The Pahrump Valley High School Hope Squad took a meaningful step forward in both community engagement and student-led initiative on Saturday, April 18, hosting its inaugural 5K run at Discover Park. Drawing approximately 66 runners and walkers across a wide range of age groups, the event not only brought people together for a morning of activity, but also served as a successful fundraiser to support the club’s ongoing mission.
At the center of the event was PVHS Senior, Akim Khan, whose idea helped bring the 5K to life. According to Hope Squad advisor Amber Lugo, the concept quickly gained traction once the logistics began to fall into place.
“Akim, this was his baby,” Lugo said. “He came to me and asked if we could do a run, and I told him I had done one before and that we absolutely could if we had a good course. Once the Nye County Sheriff’s Department got involved and showed their support, it really made everything come together.”
That support proved to be a key component in making the event run smoothly, allowing organizers to focus on creating a welcoming and encouraging atmosphere for participants.
The Hope Squad, which focuses heavily on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, found the 5K to be a natural fit for its mission. Lugo explained that the event aligned perfectly with the group’s goal of promoting healthy outlets for stress and encouraging positive connections.
“Our main focus is suicide prevention, and this kind of event fits right in with that,” Lugo said. “Getting people outside, being active, doing something good for their physical and mental health—it’s a great way to deal with stress. That was a big part of the conversation when we were planning it.”
Throughout the morning, Hope Squad members could be seen stationed along the course and throughout the park, holding signs, cheering on participants and helping create an uplifting environment. Their presence reinforced the group’s purpose—making sure others feel seen, supported and encouraged.
The event was organized with accessibility in mind, including a registration cost that Lugo intentionally kept lower than similar events in an effort to encourage more students and families to participate. Combined with strong community backing, the approach paid off with a solid turnout for a first-year event.
That community support extended beyond participation. Several local businesses and organizations contributed donations and sponsorships to help offset costs and ensure the event’s success. Sponsors included Fitlife Bungee LLC; Top Dog Real Estate, represented by Amanda Nelson and Madi Juranty; Classic Real Estate, represented by Evan Reynolds; Republic Services – Beatty; Valley Electric; Rubalcaba’s Mexican Restaurant; and the Nye County Sheriff’s Department.
With expenses such as event shirts covered in part through those contributions, the funds raised will go directly back into supporting the Hope Squad program at PVHS.
“Really, it’s just to keep the program alive,” Lugo said.
For a first-time event, the Hope Squad 5K delivered both in participation and purpose, offering a glimpse of what could become a meaningful annual tradition in Pahrump—one that continues to bring the community together while supporting an important cause.
