Author: Amy Veloz

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…

Richard “Dale” Wiley, the Assistant Principal of Hafen Elementary School, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for education to his role. With 30 years in the field, including 25 years in school administration across various states and countries, Mr. Wiley has dedicated his career to improving educational outcomes for students. His extensive background includes positions in both rural and urban schools, where he has served in roles ranging from Superintendent of Schools to Head Boys Athletics Coach. His journey in education began after he decided to forgo a promising law career to fulfill his true calling—making a positive…

Pahrump Valley High School’s cheerleading team is set for a spectacular season under the dynamic leadership of head coach Marshira Nelson. With a background in cheerleading from her own days at PVHS and a passion for guiding young athletes, Coach Nelson, entering her third year as head coach, has already implemented significant changes that are driving the team to new heights. “I came back to Pahrump in 2020 and started as an assistant coach for cheer in 2021. When the head coach position opened up, I took the opportunity to lead the team,” she shares. Her journey from high school…

Steve Clausse, the owner of Velobazaar, launched his business in January 2023, driven by a lifelong passion for bicycles. His roots in the cycling industry run deep, originating from his parents’ bike shop in Belgium in the 1970s. “I was born into it,” Steve recalls. His father, a racer, influenced his early exposure to the biking world. Later, the family moved to the South of France, continuing their tradition of running a bike shop, selling bikes, helping people, and doing repairs. Steve’s own cycling journey included competitive racing, which took him across various countries and even saw him as an…

Amber Randle, the passionate owner of Cakes ‘n Bakes, always dreamed of starting a bakery or café. Her journey began with a simple yet profound moment of inspiration. “I always wanted to start a bakery or café for as long as I can remember,” Amber shared. One day, while preparing for her daughter’s birthday, she decided to take the leap. Originally, she planned to participate in farmers’ markets but soon realized the immense workload. “I decided to just go with the flow of my business and see where it took me,” she recalled. Choosing a business name was a thoughtful…

Joann Cunningham, head coach of the Pahrump Valley High School varsity dance team, brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role. With 13 years in the dance world through her daughters and five years as a high school cheer coach in California, Cunningham is well-versed in working with high school students. “I have a lot of experience with kids,” she says, emphasizing her commitment to the program. When she heard no one had applied for the coaching position, Cunningham put her name in the hat. “I didn’t want the program to die, so I decided to jump in,”…

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…