Author: Amy Veloz

Brittany (Klenczar) Castro graduated from Pahrump Valley High School (PVHS) in 2015 and has since built an impressive academic and professional career. After high school, Brittany attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where she played for the women’s soccer team in 2016. However, her involvement in a research lab eventually led her to focus solely on her studies. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2019 and a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) in 2022. Currently, Brittany is an administrative faculty member at UNLV, working as a Program Manager for a research team in the School…

John Stevens, a 2001 graduate of Pahrump Valley High School (PVHS), has built a remarkable career in education and coaching, deeply influencing his students and athletes in Rancho Cucamonga, California. With a strong foundation rooted in his hometown, John reflects on his path, highlighting the pivotal moments and lessons that have shaped his professional and personal life. John’s journey began at PVHS, where he cultivated a deep sense of community and pride. “One of my fondest memories was working on the floats for homecoming with my friends and classmates. The amount of time, pride, and effort we put into those…

Bryan Wulfenstein, a proud graduate of PVHS, has crafted a path that blends family legacy, hard work, and community service. Graduating from PVHS, Bryan’s post-high school journey was marked by a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Jamaica and two years of college at Dixie State University (now Utah Tech), where he pursued business management before returning home to get married and dive into the workforce. Bryan’s career has been a natural progression from his upbringing in a family-owned business. “Pretty much ever since I can remember, I’ve been at job sites, aggregate quarries, running…

Integrity Flooring, a family-owned business led by Javier Soto, has established itself as a reputable name in Pahrump’s flooring industry. With over 25 years of experience in the flooring business, Javi has combined his expertise with a strong commitment to customer service to create a company that stands out in the community. Javi’s journey in the flooring industry began under the guidance of his father, who also worked in the business. Over the years, Javi honed his skills, starting from small local jobs and gradually moving up to manage larger projects in Las Vegas. “I’ve always been in the flooring…

Hunter Mellinger, a dedicated student-athlete and Senior at PVHS, recently etched his name into the record books by breaking two significant weightlifting records. A four-year football player who currently starts as both right tackle and defensive tackle, Hunter’s journey into weightlifting began during his freshman year as part of summer training. “Football was my introduction to weights,” Hunter explained, emphasizing how the sport necessitated strength, which drew him into the weight room. Hunter’s inspiration to excel in weightlifting comes from a deeply personal place. “Probably younger me,” he shared. “I’ve always wanted to be one of the best to ever…

The Chillin Out Ice Cream Truck is bringing a delightful old-school charm to the streets of Pahrump, offering a nostalgic experience that has quickly become a favorite in the community. This unique venture, spearheaded by Jim Bandazian and supported by his family, including his daughter-in-law Oleta Bandazian, aims to provide joy to both children and adults through the simple pleasure of ice cream. The idea for the ice cream truck was born from Jim’s desire to introduce something different to the community. “Jim wanted to start this ice cream truck business for something new for the community to experience, also…

Eric Murphy, a dedicated public servant with over three decades of experience in emergency services, has officially retired from the Nye County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) after 21 years of distinguished service. His career is a testament to the values of duty, resilience, and leadership, which have left an indelible mark on the community he served so faithfully. Eric’s journey to law enforcement began long before he donned the uniform. His roots in Nye County were planted early when, at just four years old, his parents relocated the family from Iowa to Pahrump, Nevada. Growing up in the vast and rugged…

Caleb Sprayberry’s journey into ultra-endurance cycling is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of transformation. After being medically retired from the Army in 2016, Caleb faced significant personal challenges, including struggles with addiction. However, it was through these challenges that he discovered the life-changing world of cycling—a passion that would not only help him stay sober but also propel him to become a formidable competitor in the grueling sport of ultra-endurance cycling. “I’m a recovering drug addict and alcoholic,” Caleb candidly shares. “Cycling became my way to stay sober. It started when I first rode 15 miles around…

As summer winds down, the excitement is just beginning for the Jr. Trojans football program. This year, the program is fielding two flag football teams, one tackle football team, and a dedicated cheerleading squad, all of which have been hard at work preparing for the upcoming season. With practices well underway, the Jr. Trojans are gearing up to hit the field, with games set to start in September. The Jr. Trojans football program has been a cornerstone of youth sports in the community, offering young athletes an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of football, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The program caters…

Michael Hush, the Director of Transportation for the Nye County School District, plays a critical role in ensuring that students across the district, particularly in Pahrump, have access to safe and efficient transportation to and from school. As the school year progresses, Mr. Hush and his team are dedicated to refining bus routes, implementing new technologies, and addressing the growing needs of the community. One of the key responsibilities of Mr. Hush’s role is managing the district’s bus routes. The Nye County School District has a specific policy in place regarding the distance requirements for students to be eligible for…