a lengthy…

Pahrump Valley High School seniors were recognized Wednesday, May 27 during the school’s annual Senior Awards Night and Scholarship Ceremony, as students, families, staff members and community supporters gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2026. Throughout the evening, local organizations, businesses, clubs and scholarship donors honored graduating seniors for their academic achievements, leadership, athletic accomplishments, community involvement and future educational plans. The ceremony highlighted not only the hard work of the students themselves, but also the continued support of the Pahrump community, which annually contributes thousands of dollars in scholarships and opportunities for local graduates. Among the…