Author: Amy Veloz
Catalena (Cat) Sandoval’s first year playing collegiate softball at Feather River College in Quincy, California, was not the season she initially envisioned—but it became one filled with growth, self-discovery, and unexpected strength. From managing the transition from high school multi-sport athlete to a focused collegiate softball player, to navigating an injury that sidelined her for much of the season, Sandoval has embraced every challenge with grace and resilience. Cat, who began playing softball at the age of three or four, grew up surrounded by the game. Her older brother and sister played sports, and she remembers watching her sister on…
Wolfe Beckley’s path to becoming the Valedictorian of the Pahrump Valley High School Class of 2025 wasn’t defined by a strategic climb to the top of a GPA leaderboard. Instead, it was driven by a deep-rooted intellectual curiosity and a love for mathematics that shaped his academic pursuits. “If my goal specifically was valedictorian, I probably wouldn’t have done what I’d done,” Wolfe said with characteristic humility. “I took a lot of college classes, including ones that didn’t count for high school credit, because I was chasing an associate’s degree in pre-engineering.” Rather than take the path of least resistance,…
For Jesse Araujo, being named Salutatorian of the Pahrump Valley High School Class of 2025 was less about chasing a title and more about maximizing opportunity. A focused student with a quiet presence, Jesse earned not only his high school diploma this spring, but also his Associate of Arts degree—graduating with 60 college credits already under his belt. Jesse transferred to PVHS as a sophomore after attending Community Christian Academy through his freshman year. At the private school, the curriculum followed a more rigid track. But once he arrived at PVHS, Jesse and his family immediately saw the value in…
Pahrump Valley High School is inviting student-athletes and their families to attend a Sports Physical and Registration Fair on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the PVHS Main Gym. The event is designed to help streamline the athletic clearance process ahead of the 2025–2026 school year. Students will have the opportunity to complete their required sports physicals on-site, with Dr. Taylor and staff offering the service for just $20 cash. This is a convenient and affordable way for athletes to meet their health clearance requirements for participation in school sports. In addition to physicals, the…
Families with high school-aged girls interested in golf are invited to a special “Meet the Coach” event on Thursday, June 13, at 1 p.m. at the Mountain Falls Clubhouse. The event offers a chance to meet the new coaching staff for the Pahrump Valley High School girls golf team and learn more about the upcoming season. The team is entering the season this fall with new leadership—Sierra McKillips has been named head coach, and Danielle Altiero will serve as assistant coach. Both are eager to welcome students of all skill levels, whether they are experienced golfers or have never held…
The Pahrump Valley High School Class of 2025 officially marked the end of their high school journey with a joyful and heartfelt commencement ceremony on Friday, May 30, 2025. Held on the school’s football field at 7 p.m., the evening brought together families, friends, faculty, and students to honor the accomplishments of this year’s graduates. Principal Desiree Veloz opened the ceremony by welcoming the crowd before the procession of students made their way to their seats. Student Body President Angelina Valdez and Senior Class President Abigail Alberto Amador served as the emcees for the night, guiding the audience through each…
The Pahrump Mother’s Corner hosted its 4th Annual Community Baby Shower this past weekend, welcoming nearly 60 families for a celebration centered on community, support, and early childhood resources. Designed to uplift parents and caregivers in all stages of the parenting journey, the event combined essential services with lighthearted fun, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for attendees. Families were invited to connect with a variety of local organizations dedicated to health, education, and family well-being. Resource partners included Prevent Child Abuse Nevada, Readers in Training, Empowered Embrace, Pahrump Pediatrics, Sunrise Foundation, Nevada Health Center, and First 5 Nevada. Each…
On Monday, May 26, 2025, close to 100 community members gathered at Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Clyde E. Newman Jr. Post 10054 in Pahrump to remember, honor, and reflect on the lives lost in service to the United States. The annual Memorial Day ceremony provided a solemn moment of unity and remembrance, led by local veterans and auxiliary leaders, with tributes to the fallen and calls to live with greater purpose in their memory. VFW Post 10054 Commander Mark Sansom opened the ceremony with a salute to the colors and a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, asking attendees…
Pahrump Youth Sports is kicking off the season with a Football and Cheer Camp set for June 6 through June 8 at Simkins Park. Open to children ages 5 to 14, the camp is a great opportunity for young athletes to learn new skills, meet coaches, and get excited for the upcoming season. The camp schedule is as follows: The registration fee is $50 per participant, and all sessions will be held at Simkins Park. The camp is open to all skill levels, whether participants are brand new to the sport or returning for another season. “We’re really excited to…
Summer break can be daunting. There’s internal pressure to soak up the family time and create memories, and external pressure to keep the kids happy and entertained. Don’t get me started on the highlight reel of social media – no one posts their laid-back-at-home days, so it feels like every other family is adventuring constantly. Our culture has shifted to over-the-top everything, from large, blown out birthday parties to jam-packed summer schedules full of fun. To combat the pressure, I am intentionally, loudly declaring we are having a 90’s summer to anyone who will listen. Endless otter pops, movie nights…