Author: Amy Veloz

Lilli Custard, a bright and spirited second grader, recently earned the prestigious title of Miss Nevada Elementary America 2nd Grade 2024. Winning this title over Labor Day weekend of 2023, Lilli not only showcased her exceptional poise and talent but also clinched the best interview award in the state pageant. Reflecting on her victory, Lilli shared, “I felt really excited and I couldn’t wait to see who was going to be called next.” One key element that made Lilli’s interview stand out was her lively personality and the heartfelt story about her international pen pal from Indonesia. “They asked me…

Dedicated Champion of Educational Excellence Laura Weir, who has been serving as the Assistant Superintendent for the past two years, has a rich and diverse background in education, driven by a passion for working with children and a love for continuous learning. Her love of children began when she got her first job as a teenager working at a children’s play place and a daycare center. There, she discovered her true calling as an educator. After graduating from UNLV in 2000, Laura began her teaching career in the Clark County School District (CCSD) at the same school where she completed…

After an impressive 30-year tenure with the Nye County School District, Janelle Veloz retired on June 17, 2024. Janelle and her family moved to Pahrump in 1970, when Janelle was nine years old. Janelle started her 4th grade year at the only Pahrump elementary school there was (Manse K-8). At PVHS, Janelle participated in Track and Field, Volleyball (the first year this sport was available was her Sophomore year) and Basketball. In the premier year for Volleyball, the team won the Class A State Championship. Janelle finished first in zone and second at state in discus her Senior year. The…

With only three seasons under their belt, the Pahrump Valley MTB club has seen successful establishment and growth under the dedicated leadership of Coach Andrew Norton. This initiative brings an exciting and challenging sport to the students of Pahrump, providing them with opportunities for physical endurance, personal growth, and strong community bonds. The inaugural season of the mountain biking club began in the 2021-2022 school year. Despite a modest start with only five riders, the team faced numerous challenges such as bike quality, late registration, and first-year uncertainties. Coach Norton, new to coaching mountain biking, reflects on the initial struggles,…

A Passionate Leader Shaping the Future of Education Genoveva Lopez-Angelo has recently taken on the role of Assistant Superintendent at the Nye County School District, a position she has held for the past eight months. Her journey to this leadership role is a testament to her lifelong passion for learning and her dedication to making a meaningful impact on young minds. “My inspiration to pursue a career in education stems from a passion for learning and a desire to make a meaningful impact on young minds,” says Genoveva. From an early age, she found joy in discovering new concepts and…

Sienna Brown’s journey in the Cinderella pageant world is a testament to perseverance, personal growth, and unwavering dedication. Recently crowned the State Woman’s titleholder, Sienna’s victory is deeply meaningful, as the Cinderella program has played a pivotal role in shaping her into the confident young woman she is today. Sienna’s involvement with the Cinderella pageants began at a remarkably young age. She participated in her first pageant at just seven months old, inspired by her mother’s own pageant experiences. “My mom loved the program and decided to put me in it. I loved it so much that I continued to…

As the trend of innovative fitness solutions continues to rise, FitLife Bungee, LLC a new fitness studio introduces a fresh and dynamic way to stay active. Located at 301 Oxbow Ave. #5, the studio offers an inclusive and engaging workout experience designed for people of all ages and fitness levels. Inspiration and Concept When asked about the inspiration behind FitLife Bungee Fitness, the mother-in-law/daughter-in-law cofounders, Christine and Kayla Murphy, emphasized their goal of creating a welcoming environment where everyone can enjoy physical activity regardless of age or fitness level. “We started FitLife Bungee because we wanted to bring something that…

During the June 13th Board of Trustees meeting, Dr. Joseph Gent addressed the decision to not move forward with the JROTC at Pahrump Valley High School, which he further clarified in a public statement on July 1. Reassuring the community of the district’s unwavering patriotism and support for the Armed Services, Dr. Gent emphasized that despite the district’s best efforts, PVHS did not meet the minimum enrollment and staffing requirements set by the ROTC program. Combined with significant financial and logistical challenges, this led to the responsible decision to forgo the program at this time. This can also be found…

The class of 2024 has turned their tassels and are preparing to head out into the world. Whether they are venturing to college, trade school, the work force or somewhere else, high school is behind them, and their futures await. On May 31, they walked the stage, led by this year’s Valedictorian, Emily Gent. Emily graciously shared her experiences, offering insights into overcoming struggles, strategies for high school success, motivations, and future goals. Emily’s academic journey has been marked by significant challenges and notable triumphs. Starting with struggles in reading and writing, Emily’s determination, coupled with the support of her…

The 22-23 and 23-24 school years saw a lot of change for Nye County Schools. Two new Board of Trustees were elected and sworn in, in January 2023. After nearly a year of debating, the Board voted to revoke the extension of Dr. Warren Schillingburg’s Superintendent contract, completing his previous three year contract in June 2023. This upheaval led to three Board of Trustees resigning and three new members to be appointed. Assistant Superintendent Laura Weir stepped in as acting Superintendent, at the request of the Board, and kept things moving smoothly until a new Superintendent could be appointed by…