Author: Amy Veloz

Kaitlyn Lesnikoski, the Assistant Principal at Pahrump Valley High School, is all set to embark on her second year in this pivotal role. Her journey to education and school administration is as unique as it is inspiring. Initially, Ms. Lesnikoski trained horses in high school and college, eventually traveling to Wyoming to work on a ranch. It was there, through her involvement in the children’s riding program, that she discovered her passion. “I realized how much I enjoyed working with students,” she recalls. However, a piece of misguided advice from her college career counselor nearly derailed her aspirations. She was…

Dr. Trancita “Tina” Winquist, the new Assistant Principal at Rosemary Clarke Middle School (RCMS), brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to educational equity. Hired in February 2024, Dr. Winquist’s background includes serving as the Title I director and supervisor for the Office of Student and School Supports at the Nevada Department of Education. “In that role, I collaborated with district and school leaders across Nevada, leading strategic planning initiatives and administering funds for federal and state programs,” she shares. Her career has been dedicated to advancing evidence-based interventions, rigorous evaluations of programs and services, and strategies for…

Judy Bloom, the newly appointed Dean of Students at Rosemary Clarke Middle School (RCMS), brings a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted passion for education to her role. With her first full year just beginning, Mrs. Bloom is already making significant strides in fostering a positive and supportive environment for the students and staff at RCMS. Mrs. Bloom’s journey to education and school administration is deeply rooted in her family’s legacy of teaching. “I come from a family of teachers and education runs through my blood!” she says. Initially swearing off the education field due to its challenges, she found…

In his second year as Assistant Principal at Rosemary Clarke Middle School (RCMS), Mr. Zachary Butt brings a wealth of diverse experiences and a steadfast commitment to student achievement. His unconventional journey to education and school administration is both unique and inspiring, shaping his approach to guiding Pahrump’s middle school students toward a thriving future. Mr. Butt’s path to education wasn’t straightforward. “I actually did not go to school to become a teacher, and was not planning on attending college after high school,” he recalls. Despite being a high-achieving student, his initial career aspirations were in the music industry, where…

As the Pahrump Valley High School Trojans gear up for another exciting football season, Head Coach Thomas Walker, now in his third season leading the team, shares his insights, expectations, and the spirit driving this year’s squad. Coach Walker, who has been a pivotal figure at the high school for twelve years, aims to build on past successes and foster a winning culture. Coach Walker’s overarching goal for the upcoming season is clear: “Our overall expectations are to have a successful season, meaning seven or more wins and making the playoffs.” With ambitious goals set, Walker emphasizes the importance of…

For the past decade, Jason Odegard has been a cornerstone of Pahrump Valley High School, serving as an Assistant Principal with a deep commitment to fostering academic growth and building a strong school community. With a background rooted in teaching and school administration, Mr. Odegard’s journey to his current role is marked by a passion for education and a dedication to student success. Mr. Odegard began his career in education as a math and science teacher at Rosemary Clarke Middle School (RCMS). His teaching repertoire expanded when he transitioned to Pahrump Valley High School (PVHS), where he taught a variety…

Pahrump Valley High School is proud to introduce Dubb Mapp, who is heading into his second year as Assistant Principal. With a deep commitment to education and a personal journey that fuels his dedication, Mr. Mapp brings a fresh perspective and a heartfelt mission to the school. Reflecting on his path to becoming an educator, Mr. Mapp shared, “I chose to become an educator with the goal of helping students achieve success in school, especially those who, like me, faced challenges.” His own academic struggles and occasional disciplinary issues during his school years were pivotal experiences. “Teachers often spent less…

The Nye County School District is excited to announce the start dates for the 2024-2025 academic year, with different calendars for the four-day and five-day school weeks to accommodate varying day counts. For students in 1st grade through 12th grade, the first day of school is Monday, August 5th, for those on the five-day schedule, and Tuesday, August 6th, for those on the four-day schedule. Kindergarten assessments will take place by appointment from August 5th-9th for the five-day schedule and from August 6th-8th for the four-day schedule. Both schedules will see the first day of Kindergarten on Monday, August 12th,…

Bob Hopkins, the seasoned girls’ golf coach at Pahrump Valley High School (PVHS), has a rich and extensive coaching career that spans decades and multiple states. His journey in coaching began in 1980 at Bennett County High School in Martin, South Dakota, where he coached both boys’ and girls’ golf. “We were a high school of about 180 students, and we had anywhere from 25 to 40 kids come out for golf,” Hopkins recalled. His early success was marked by winning the state B championship for girls’ golf in 1984, 1985, and 1986, followed by a state championship in boys’…

Alina Veloz, the Salutatorian of Pahrump Valley High School’s Class of 2024, has demonstrated exceptional dedication and perseverance throughout her high school years. Her journey, marked by a rigorous academic schedule and active participation in extracurricular activities, showcases her commitment to excellence both inside and outside the classroom. Reflecting on her academic path, Alina shared, “My academic journey through high school has been a long one. I started freshman year in a hybrid schedule due to COVID, which was a learning curve as I had to figure out how to manage my time properly while staying active.” This initial challenge…