Author: Amy Veloz

Lawrence “Larry” Small, a dedicated and longstanding member of the Nye County School Board, has been serving his community since 2016. Representing Area 4, Mr. Small has consistently demonstrated his commitment to student achievement and the safety of the school environment. As a Vietnam veteran who proudly served in the U.S. Navy, Mr. Small brings a strong sense of duty and discipline to his role on the board. His military background has greatly influenced his approach to leadership, especially his focus on security within the school district. Reflecting on his tenure, Mr. Small identifies his focus on student security as…

Pahrump Valley High School’s tennis teams kicked off their season with a resounding victory in their home opener against Coral Academy on Monday, August 19, 2024, securing their first league victory of the season. Boys’ Team Dominates with a 15-3 Victory The PVHS boys’ tennis team was in top form, winning their matches with a commanding score of 15-3. Leading the charge in the singles matches were Milan Vazquez, James DelaRosa, and Sonny Skinner, each delivering strong performances to secure their individual victories. In the doubles matches, the dynamic duo of Chris Jacks and Legend Reigns displayed exceptional coordination and…

Royce Avena, founder of Avena & Sons Electric, has built more than just a business—he’s created a legacy with his family at its heart. Established in 2018, Avena & Sons Electric started as a one-man operation, with Royce taking on all the responsibilities of a new business owner. But what began as a solo endeavor quickly grew into a true family affair, with all five of his sons—Andrew, Jake, Logan, Dylan, and Matthew—joining him in the business. Royce didn’t initially plan to start his own company again. He had owned an electric company in the past and with the down…

Josh Westerman and Darbie O’Donnell-Westerman, both graduates of Pahrump Valley High School in 2014, have embarked on a remarkable journey of entrepreneurship and personal growth since graduation. Their story is one of adaptability, resilience, and a shared commitment to pursuing their passions, even when the path wasn’t always clear. During high school, both Josh and Darbie were already in the workforce. Josh worked various jobs, including a stint as a dishwasher at the Nugget, while Darbie was employed at a local TV station as a news editor and master control technician. However, after graduation, their lives took a sharp left…

The Nye County School District (NCSD) Board of Trustees has announced a bold new set of strategic goals aimed at elevating student achievement and cultivating a vibrant educational environment. Developed collaboratively and grounded in the 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) framework, these goals emphasize clarity, measurable outcomes, and accountability, setting the stage for a transformative academic year. The process of updating the district’s goals was spurred by a commitment to actionable outcomes. Trustee Chelsea Silva, a new member of the Board, was instrumental in this initiative. “As a new Board member, I felt it was critical to ensure our goals…

As Gabriel Flores reflects on his years at Pahrump Valley High School, he can easily recall the moments and experiences that have shaped his high school journey. From leading the JROTC platoon as a freshman to starting the PVHS Chess Club with his teacher, Dabrowski in his sophomore year, Gabriel’s involvement in diverse activities has been a significant part of his growth. “Learning how to use a lathe and mill in machine shop during my junior year was one of the most rewarding experiences,” he shared. Gabriel’s high school experience has been enriched by his passion for archery, backcountry hunting,…

As Serenity Lewis reflects on her high school journey, she treasures the bonds she formed and the experiences she embraced along the way. “The most memorable moments I have had are genuinely making the bonds I did,” she shared. Serenity credits her friends with making high school fun and memorable, whether it was attending school dances or simply cherishing every moment she had. Serenity was actively involved in PVHS cheer before transitioning to homeschooling. This experience had a profound impact on her high school years. “Cheer definitely shaped bonds and lovely memories. I loved being able to cheer on our…

The Pahrump Valley High School Trojans opened their volleyball season with a dominating performance at home, securing a decisive 3-0 victory over the Mater Academy East Knights. The Trojans showcased their strength across all three sets, winning with final scores of 25-18, 25-9, and 25-13. Throughout the match, the Trojans demonstrated their prowess on the court with a total of 47 serve attempts, 15 of which resulted in aces. Freshman Sedona Norton was a defensive standout, leading the team with 10 digs. Offensive efforts were led by Heavenly Ware (Junior), Riley Saldana (Sophomore), and Xeane Kamanu (Sophomore), each recording 10…

The Pahrump Valley High School (PVHS) Trojans Boys’ soccer team kicked off their season with a two-game opener at home, showcasing both promise and areas for improvement under the guidance of Head Coach Andrew Norton. In the first match on Monday, August 19, the Trojans faced off against the Cristo Rey St. Viator Royals, securing a decisive 6-1 victory. The Trojans’ three forwards each contributed two goals a piece, underscoring their offensive prowess. TC Hone emerged as the standout player of the game, not only netting two goals but also assisting on two more. “It was a good first game…

The Pahrump Valley High School (PVHS) girls’ golf team kicked off their season with a home opener at the Mountain Falls Golf Course, hosting a competitive match against Virgin Valley, Boulder City, Meadows, Moapa, and Coral Academy. The event featured 27 golfers, but only 12 were able to play through the entire course, with the cutoff set at 17 over par for the first half. Among the top performers, Aliana Zuniga from Pahrump stood out, finishing in 5th place with a solid score of 90. This achievement placed her among the top competitors in the field, highlighting her potential for…